Black Trousers

[kaxixi]

Are black odd trousers a useful addition to the wardrobe, or is a pair of charcoal trousers always better? Opinions, based on aesthetics or history, are welcome. If you voted in favor of black trousers and have suggestions on how to wear them, please post them. The two existing threads I found with suggestions are: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=42234 http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=97655

 

[JLibourel]

Black trousers are a very useful addition to your wardrobe, if and only if, you are getting (or already have) a job as a waiter.

Otherwise, charcoal is far preferable.

 

[kaxixi]

In that job, I am only permitted to wear a red thong. This is for my day job.

 

[JayJay]

I don't find black trousers to be useful at all. I once did, long ago.

 

[southbound35]

I don't know if grey/charcoal always look better. I'm sure there are rare exceptions, though I can't think of one at the moment. That said, I've never owned a pair of black pants and never felt there was a hole in my wardrobe as a result.

 

[gdl203]

Maybe black denim or 5-pocket type of casual pants ? I don't own any but could see that as additive to a casual wardrobe

 

[kaxixi]

No no, stick to odd dress trousers.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by kaxixi

No no, stick to odd dress trousers.
Then, no

 

[anon]

I don't see any occasion where black would be preferred over charcoal, other than at a funeral or something?

 

[kaxixi]

Manton (and others) have posted that they would prefer a somber charcoal even in this setting.

 

[a tailor]

black pants.
waiters,black jack dealers,buss boys,washroom attendants,security guards.
its a very important part of their wardrobe.
imo the washroom attendant looks most elegant in the black pant and white jacket.

 

[sho'nuff]

i used to think along the lines of groupthink while ago that black pants were for waiter and so forth.

not anymore.

i like a nice slim pair of black pants to go along with dressy casual attire. it looks good with fall/winter ensembles with a peacoat, overcoat, unstructured blazer, sweaters, etc.

 

[kaxixi]

A dissenter! Finally.

What colors do you like pairing them with? Any difference between what you'd pair them with and what you'd pair charcoal with?

 

[sho'nuff]

not really. charcoal pants i would usually reserve for more business /business casual wear because my charcoal pants are all wool and not as slim . (im actually looking for a nice wool charcoal in a slim leg, perhaps 8 inch hem opening and 8-9 inch knee).

but black pants are usually wool blend, or just plain cotton for me. i have a marc jacobs cotton black pants that has a nice sheen to it with a weeve that is like a herringbone.

i pair that up with all my casual sweaters and coats. navy blues for top, greys, greens, for cardigans, sweaters. etc. it dont really matter.

i pair charcoal like the black, but the charcoal will be for more business /business casual wear.

 

[dizzhizz]

def a good thing to have in your wardrobe.