What are the distinguishing characteristics of a stroller?

[ferguscan]

Hi all,

I'm curious about the stroller (semi-formal day wear). From drawings I've seen posted by Sator and others, I think the whole semi-formal outfit looks really dapper. And I reckon it could be pulled off in modern society much more easily than morning dress.

I would like to start a discussion about the stroller.

I am specifically interested in the characteristics of the jacket and waistcoat. In what way do they differ from the top half of a grey DB lounge suit? Could one simply use the top half of his lounge suit, paired with some of those nice stripey pants, and call it semi-formal?

Thanks very much,

Stuart

 

[pbc]

Originally Posted by ferguscan

I am specifically interested in the characteristics of the jacket and waistcoat. In what way do they differ from the top half of a grey DB lounge suit?

The primary difference is that it is not gray. A charcoal gray may be fine, but oxford gray (darker than charcoal) or black is preferred. As I understand, the lapels should be peaked whether the jacket is double or single breasted. Please, only two buttons or less on the single breasted. These days, three buttons or more would look like a mismatched suit to me. Besides this, the vest can have a different color, the most popular being dove gray, buff, lavender, or light blue. Essentially any vest that works with full morning dress can be done with a stroller.

Could one simply use the top half of his lounge suit, paired with some of those nice stripey pants, and call it semi-formal?

One could do so, provided the lounge suit was black or oxford gray, had peaked lapels, and it was worn with the appropriate shirt. It would make sense to me that, if one is going to get a matching jacket and vest, to get the matching pants as well. Yes, this is the dreaded black suit, but if you go through the trouble, one might as well have the option of the whole suit should you want it in the future. (Technically, the full three-piece black suit may be the most formal or somber version of the stroller with a white shirt.)

I reckon it could be pulled off in modern society much more easily than morning dress.

You are correct - it can be done quite nicely in modern society. For a more formal ensemble, use darker pants with a bolder stripe. Less casual can take lighter pants and other patterns such as checks and plaids. All are correct for a stroller. I like the color options available with the shirt and vest to lighten the mood a bit. Cufflinks and white collar should be standard. It seems you've read up on strollers, so I only addressed the questions you posed. Though he has sworn off using the term "stroller" for anything not intended to transport a baby, I defer to Sator for its nuances and any corrections.

pbc