I need a blue blazer for work (conservative employer), ok to get 2B with peak lapel?

[ChazzR]

I'm starting a new job at a conservative financial firm where the dress code is business casual (most there seem to go with the regular guy look). I need a blue blazer (I currently don't have one). I figure the 2B & 3B with notch lapel are omnipresent and I wanted something a bit different. If I were to go the DB route (as much as I like the look), I think they'll throw me a skipper's cap. I'm the new hire, so I don't want to look too foppish but wanted to check that a peak lapel was ok on a blazer. Thanks, all.

 

[edmorel]

The DB is definitely a no go and while I love peak lapels on SB suit jackets, on sports jackets I would not got that route, especially in a more conservative environment.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

too flashy. Not something you can wear day-in-day-out, IMO

 

[AlanC]

I suggest differentiating yourself with the blazer via quality and fit. I would try a 2 1/2 button, some pick stitching and a suppressed waist. You might try enameled buttons. Throw in a well chosen pocket square and you won't look 'regular guy' even with a blazer. Wear wool trousers and french cuff shirts (perhaps opting for silk knots) to complete the look.

 

[mrchapel]

I think a 2B peaked lapel blazer will be perfect. It's just the right touch of style mixed in with professionalism IMO. Especially if the general office wear is khakis and polos.

 

[thinman]

I love the look of peaked lapels, but they're too fashion-forward for business. Differentiate yourself with an interesting fabric, a great fit, and different buttons, perhaps smoked MOP.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Originally Posted by edmorel

The DB is definitely a no go and while I love peak lapels on SB suit jackets, on sports jackets I would not got that route, especially in a more conservative environment.
QFE

 

[philosophe]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I suggest differentiating yourself with the blazer via quality and fit. I would try a 2 1/2 button, some pick stitching and a suppressed waist. You might try enameled buttons. Throw in a well chosen pocket square and you won't look 'regular guy' even with a blazer. Wear wool trousers and french cuff shirts (perhaps opting for silk knots) to complete the look.

Excellent advice.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Given the informal dress code, then getting a peak lapel blazer is I think a good idea to start developing your own unique personal style.

 

[Earthmover]

How many people actually notice (as in say or think, "hey, that dude's lapels are different&quot the peak lapels? My guess is people would feel like something is off, but not really notice it. If it's otherwise a normal looking blazer, I don't think it's a huge deal.

 

[rssmsvc]

Normally I would say that is overkill, but here in Chicago our PBS channel has running the show with Guy Kawaski(sp) , the guy who wrote the the Rich Dad - Poor Dad.

He has a Peak Lapel Black or Navy Blazer and in the show he dresses it down casually and in the promo dressed up with a white shirt and dark tie, and they both look elegant and normal.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by Edward Appleby

QFE

Thanks, I think

(What's QFE?)

OP: keep in mind that peak lapel blazers look better closed than open, at least in my world.

 

[whnay.]

I'd save the peak lapels for your formal suits and not a blazer. Peak lapels would only lead to the formality of a jacket that by its very nature denotes business casual.

 

[DGP]

Though not finance, I work in a pretty conservative office too. Most people are somewhere between business dress and business casual. They come in in either a shirt and tie or a jacket and tie, with suits reserved for days with important meetings, presentations, etc. This is especially true in summer. What do I wear? I wear a suit, and lose the jacket when I get in in the morning. Why? Because I really love suits. It doesn't bother me to be the most formal, and I would rather spend my money on good suits than good pants/jackets because it's what I enjoy more. And, for reference, I, too, am the new hire. I say wear whatever you want (that is reasonable). If you like suits, wear a suit and no tie, etc. As long as you are comfortable in it, who cares (unless someone tells you specifically not to).

 

[ChazzR]

DGP, good point. I had been slowly coming to that conclusion.