How to dress down my Grey/Taupe Suit?

[kazzy]

I like the suit as pictured -- with a solid white shirt and light blue accented tie. However, I'd like to casualize the ensemble for more versatility. As you can see from my post count, I'm a newbie and don't have a grasp on matching colors/patterns and shoes at this point (more on that below). I also make up words, like casualize.

New member, first post; obligatory short intro: I've lived my entire adult life in Hawaii, where aloha shirts are considered formal wear and flip flops are damn near business-casual. A year ago, I moved to Europe, specifically Germany, and I feel like a hobo next to these dapper mofos. I've decided to scrap my entire wardrobe and revamp my image. However, I need help and I've seen how brutal you guys are to the unsartorial... and I believe that is just what I need.

This is also my first suit. I don't know how I feel about the second side-pocket, but beggars can't be choosiers.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Dark brown turtleneck.

 

[landshark]

The second side pocket, i.e. a ticket pocket, is a nice feature. The suit itself, is already inherently casual as it is 1. A brownish/grey/taupe color, and 2. it is corduroy. Make sure you get it altered to fit you well. To make it more casual, go without a tie, get white shirts with subtle checks or plaids. wear a pocketsquare, and wear the jacket and trousers separately on occasion.

 

[Gus]

I had a similar corduroy suit.

Wear a solid blue Oxford cloth button down shirt or spread collar end-on-end blue.

For a tie try a navy with brown stripes (rep tie) or for slightly more casual I would wear a silk knit tie, maybe with dots like these http://www.paulstuart.com/product_in...SUBPRODCATID=0

 

[Poindexter]

Wo, that's one nice suit, brah. Where you stay, Honolulu? We no more da kine in Maui. Best bet, teh thrift. Where you got 'em? Cream turtle, navy turtle, med blue shirt and contrasting tie, def the brown shooz. Try some stuff. Play grownup in front of the mirror. It'll talk to you. This soot has some character; relate to that baby.

 

[kazzy]

@Mr. Moo: thank you. prior to your reply, i had looked at the fray you're selling for this suit. though the sleeves are 1" shorter than what i was measured at, not sure how big a deal that is.

@landshark: i bought the suit because it's a little more casual. i was hoping to mix and match, hence the versatility comment. it's rather comical... i was in photoshop playing with colors and didn't even think to just take off the damn tie.

@pocketsquareguy: how important is the shade of blue? one of the issues i was having was figuring out the rules on matching colors. from a distance, it looks gray. up close, it looks brown.

@Poindexter: kaneohe. i've got family in honolulu and in-laws on maui. this is a cashco zegna for neiman marcus, so i suppose i could have bought it in honolulu if i were still there. however, i bought it online as i haven't found a single thrift shop here in germany. i don't know where their old clothes go to die.

So... how about shoes? I literally have one pair at this point, but they're for winter and frankly i'm afraid to wear them (brooks brothers shearling dress boots).

 

[koolhistorian]

Shoes wise - buy a pair of suede shoes, brown.
As for ties and shirts - any cashmere tie will look good, also knitted, oxford pinpoint shirts (blue or white), brown or cream turtlenecks. But keep in mind - it is a casual (corduroy) suit, good for cold weather. Even if Germany is not the most stylish place in Europe, do not show at a somewhat formal wedding in that.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Light blue dress shirt with that.

When it's okay to wear a darker blue dress shirt with a jacket would make an interesting thread.