How Versatile Would a Brighter Navy/Petrol Suit Be?

GQBaller · Mar 18, 2009

I would like to buy a cotton suit in a brighter navy/petrol color like this one. However, I can't justify such a purchase if I can't wear the suit to work.

Would a suit like this one be too ostentatious/casual/"Grammy Awards-ish" for work? Keep in mind the cotton fabric weave has a hint of silk, making it sort of shiny.

I know Obama wears navy suits regularly, but they seem a shade darker:

emmanuel · Mar 18, 2009

I would be able to put it to good use

July · Mar 18, 2009

I like the look. I have one in a mohair blend (slightly shiny) that is a shade or two lighter than the first image you posted. It's used for more casual days, but it ultimately depends on your office. I find the coloring more versatile than navy when the pieces are worn separately.

GQBaller · Mar 18, 2009

Let me ask a different question: would you wear a suit like that to an interview? The conventional wisdom says plain navy is fine, but what about a lighter and shinier navy fabric? Also, has anyone seen similar cotton suits? This one is from Z Zegna, which is sort of pricey.

emmanuel · Mar 18, 2009

Nothing with a sheen to an interview unless its your watch or shoes

Manton · Mar 18, 2009

I love this color.

Prince of Paisley · Mar 18, 2009

Yep, I have a steel blue suit with a light pinstripe. It's a wool/silk blend and also as a result, has a nice sheen and feel.

I think it's a reasonably formal piece and looks great with a French cuff white shirt and blue tie for work. I've always found the traditional navy suit a little bit boring, and I think steel blue is a good alternative.

itsstillmatt · Mar 18, 2009

I have three, one cotton, one wool and one mohair/wool fresco. They can look odd under some kinds of lighting, but in general, I think it is a fantastic color.

Prince of Paisley · Mar 18, 2009

Originally Posted by GQBaller

Let me ask a different question: would you wear a suit like that to an interview? The conventional wisdom says plain navy is fine, but what about a lighter and shinier navy fabric?

As for an interview, I think the same logic applies as to whether you wear brown shoes, or a pocketchief, to an interview - and numerous threads have discussed these points. Certainly wearing one of these suits isn't like wearing a safari suit to an interview, but it is a little different from the 'norm' (which can help you stand out, but is that a good thing??)

Ultimately it's up to the judgement of the individual bearing in mind the occasion and the actual garment, I don't think there is a hard and fast rule here.

Modernist · Mar 18, 2009

I have one mohair/wool blend in almost the same hue. My favourite suit. It's actually very versatile. That suit, a white shirt, black shoes and a navy tie and you have a perfectly safe for work outfit. Substitute the black shoes for some reddish brown and the navy tie for a red one, and it's a great look for a night out. It also looks great without a tie.

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How Versatile Would a Brighter Navy/Petrol Suit Be?

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