Orphaned Vest: What to Do?

[luciosilla]

Bought a three-piece Benjamin suit at eHaberdasher. It's a beautiful suit, but I really need a belt to keep the pants up since they ride lower than I normally wear. Since I'm not a fan of suspenders, that means the vest is out. It's a great vest, though, made of beautiful navy herringbone 150s fabric. Can I wear the vest in any context other than the suit? I've got a bunch of Ede and Ravenscroft waistcoats that I like to rock when I'm wearing a sportcoat; could I add the Benjamin vest to my repertoire, or would it be weird?

 

[mdao63]

I wear an odd waistcoat in the office when the coat is off and the office is chilly. I leave the vest in the office and wear the jacket for client meetings and commuting. I'd like to think it works for me; at least it has become a winter trademark.

 

[Kingstonian]

Originally Posted by luciosilla

I've got a bunch of Ede and Ravenscroft waistcoats that I like to rock when I'm wearing a sportcoat;

The salesman in Ede's Gracechurch Street branch talks just like that.

 

[MrDaniels]

I say, suck it up and get suspenders...why break up a happy three-piece family?

 

[Kingstonian]

Originally Posted by MrDaniels

I say, suck it up and get suspenders...

Sounds like you shop in the Gracechurch Street branch too.

 

[ManofKent]

As waistcoats look wrong worn over a belt I'm not sure how wearing it as an odd waistcoat will solve the suspender dilema...

 

[luciosilla]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

As waistcoats look wrong worn over a belt I'm not sure how wearing it as an odd waistcoat will solve the suspender dilema...

Well, that's just it. As I wrote in my initial post, when I wear the Benjamin suit, I have to wear a belt, hence the vest is out.

Now, as for times when I'm wearing a sportcoat and trousers that need no belt: I'm no shill for E and R, but I really get compliments on my waistcoats from them, particularly the double-breasted models. I'd like to wear the Benjamin vest with a sportcoat as well. Is there any sportcoat-and-trousers ensemble in which a navy herringbone vest would work? Obviously a navy sportcoat is out; perhaps a houndstooth sportcoat? Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[stumy]

Did you get the suit tailored? Is there no way you can wear the pants without a belt? I'm not sure I understand.

 

[mdao63]

I know it looks wierd over the rodeo tropy belt and the WWF belt, but any belt? I stand corrected.
Is this just the standard "all suits should be worn with braces" theme, or a middle ground?

 

[tiger489]

Originally Posted by luciosilla

Bought a three-piece Benjamin suit at eHaberdasher. It's a beautiful suit, but I really need a belt to keep the pants up since they ride lower than I normally wear. Since I'm not a fan of suspenders, that means the vest is out. It's a great vest, though, made of beautiful navy herringbone 150s fabric. Can I wear the vest in any context other than the suit? I've got a bunch of Ede and Ravenscroft waistcoats that I like to rock when I'm wearing a sportcoat; could I add the Benjamin vest to my repertoire, or would it be weird?

dun think its weird.. it sounds pretty awesome!