Chalk-stripe as odd jacket?

[acole]

My impression has always been that one should not wear pinstripes as odd jackets, because they look like orphaned suitcoats.  Of course, I've also see a lot of pinstriped offerings by Banana Republic and the like which run counter to that rule.

What's the consensus on a bold chalk-stripe on navy/black/gray?  "Must" it also be worn as part of a suit, or can it survive the untimely demise of its matching trousers?

 

[Manton]

What are you trying to do, get me banned?

Strictly speaking, it is against the rules.  The only exceptions would be tropical weight awning stripes, which look really ... out there, and shetland tweed stripes, which look nothing like suit stripes (much wider, and usually doubled or tripled, with multiple colors in the stripe), and aren't made much any more.

But -- like black suits, a lot of guys love the look, and as the authority of the rules continues to erode, it is gaining wider and wider acceptance.

 

[acole]

If it makes a difference, Manton, it wasn't an academic question; I was pondering this jacket:

I like the SB peak lapels and the chalk stripe...but of course there are no matching trousers. Â

 

[Manton]

If it makes a difference, Manton, it wasn't an academic question; I was pondering this jacket:

I like the SB peak lapels and the chalk stripe...but of course there are no matching trousers. Â

To me, that screams "I am a suit coat."

 

[acole]

Yeah, I let it go.  That's always been my intention for a bespoke/MTM suit if I were to visit Chan--a SB peak lapel with chalk-stripe.  Probably dark gray rather than black, which this was.  Trying to find matching trousers separately would've been pretty unrealistic.

 

[misterbowles]

Pinstripes can work; chalkstripes definitely not, IMHO.

 

[drizzt3117]

Actually I bust out a similar jacket (by Corneliani) with jeans from time to time... I think it can work... but then again, it's probably not for everyone. I really like bold pinstripes though.

 

[Brian SD]

My vote is against it. I think pinstripe suits look great but just a coat looks out of place without matching pants.

 

[A Harris]

To me it's the opposite - pinstripes definitely not, but a bold chalk stripe could work as long as the jacket is slim and short with a soft shoulder. If it looks like an orphaned suitcoat, I'd skip it...

 

[stache]

Slightly off topic but I have seen a couple of guys this winter who were wearing pinstripe pants with leather jackets and they looked terrific.

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

For me, the pinstripe blazer look (sportscoat, I would say) is the typical jackass attire. Pair it with distressed diesel jeans and puma sneakers to complete the look.
So, my vote is a big no.

I don't like chalk stripes, so I won't tell you anything about them : for me, stripes should only be seen from upclose.

I have gorgeous pinstripe (subbtle) dark navy blue Costume National pants, and I occasionally pair them with a Costume National brown leather jacket. It's a very italian look, so I save it for special occasions.

.luc

 

[ChanFan]

What about the opposite: I have a pair of light pinstripe charcoal trousers. Would wearing these with a navy blazer on top be appropriate?

 

[dah328]

For me, the pinstripe blazer look (sportscoat, I would say) is the typical jackass attire. Pair it with distressed diesel jeans and puma sneakers to complete the look. So, my vote is a big no.

For once, I agree with Luc. Â

That the odd pinstripe/chalkstripe jacket is becoming popular at BR and the like is another reason to eschew the look. Â I try to avoid looking like I take my style cues from the mannequins at BR. dan

 

[chorse123]

Personally, I abhor the look of a striped odd-jacket with trousers, which are usually jeans. But it's a very shrewd move on the part of retailers: get men to spend more on a garment, but don't deprive them of their beloved denim.

 

[Manton]

What about the opposite: I have a pair of light pinstripe charcoal trousers.  Would wearing these with a navy blazer on top be appropriate?

No. Striped odd trousers are for daytime formal wear.