Question about matching waistcoat color

[BLegnion]

I have a new grey suit. It is a light grey with some black patterning, for lack of knowing a better way to describe it.

Here is a link on Josbank.com that is a good example of the color.

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_256070

(BLK/WHT)

Here is a link to the vest I want to buy:
http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_442506


Would you say that I could appropriately match this vest with the grey suit?

The upcoming event would be a professional educators conference where i'll be serving on a panel. Professional, but not a highly formal affair. I was considering a white shirt, with a modest tie, and would love to add this vest if it can be pulled off appropriately.

Thanks in advance for the tips!

 

[Mark Seitelman]

I don't recommend it.

The vest looks like it belongs to a suit. It will look odd. People will think that you wore-out the suit and saved the vest.

You can wear either a sweater vest (either pullover or cardigan style [sleeveless]) or a contrasting vest (darker grey or black or wine cashmere or doeskin), but this is more suitable for a casual look, such as a weekend brunch. Generally, the odd vests in wool are bright colors meant for casual wear.

Since this is a somewhat formal event, I suggest skipping the odd vest.

 

[GBR]

Not at all - it would look crass. The waistcoat you illustrate is clearly part of another suit and cannot decently be worn with an entirely separate suit. You have bought a two piece suit, leave it at that.

 

[BLegnion]

Thanks for the tips fellas! I want to add more waistcoats to my wardrobe, and this one was on sale, so I got a little impulsive. Glad I asked before purchasing.

As for the gray suit, any particular shirt colors that you would recommend? Which ones to avoid?

 

[The Thin Man]

Shirt colors: White, light blue, pink, cream, white with blue stripes.

Avoid: Gray, anything that isn't a light color.