Suit and trainers/sneakers

[radicaldog]

I know this is pushing the MC envelope, but I think it can work. Even with a tie. Some examples:

Basically my sense is that it can work with cotton, corduroy, seersucker, and maybe tweed or woollen (carded) flannel. Thoughts? Photos?

 

[Andy57]

Nope. It doesn’t work. Ever.

 

[EZB]

Proof by contradiction:

Assume it works
If it works, then there is an appropriate venue or occasion for it.
But there is no appropriate venue or occasion for the combination.
Thus, it doesn’t work.

 

[radicaldog]

If it works, then there is an appropriate venue or occasion for it.
But there is no appropriate venue or occasion for the combination.
Thus, it doesn’t work.

The proof is unsound, since there are venues for which there are combinations that are neither appropriate nor inappropriate.

I leave the demonstration as an exercise for the reader.

 

[suitedcboy]

Only if you run the NYC marathon and have to be on trading floor immediately afterwards.

 

[Thin White Duke]

In the entirety of the universe I suppose there's an infinitesimally small possibility that it could work, but I’ve yet to see it myself and those example pics certainly don’t support the case.

People are always trying to mess with a formula that doesn’t need changing. See also black tie. Any time I see a pic of a bloke in a suit and trainers, especially ugly suede and nylon running shoe type trainers, I can’t help but think there are a number of more optimal options. But don’t worry, there’s a new schlubby tattooed beardy type who’s just become the new editor at GQ so it’s only a matter of time till this look starts getting pushed again.

 

[Thin White Duke]

Only if you run the NYC marathon and have to be on trading floor immediately afterwards.

On a Sunday?

 

[radicaldog]

People are always trying to mess with a formula that doesn’t need changing. See also black tie. Any time I see a pic of a bloke in a suit and trainers, especially ugly suede and nylon running shoe type trainers, I can’t help but think there are a number of more optimal options. But don’t worry, there’s a new schlubby tattooed beardy type who’s just become the new editor at GQ so it’s only a matter of time till this look starts getting pushed again.

If we adopt this approach then lounge suits will become what black tie has become: no longer something to wear to dinner, but a fossilised uniform for a few special occasions.

 

[radicaldog]

And here's another argument: originally tweed or cord suits were the equivalent of today's athleisure. Sneakers didn't exist back then, so people wore other kinds of sporty, comfy shoes with those garments. How do we make the cord/tweed suit more modern? By going back to its origins and pairing it with today's equivalent footwear.

 

[suitedcboy]

Suit/sneaker wearer is custodial. Do you think they'd let suit and sneakers on the floor when it's open?

 

[JJ Katz]

If we adopt this approach then lounge suits will become what black tie has become: no longer something to wear to dinner, but a fossilised uniform for a few special occasions.

I take your point (and, FWIW, I do think that within a generation a full-on business suit will be a very niche garment).

I would make a different point, however. Starting with the pictures above, there is not one where a pair of loafers or classic lace ups would not have looked better.

Other than lame iGent 'spresatoora points', what is to be gained by wearign sneakers with a suit?

 

[radicaldog]

Other than lame iGent 'spresatoora points', what is to be gained by wearign sneakers with a suit?

Extending the wearability of suits into the future as everyday garments?

 

[Mr. Wonderbeak]

Extending the wearability of suits into the future as everyday garments?

Except that people don’t stay away from suits because they can’t wear their running shoes with them......

 

[radicaldog]

running

Well, one reason they stay away is that they're stuffy. And that they are often thought to require relatively uncomfortable shoes.

 

[Mr. Wonderbeak]

Well, one reason they stay away is that they're stuffy. And that they are often thought to require relatively uncomfortable shoes.

I’m pretty confident that people will not wear suits just because they can wear sneakers with them. Even a shirt and trousers has become too “dressy” or “stuffy” to use your word. Chinos and polos have become the norm.