Asking for some suit advice

[FowlerRising]

This is my first post on Fedora Lounge and of course Im seeking help from the more knowledgeable members out there.

I just got a new suit. It will be my first suit that will actually fit nicely as my other jacket was second had from a thrift shop and was quite large. It is a charcoal 3 piece. I unfortunately haven't received it yet so the pic from the dealer will have to do. See dealer page here

As soon as I can I will post a shot of me actually in it.

I have two main questions I guess. First, what shirt/tie combinations might go well with this suit and second, what fedora would be the best choice?

I should note that the first big event I will be wearing this to is my classmates college graduation in early May.

I guess a little about me might be helpful in deciding what might look best. I am a 22 year old college student, currently on medical leave due to my recent battle and victory over testicular cancer. I was a very slenderly built guy before this but am downright skinny now due to loosing quite a bit of weight. I am 5'6" and the suit size is a 34 short. I have blue eyes and what is looking to be blonde hair that is returning after chemotherapy (fun fact: many peoples hair can change color and style after chemo, but it may return to what it was before after a few months) I was dirty blonde before so this thankfully isnt a huge change. I have fair skin and a thin, slightly long head, at least I feel I do. Once can get that picture up you can judge for yourself. I am still in the stage where I am not completely comfortable without a hat, but of course I would obey the proper edict while wearing a fedora. I was thinking a straw fedora, possibly in white or off white might look good, but that is what Im here to learn from all you out there.

Many thanks,

Duncan

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

Shirt and Tie advice

Spread collar (not button down), white shirt.
Red and white or black and silver rep stripe tie.

 

[avedwards]

I am of a similar build to you (though taller). Here's what I wore with a charcoal grey three piece:

A white shirt will probably look best, though grey, cream and light blue will work too. Pointed or spread collar will work in my opinion. A red or grey tie would be the best place to start, though certain shades of blue or green may work.

 

[Danny Ocean]

This is my first post on Fedora Lounge and of course Im seeking help from the more knowledgeable members out there.

I just got a new suit. It will be my first suit that will actually fit nicely as my other jacket was second had from a thrift shop and was quite large. It is a charcoal 3 piece. I unfortunately haven't received it yet so the pic from the dealer will have to do. See dealer page here

As soon as I can I will post a shot of me actually in it.

I have two main questions I guess. First, what shirt/tie combinations might go well with this suit and second, what fedora would be the best choice?

I should note that the first big event I will be wearing this to is my classmates college graduation in early May.

I guess a little about me might be helpful in deciding what might look best. I am a 22 year old college student, currently on medical leave due to my recent battle and victory over testicular cancer. I was a very slenderly built guy before this but am downright skinny now due to loosing quite a bit of weight. I am 5'6" and the suit size is a 34 short. I have blue eyes and what is looking to be blonde hair that is returning after chemotherapy (fun fact: many peoples hair can change color and style after chemo, but it may return to what it was before after a few months) I was dirty blonde before so this thankfully isnt a huge change. I have fair skin and a thin, slightly long head, at least I feel I do. Once can get that picture up you can judge for yourself. I am still in the stage where I am not completely comfortable without a hat, but of course I would obey the proper edict while wearing a fedora. I was thinking a straw fedora, possibly in white or off white might look good, but that is what Im here to learn from all you out there.

Many thanks,

Duncan

Hi Duncan,

....and welcome to FL!

Firstly, let me just say "good on you", for overcoming your cancer....well done! :eusa_clap I understand what you mean, by hair growing back a different colour, after the chemo. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, and thankfully made a full recovery. She had brown hair before the chemo, and when it grew back, it was a silvery grey! She was not too impressed!

OK, from the picture link you posted, the suit appears to be a fairly light charcoal, and should be just right for the Spring/Summer months ahead. For shirts and ties, you have quite a wide range of colours to choose from, and I can suggest the following combinations:

1) White shirt, worn with a light blue, dark blue, or red tie.
2) Blue shirt, worn with a pale yellow tie.
3) Pale pink shirt, worn with either a dark pink or purple tie.

As the suit colour is a fairly conservative colour, you need to add a splash of colour. For example, I wouldn't wear a light grey suit, with a white shirt, and grey/black tie.....you need to bring it to life a bit!

The tie colour is shown as a guide, and is intended to be the predominate colour. I would choose something with a pattern in, not just a plain colour.
For the shirt style, personally, I would choose a half cut-away, or full cut-away collar, not a button down. Knot your tie, using a "Half Windsor" or "Full Windsor" knot, depending on what collar choice you go for.

