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making black pants work..

ExhibitA

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I made the error of purchasing an expensive pair of black dress slacks. Honestly, when purchasing them I couldn't distinguish between navy blue and the black pair, so I figured it was safe.

I paired the black slacks with a blue and green shirt with block patterns and some black lace up shoes. On the surface the color's looked fine, the outfit wasn't out of place or anything. I was at a restaurant/lounge and after finishing my meal I was standing in front of the entrance. A few patrons started showing me their ID as if I worked at the place.

I like the fit of the slacks, but now I find myself hesitant to ever wear them again. Is there any good pairing to wear with black dress pants that don't make you look like a hostess, waiter or parking attendant?
 

YRR92

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Nope. I say that as an occasional worker in a theater that requires black trou.
 

ExhibitA

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not even with a sweater? collared shirt and a v-neck sweater maybe? i feel like I just pissed away $250 on black slacks.
 

YRR92

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not even with a sweater? collared shirt and a v-neck sweater maybe? i feel like I just pissed away $250 on black slacks.
That's as close as you can do it, I guess. I'd wear black jeans that way, but those are jeans. It's tough, because you don't really want to wear brown shoes with black trousers, but at the same time, the black shoes with black trousers are a big part of what makes this look like a uniform. If you found the right tan shoes or burg shoes, that could work, but I can't say I'd like the look.
 

mezentius

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Take up an instrument, and go play in an orchestra. I, for one, am in dire need of some well-fitting black trousers.
 

GBR

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I won't comment upon your generous payment for them but they can be fine in many circumstances. If people are so foolish as to assume that you are part of the waiting staff have a choice put down in your mind!
 

Shirtmaven

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i made myself a pair of lightweight black wool pants, and then a friend gave me black cotton dress pants.
I put them on and then immediately want to take them off..

I have heavy black twill pants i wear in the winter with a grey check sportcoat. that works just fine
 

Punjabjat

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Wear some camel colored shoes, button down, and cardigan...you can make black pants work...it's the rest...maybe a glen plaid blazer.
 

bgp001

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Wear some camel colored shoes, button down, and cardigan...you can make black pants work...it's the rest...maybe a glen plaid blazer.

They make shoes in other colors you know. Just FYI.
 

mhdena

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Black and White Houndstooth jacket, works well with black slacks

And wear the black shoes
 

idfnl

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Black paints are for wait staff only.
 

MyOtherLife

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ExhibitA, I concur with Ballmouse & mhdena. There are options (as suggested). What is in your favour, is the public at large will not be educated enough about mens clothing to care. As long as you have learned from the experience, no money was wasted. You may as well enjoy them.
 
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