New at this, Tan blazer with dark waistcoat?

[Suit To kill]

I'm 100% new to the world of suits, blazers, and waistcoats. I'm starting to wise up now, but I may need some help by the experienced classy dressed men it seems you all are.

The Question: I'm thinking of picking up a light tan/beige blazer from H&M (I know you cringing, but I'm a broke university student) could I realistically pair it with a dress shirt and a dark waistcoat? I'm a slender guy of average height and kin-of pale complexion. Its just for casual wear, but it seems that google doesn't have answer!

Thanks in advance for al the help on this and in future endeavours (I fear I will need lots).

 

[Ivar]

Five will get you twenty that it will look like hell, but never say never ...

 

[YRR92]

Do you need a vest?

If this is a vest you own, describe it and the tan jacket in more detail. If you're thinking of buying one, don't. You'd be better off putting the money a vest would cost towards shirts, shoes, or a navy blazer.

 

[Suit To kill]

Ok, got it. Spend what you got on what you need. Just trying to scope out some looks with blazers and waistcoats in a casual setting--like say throwing on a waistcoat and dress shirt under a nice fitting leather jacket. At this point I don't need an expensive suit for the workplace, I'm just working on throwing out my "teenage boy" clothes for a new classy (read proper fitting) put together look.

Thanks for your response! If you have any other tips feel free to send 'em along...

 

[YRR92]

Vests without the other 2/3rds of a three-piece suit are still "teenage boy clothes." Even with a sportcoat, they go wrong as much as they go right.

I say this with the disdain a 21-year-old can have for dressing like a teenager, so take from that what you will.

Start with shirts that fit well. Then add tailored jackets, sweaters, or casual jackets. I didn't get this right myself -- I'm unhappy with how most of my shirts fit. They were thrifted, so I didn't sink a lot into them, but I wish I'd gotten myself sorted out on shirts earlier.

 

[Suit To kill]

Thanks for the responses. It seems like the vest is more of a piece that needs to be supported by a wardrobe that I don't currently possess. I'll start with a relatively cheap navy (or dark grey?) jacket and have it tailored so it doesn't look THAT bad. I guess I'll throw in some shirts to match. More so I have at least something to wear besides crapy t-shirts and jeans. I'm also getting nice pair of leather boots which should help.

I'll keep skimming the threads on here (just signed up, so a little unfamiliar with the system) for ideas and know-how.

 

[YRR92]

Navy. Not dark gray. Dark gray jackets should either be tweed, or the top half of a suit.

Navy jacket, some jeans, tan chino trousers, brown leather shoes, light blue or blue/white striped shirts. Those are the basic foundations of this kind of look.

 

[YoungSweet]

I'd say think about the line of work that you will have after school and start building your wardrobe toward that. You will need a suit at some point, nothing has to be expensive, just presentable.

 

[Suit To kill]

You're the best. This stuff is invaluably helpful--especially when all the various company websites (from H&M to Armani) show grey and tan etc... suits/blazers as an equally valid way to get yourself started with a classy look.

 

[YRR92]

You're the best. This stuff is invaluably helpful--especially when all the various company websites (from H&M to Armani) show grey and tan etc... suits/blazers as an equally valid way to get yourself started with a classy look.

Well...

H&M and Armani are selling a look. That look will be different in ten years nine months, so they can sell a different one.

I like tan jackets, but navy is more versatile.

 

[comrade]

Pictures... or Braille, please.

 

[GBR]

Tan is far from versatile and the vest OTT.