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What blazer/sportscoat to match with dark pants?

aleksandr

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Before I ask my question, 'll try and describe my situation so you guys can get a better feel of what I'm looking for:

The dress code at my workplace is pretty casual - dress shirts and dress pants. Only requirement is that the dress pants must be dark - black, charcoal, I might be able to get away with dark grey, but that's about it. I have to wear a suit to meet clients, so I try to keep a suit in a corner of my office in case of emergencies. Other than that, I don't wear a suit, nor a tie.

Except the airconditioning can get pretty cold, especially when it rains, so I'm looking for some sort of blazer/sportscoat that is versatile enough that I drape over the back of my chair and put it on when it gets cold. I'm not looking for any sort of overcoat as that would be overdoing it, but I'm thinking of something in a heavier wool that can keep me warm.

I know there's the whole no dark + dark thing, so I'm wondering what sort of colors/patterns can match well with dark pants? They're usually solid colors, with occasional pinstripes. Oh, and with whatever dress shirt I happen to be wearing that day.
 

academe

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What about a medium grey or navy sportscoat? Either of these would work with charcoal or grey. If you're working in a casual office you might even be able to get away with a conservative grey tweed (glen plaid, prince of wales) with something like a blue overcheck. You're out of luck with the black trousers though...
eh.gif
 

bmulford

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its tough. For some reason, dark odd jackets look good with light coloured pants, but the opposite doesn't work as well.

You can consider brighter colors such as green, light blue, tan/wheat, brown melange's, charcol (for days where you have to wear black pants) or even creams.

I'd suggest jackets that have some detail (e.g., windowpanes, checks, etc) so as to rise above the heavy neutral bottoms. If you go with plain fabric you may end up with the security or bathroom attendant look.
 

whnay.

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Ever consider using the search function?
 

Film Noir Buff

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Originally Posted by aleksandr
Before I ask my question, 'll try and describe my situation so you guys can get a better feel of what I'm looking for: The dress code at my workplace is pretty casual - dress shirts and dress pants. Only requirement is that the dress pants must be dark - black, charcoal, I might be able to get away with dark grey, but that's about it.
If you get a vibrant shade of navy that looks very blue rather than blackish and it is not the darkest shade but still dark that can look alright with dark grey and charcoal pants.
 

overdog

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Originally Posted by aleksandr
Except the airconditioning can get pretty cold, especially when it rains, so I'm looking for some sort of blazer/sportscoat that is versatile enough that I drape over the back of my chair and put it on when it gets cold.
One might also suggest you hang your blazer on a hanger rather than on the back of your chair.
 

vitaminc

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Originally Posted by whnay.
Ever consider using the search function?

This is the StyleFORUM, not StyleGOOGLE.

Originally Posted by aleksandr
Before I ask my question, 'll try and describe my situation so you guys can get a better feel of what I'm looking for:

The dress code at my workplace is pretty casual - dress shirts and dress pants. Only requirement is that the dress pants must be dark - black, charcoal, I might be able to get away with dark grey, but that's about it. I have to wear a suit to meet clients, so I try to keep a suit in a corner of my office in case of emergencies. Other than that, I don't wear a suit, nor a tie.

Except the airconditioning can get pretty cold, especially when it rains, so I'm looking for some sort of blazer/sportscoat that is versatile enough that I drape over the back of my chair and put it on when it gets cold. I'm not looking for any sort of overcoat as that would be overdoing it, but I'm thinking of something in a heavier wool that can keep me warm.

I know there's the whole no dark + dark thing, so I'm wondering what sort of colors/patterns can match well with dark pants? They're usually solid colors, with occasional pinstripes. Oh, and with whatever dress shirt I happen to be wearing that day.


1. Odd pinstripe pants don't really go with anything.
2. Very light color (ivory/off-white/creamish blazer for me) works with solid dark color pants.
3. Have you experiment with earth-tone windowpane jackets or glen plaid jackets?
4. Don't hang your jacket at the back of your chair, its pretty bad...
 

Enfo

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how about some light weight cashmere sweaters instead of a blazer?

or id go for a navy blazer.
 

JimInSoCalif

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What kinda crazy dress code is it that requires black/dark grey trousers?

I would probably wear dark grey trousers and a black and white herringbone jacket. Or, you could make it simple and just wear a dark charcoal suit.

Black trousers or suits do not receive much love here nor at most clothing forums.

Cheers, Jim.
 

aleksandr

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Originally Posted by whnay.
Ever consider using the search function?
Actually, I have. I didn't manage to find that particular thread pointed out though, so thanks.
Originally Posted by overdog
One might also suggest you hang your blazer on a hanger rather than on the back of your chair.
I'm looking at something akin to a daily beater. It doesn't have to be expensive or anything, and I don't really want to have to deal with the hassle of hanging up and taking it down all the time.
Originally Posted by JimInSoCalif
What kinda crazy dress code is it that requires black/dark grey trousers? I would probably wear dark grey trousers and a black and white herringbone jacket. Or, you could make it simple and just wear a dark charcoal suit. Black trousers or suits do not receive much love here nor at most clothing forums. Cheers, Jim.
Not sure why the dress code is like that. It's a law firm, and in my country the dress code for appearing in court is strictly black suit with a white shirt and sober tie. Us corporate lawyers have it slightly better in that we have more freedom in the way we dress, but we can't stray very far from black. Thanks for the suggestions on herringbone / plaid / check. Will see if I can find something patterned. Not so keen on the sweaters though, they're a pain to put on and off.
 

stickonatree

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i think the dark trousers would look great with the loafers i'm about to send your way
wink.gif
 

aleksandr

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Originally Posted by stickonatree
i think the dark trousers would look great with the loafers i'm about to send your way
wink.gif


I can't wait
smile.gif
 

Journeyman

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What about navy pants - are you able to wear navy as well as charcoal and black trousers?

I like navy trousers, particularly if the fabric has a bit of visual interest to it.
You can team navy trousers with a brown jacket, black jacket, light grey jacket (again, a weave with a bit of interest is great, such as a nailhead or herringbone weave), or even a beige or cream jacket.
 

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