Black shirt under a white coat

[resortes805]

The total contrast of a black shirt under a white (or light) coat is not the easiest look to pull off. Here's some vintage examples of it done RIGHT!

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I think it is a look that should indeed be done carefully. It is too easy to look mafioso or sleazy. It is probably best for when you really want to make a statement, like if you are in the music biz or the like.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

It does look cool, but it does seem like it's mostly used as a costume.

 

[jamespowers]

With a dead white sport jacket without a pattern, it might be too much but if there is a pattern or design on the jacket, I don't think it would be too bad. Black or white pants seem to be a must though to carry through the basic color scheme.
Then again, what do I know? I only have white shirts in my closet now. I used to have the white collar and different color body shirts but I never replaced them after they wore out. [huh]

Regards,

J

 

[Senator Jack]

Mafia, costume, or mafia costume?

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Mafia, costume, or mafia costume?

Are you blurry due to that witness protection thingamajig?

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Probably just too much Vaseline on the lens.

 

[Senator Jack]

I was drinking at the time.

 

[jamespowers]

Mafia, costume, or mafia costume?

Looks ok to me. The jacket has a pattern and the basic colors flow from top to bottom. Now what kind of hat would you wear with it?

Regards,

J

 

[Fletch]

It does look cool, but it does seem like it's mostly used as a costume.

Uniform, actually. Band uniform. Mostly limited to Black bands in the 1930s.

Somewhere I have a pic of Willie Lewis' band (a swinging group of Black Americans based in Paris circa mid '30s) attired in the white DBs with black shirt/white tie à la Eddie Cole. I'll try to scan and post it.

 

[Jovan]

This is the sort of thing I'd avoid, if only to not look like I rented from After Hours Formal Wear. :eusa_doh:

 

[BellyTank]

Black shirt is good with a light coloured or patterned sport coat and black trousers- the effect is quite different from all white and black shirt.

Be mindful of the fascist look when wearing a black shirt-
Don't look like a fashion nazi either.

B
T

 

[BellyTank]

Erm...

Maybe that's inappropriate...

B
T

 

[Senator Jack]

Black shirt = Fascism? It's not like I'm carrying a bottle of castor oil around with me.

 

[Flitcraft]

Black shirt under a lighter jacket is a swingin' look- think Jean Gabin in "Pepe le Moko".

 

[Feraud]

I like the look a lot but admit it is not easy to pull off.
You need a particular sense of style and confidence to pull it off. Most men cannot do it. I have seen the Senator in person and he definitely has "It".

Black shirt is good with a light coloured or patterned sport coat and black trousers- the effect is quite different from all white and black shirt.

Yes. I have worn a dark navy blue shirt with a houndstooth sports jacket and dark pants. It is not black but looks pretty good if I do say so myself.

 

[Flitcraft]

Voila! Pepe le Moko, circa 1938

[/IMG]Black shirt, light jacket

Gratuitous fez photo:

 

[BellyTank]

Jack Vincennes...

Black shirt, light tie, light coloured Boucle sport coat and black slacks-

B
T

 

[Feraud]

I recall seeing Kirk Douglas wear the look too. Not sure what film, could it be Out of the Past?

 

[Fletch]

Keep in mind some of those dark shirts could have been blues, maroons, charcoal greys, forest greens.

I like to wear a white linen suit with a navy blue shirt and yellow tie, which looks vividly 30s but without the gangsta overtone.