Q's about ascots, jacket buttons, pants for a school dance

[wmmk]

So I've got a school dance coming up, and I figured I might as well have some fun with the clothes.

Right now, I have a shite Jos. A Banks blazer, but I saw a rather nice Lanvin one (navy, 2-button, brass buttons, patch pockets, good fit) in a thrift store the other day. If it's still there on saturday, I'll pick it up and have it tailored. I'll have that over some sort of OCBD, hopefully a Band of Outsiders if I can snag one during the upcoming Gilt sale. That'll probably be in some sort of solid color, maybe pink. I've also considered wearing an ascot instead of a tie. I'd like something like this one from J. Press, but preferably cheaper.

Anyway, what kind of pants would work well with a navy blazer, navy ascot, and pink or white OCBD? I'd like to find something very slim.

Then, for shoes, I'm choosing between brown wingtips (which have rubber soles and aren't really proper dress shoes):

and maybe some [slightly tattered] penny loafers. I also have some nice black captoes which I doubt would work with the rest of my outfit.

FWIW, here I am trying on the blazer in the thrift store:

I can also post a photo of the [obviously more plain] Jos. A Bank blazer if need be...

So, any suggestions?

Thanks much,
wmmk

 

[TheFoo]

Grey trousers are the universal trouser, and they work here.

 

[bowtielover]

I do like the shoes, if you go with a blazer I would do one with silver or brass buttons not bright gold. also soome sort of stripped shirt unless your going towear a tie then do a solid color something that will compliment the blazer.

 

[suited]

I'm assuming this is for High School, unless you go to an upscale private school you're going to look pretty stupid wearing an ascot. In addition to that, if you're high-school-aged, you'll look stupid in an ascot no matter what...Nevermind, everyone looks stupid in ascots.

 

[Douglas]

Get the Lanvin. It looks good. Will be much better than Joe Banks.

Foo says grey trousers, and it's hard to disagree totally, but you may get lots of "security guard" cracks. I'd try to find something fun and patterned, like a houndstooth or something. Joe Banks does have some of those but they're not likely to be slim at all. But just about anything goes with a blue blazer.

I like the wingtips you've pictured. I think leather soles are one of SF's most overrated memes. Those look sleek and fine and will work with the slim look you're going for.

Ascot might be a bit much. Try a skinny tie or one of the horizontal striped knits on howardyount.com.

Most of all, have fun!

 

[KObalto]

Another vote for the wingtips and another vote against an ascot. Grey wool slacks. Very impressive so far, BTW.

 

[wmmk]

Thanks, everyone! Regarding the ascot, I'm at a public school in a very old-money suburb, where wearing an ascot to a dance wouldn't be that much of a stretch. However, I'm mostly just wearing it as a bit of a joke. Thus, I'd like to find pants that give the outfit a bit of over-the-top playfulness that make it clear that the ascot is being worn more jokingly than pretentiously. I'd like something nearly as slim as the skinny jeans (APC New Cures, FWIW) you see in the blazer fit pic. For the blazer, I do think I'll have the buttons changed (I get too much of a Miami Beach vibe from flat gold buttons), but I'd like something a bit more fun than horn or embossed brass. MOP maybe? If so, would you go for white or black MOP? I'm picking up the Lanvin tomorrow. Edit: I've been looking around for some pants. Would I be insane to wear a blazer, OCBD, and ascot with American Apparel Corduroy slim slacks like these:

? I also considered the possibility of a bowtie if the ascot comes across as too contrived. Any ideas for one (size and color/pattern-wise) that might work well with a solid pink OCBD and the other pieces mentioned? Thanks again!

 

[wmmk]

Sorry to bump, but does anyone else have advice for pants, new jacket buttons, shirt pattern, and/or neckwear?

Thanks so much!

 

[JordanH.]

i think gray would work or maybe even khaki. and have fun with the ascot. people here will always tell you what works for them. if you like it and it works for you, do it. they have new ones for sale on ebay possibly, check them out there.

 

[promoshop]

I'd go with khaki I think it would look best with what you have.

 

[JLibourel]

Originally Posted by suited

I'm assuming this is for High School, unless you go to an upscale private school you're going to look pretty stupid wearing an ascot. In addition to that, if you're high-school-aged, you'll look stupid in an ascot no matter what...Nevermind, everyone looks stupid in ascots.

Thank alot! I don't know why there is so much hate against ascots. As I have ofttimes remarked, they fill a nice gap between the formality of the necktie and the inherent slovenliness of the open-collared shirt. That said, were I to counsel the OP, I would recommend a necktie in preference to an ascot for a school dance.

On another note, I don't know why so many forumites dislike brass buttons on navy blazers. I think they reflect the garment's supposed nautical heritage and look very classic.

 

[Working Stiff]

Don't wear khakis. Do not wear khakis.