Coordinating waistcoat

[hjenn]

First off, let me say I've been browsing and find this to be a wonderful website. This is my first post. I've searched and found no answer to my question, so please forgive me if this has already been addressed.

Let me also point out that I'm mostly colorblind, so matching/coordinating is a total pain for me.

With that said, I have a nice fitting very dark gray double breasted 2-piece suit. It has very subtle stripes that are peach and teal (so I've been told... I can't pick out those colors lol). I like the look of a 3-piece suit, but I know it'd be pretty much impossible to "match" a vest to this suit. I think most would agree if I attempted to get a dark gray vest to match it'd never look right.

With the suit I've described, is that something I could get some other color of vest to wear with it from time to time or should I stick with it being a 2-piece? If I can get a vest, do I match it to the stripe colors? Should I wear a matching tie with it, or is that too "tuxedo" looking?

I guess I see three options here (four if I count just not getting a vest):
-Match the vest to the suit stripes and wear whatever tie I'd normally wear.
-Match a vest/tie combo.
-Go with a more neutral vest (like a solid black or whatever) and wear whatever tie I'd normally wear with that suit.

I have some friends that normally help me match/coordinate things when I go shoppping, but they don't have a clue about 3-piece suits with an odd vest. So any imput is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[CommenceFailure]

I wouldn't try to match the pin stripes. I would never, never match the tie to the vest.

If you searched this site for "odd waistcoat" you probably would have gotten more results. If you are going to wear an odd waistcoat, make sure people know you've chosen it. You need to have a contrast between the suit and vest. Different colors, yes, but maybe also different patterns. Just wear a normal tie with everything. Also keep the tie and shirt fairly plain. There will already be a lot going on.

Here is just a quick example.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=150238

 

[aravenel]

Like Failure said, the term is an "odd waistcoat." Definitely search around and you'll find lots on it--and yes, it will look better than trying to match the original. Dove grey is a classic color.

 

[hjenn]

Thanks!

So, follow-up question... What color(s) would you say would contrast with the suit I described? I'm thinking a solid color would be best with the stripped suit, yes?

 

[JGloger]

Originally Posted by CommenceFailure

If you are going to wear an odd waistcoat, make sure people know you've chosen it. You need to have a contrast between the suit and vest.


This is key. Don't wear anything too similar to the jacket or it will seem like you tried and failed to create a 3-piece. Make sure that it's distinguishable as a separate article (odd waistcoat.)

 

[aravenel]

Originally Posted by hjenn

Thanks! So, follow-up question... What color(s) would you say would contrast with the suit I described? I'm thinking a solid color would be best with the stripped suit, yes?
A dove (very light) grey or cream waistcoat would be the classic choices. Definitely solid. However, a vest with a DB is definitely not standard. Honestly, I'd forget about it--a DB coat should be buttoned up all the time, so no one would see the vest anyways.

 

[hjenn]

Originally Posted by aravenel

A dove (very light) grey or cream waistcoat would be the classic choices. Definitely solid.

However, a vest with a DB is definitely not standard. Honestly, I'd forget about it--a DB coat should be buttoned up all the time, so no one would see the vest anyways.

Only one button buttons.

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by aravenel

A dove (very light) grey or cream waistcoat would be the classic choices. Definitely solid.

However, a vest with a DB is definitely not standard. Honestly, I'd forget about it--a DB coat should be buttoned up all the time, so no one would see the vest anyways.

There's a few pictures in the DB style threak that show a vest with a DB suit.
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=181
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=233
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=311

The one I was looking for must have been eaten by imageshack.

 

[hjenn]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

There's a few pictures in the DB style threak that show a vest with a DB suit.
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=181
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=233
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=311

The one I was looking for must have been eaten by imageshack.

Here are some more...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DvyYQdnG-5...ouble+Breasted

http://www.refinedrogue.com/Content/PhineasCole11.jpg

http://www.thesuitoutlet.com/thumbs_...22c5a3d9e9.jpg

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.115789952.jpg

I was thinking that since it's a 4-button double breasted jacket, that a taller waistcoat in a contrasting color would look nice and be visible even with the jacket buttoned.

 

[Matt S]

Originally Posted by hjenn

Only one button buttons.
http://www.styleforum.net/attachment...6&d=1303443196

Get in your time machine and go back 20 years.