My preference is also for double cuffs, as opposed to single, button cuffs, so a nice set of cufflinks, would set it off well. You mentioned that you were fairly slight in build, and for this reason, I would stay away from shirts that have a large bold stripe pattern, as a plain colour would suit best. Perhaps try an Oxford weave, to give it some texture.

Have you considered a pocket silk, to wear in the top pocket of your jacket? I think it's a nice touch, and always wear one. Try not to match everything together (and steer clear of matching tie and pocket handkerchief sets!). A gentlemans outfit, should not necessarily match, but compliment each other. A white pocket silk, would work fine.

With regards to the Fedora, personally, I would choose a light grey, similar to your suit, but with a darker grosgrain band. I appreciate that it's a black & white photo, but this shot of Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra, should give you some idea of the style:

The style of your suit, is a classic Italian 3 button, and a bit of "googling" for famous 50's & 60's personalities, should give you some inspiration.

Apologies for the long reply, and I hope this helps a bit. Be sure to post up some pics, of your finished ensemble!

All the best, for your graduation.....

Danny O

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Shirt - anything you want. Tie - anything you want. (The colours should not clash)

Charcoal grey is pretty forgiving in terms of colours.

 

[avedwards]

Shirt - anything you want. Tie - anything you want. (The colours should not clash)

Charcoal grey is pretty forgiving in terms of colours.

A pretty good summary. I have yet to find a colour which does not work with a grey suit.

 

[Matt_the_chap]

Just on personal principle, I'd advocate against the spread collar, but it's really up to you shirt style wise - have you got any shirts which take cufflinks as some very nice ones can be picked up on eBay? As opposed to a straw fedora you might want to look into a linen flat cap or panama if you can find one - I can't help but think of a straw fedora as reading 'tacky tourist' - again, it's your personal choice though! If you feel comfortable wearing it, wear it and feel good doing so.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

I'm rather in favour of a spread collar as it slims ones fat neck down slightly

 

[cookie]

I'm rather in favour of a spread collar as it slims ones fat neck down slightly

That suit has the required raffish look of a linen suit...did you find it in the Marais?

http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/...n-suits-marais

 

[BinkieBaumont]

That suit has the required raffish look of a linen suit...did you find it in the Marais?

http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/...n-suits-marais

I'm Reliably informed it was discovered at the Paris end of Belgrave Street, Manley, Sydney Australia

 

[earl]

I have a charcoal jacket and always wear light blue, pale gray or slate gray shirt with it. For the light blue shirt, I go with a tie with light blue and black checks; the pale gray, go with the black and dark blue with white and red diamonds; and with the slate, either the black and maroon tie with white diamonds or a monochromatic slate gray tie with black checks. Earl

 

[FowlerRising]

Ok finally a much needed update. Suit finally arrived, bit darker of a charcoal than pictured but Im alright with that.




Sorry for the cell phone picture but all my camera gear is tied up at the moment (that and the dirty mirror). This is the first time trying on the suit so tags still attached. I need to pick up a new shirt because the one Im wearing is pretty dingy. Ill definitely look into one with french cuffs, but Im not sure what my options are in the immediate area. Thank you all for your advice!

 

[Boxytheboxed]

I bet that would look great with a light blue shirt and a nice purple tie.

 

[Talbot]

Looking good!

 

[Talbot]

I'm rather in favour of a spread collar as it slims ones fat neck down slightly

Nice bag of fruit. What time is it there

 

[drummer4hire]

Lookin good, FR. I'm the same bulid as you, though two inches bigger in every direction. May i suggest a two inch brimmed fedora, as it will ost likely fit not only your frame, but your face, as well. I started with a wool felt Bailey's of Hollywood. I have no complaints withit at all, and wear it as often as I can. My advice to a fellow slim is to go with three-pieces, stripes, and double-breasted suits. They all add girth in one aspect or another. I nojoy db and three-pieces, myself, as they are less often seen in modern forward circles, and they remind me more of the golden era. And you can never go wrong with button suspenders. Just keep experimenting, and have fun

 

[BinkieBaumont]

Fruit, Bag, Im Rather confused Old Chap

Nice bag of fruit. What time is it there

Did You get the Bob Thompson CD?

 

[Tomasso]

Fruit, Bag, Im Rather confused Old Chap

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bag of fruit

 

[Tomasso]

I think this jacket may be a touch too long for you. Better pix would help.

 

[Richard Warren]

looks good to me.