Do I need a black suit?

[crpz32]

This topic might have been covered before, but I could not find a relevant thread from searching "black suit" (too many threads containing that term).

So do I need a black suit?
So far I have four suits: Navy, Navy pinstripe, Charcoal, charcoal pinstripe.

Do I need a black suit or should I just get a tux instead?
I remember wearing a black suit (which I no longer have) to a funeral about two years ago, but is a black suit really mandatory for funerals?

TIA.

 

[larsrindsig]

Originally Posted by crpz32

So do I need a black suit?

No.

Originally Posted by crpz32

Do I need a black suit or should I just get a tux instead?

Yes. Wear your solid blue or charcoal suits for more informal functions and the dinner suit for fancier events.

Originally Posted by crpz32

is a black suit really mandatory for funerals?

No. Charcoal suit with a white shirt and a somber tie is perfectly appropriate (if not more).

 

[Tangfastic]

I'm thinking about getting a black suit for going out in the evening. I can think of a lot of events and venues where a black suit would be a good option.

As for funerals, I suppose a black suit is not mandatory but is at least traditional.

 

[0b5cur1ty]

+1 to Tangfastic's comments.

You will get alot of replies to this suggesting that a black suit is never appropriate and should never be worn under any circumstances to any sort of event. The hatred of black suits (and black clothing in general) is very overdone on this forum.

My 2 cents: A back suit is highly appropriate for funerals and also for evening events (a good alternative to a DJ if you're not sure whether black tie would be overdoing it).

 

[mishon]

To the OP, don't place too much emphasis on the so-called rules and regulations of this board. Buy yourself a black suit which you can use intermittently in a more formal work settings and as a "tuxedo."

 

[Brad]

I don't think you need a black suit. Why not very dark charcoal? It gives a similar impression, but it's more interesting and more versatile.

 

[yo!]

If your charcoal is dark enough, I think that you need a light colored suit. You have 4 dark suits already.

However, if you do attend many evening events where an actual black suit would be more appropriate, such as the opera, then you could consider it.

 

[Eccentric]

Crpz, if you did not already have a nice selection of suits, I could see the desire for a black "general purpose" suit, but you already have what you need. If you want evening wear, then just buy a tux. With the addition of a tux to what you already have, you could potentialy dress well for any occasion.

 

[porcelain monkey]

Originally Posted by Eccentric

Crpz, if you did not already have a nice selection of suits, I could see the desire for a black "general purpose" suit, but you already have what you need. If you want evening wear, then just buy a tux. With the addition of a tux to what you already have, you could potentialy dress well for any occasion.

I think this is spot on. If you feel you need for formal wear buy it. I think it is better to be over dressed for black tie events than to wear a black suit and hope for the best. Also, if you feel the need for a new suit, try olive or a subtle plaid or something a little less formal. I think you will find you will go to it more than you might think.

I know there is a lot of anti-black suit sentiment on this site. My feeling is that most people see it as a compromise / least common denominator sort of thing. If people don't know what to wear to a formal event or funeral or wedding or court date or whatever, they go black and think it will cover it. It is generally better if you take an interest in such things to be a little more individual and stand out from everyone else. Anyway, that's my two cents.

 

[Doc4]

Originally Posted by crpz32

This topic might have been covered before ...

 

[vitaminc]

1. You never NEED anything.
2. A black suit is a must for modern chic look. Sometimes a tux is just too over the top but black suit with skinny black tie will look better.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by vitaminc

1. You never NEED anything.
2. A black suit is a must for modern chic look. Sometimes a tux is just too over the top but black suit with skinny black tie will look better.

I'd guess it's the most common modern chic look out there.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I'd guess it's the most common modern chic look out there.

Wearing a suit is quite common, wearing a nice fitting suit and carrying it well is rarer.

 

[crpz32]

Thank you all for your advice.
Thanks yo! for also pointing out that I may need a light colored suit. It didn't even occure to me that all four of them are very dark!

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Fuuma

Wearing a suit is quite common, wearing a nice fitting suit and carrying it well is rarer.

Especially when it comes to black suits.