Brown Hat and Black Coat?

[D.W. Suratt]

I just recently received this beautiful brown Stetson porkpie I scored on e-bay. The only problem is the only overcoats I own are black. Does a brown hat look ok with a black coat. I have another brown hat, but I wear it with very casual clothing. This one can go casual or dressy.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

The advice I've gotten (and read here and there on this forum) is that the hat should match something that you are wearing; if not the coat, then something underneath. Some contend that this "rule" is very flexible (even breakable), but for those still taking there first steps in matching the so-called "unconventional" combinations, it's an easy way to stay safe.

So, wear something in the brown scale under the black coat. Shoes, ties, shirt, vest, suit, whatever.

By the way; cool hat!

 

[bolthead]

It has a Black ribbon on it, right?

It absolutes works.

 

[carldelo]

I agree with the advice above about matching something in your outfit. I had the opposite problem - I found a great brown raincoat on sale last winter, and used that as an excuse to buy a brown hat.

 

[JohnnyB53]

A really dark brown works pretty well with black. I have an Akubra David Morgan Adventurer, which is a very dark brown hat. Mine works all right with a dark charcoal pea coat and also with my black leather jacket.

That hat you got is so cool, though, that if I were you I'd go shopping for a tan overcoat, maybe even at the thrift shops and TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less. America's drowning in its own excess, and there are a lot of nice dress clothes at the thrift and consignment shops.

I also have a tan overcoat and my brown fedora looks killer with that.

 

[jpbales]

I wouldn't be worried too much about matching it with your coat, I think it will look good brown with the black coat. Sometimes things look good when they do match, though, sometimes they look good when they contrast well, and sometimes they look fine even if everything doesn't match perfectly. I think wearing a brown hat with a black coat will probably draw some attention to the hat, but it will look nice. Go for it.

 

[kaosharper1]

Some browns have black overtones and go with black. Your hat looks like one of them (the DM Adventurer is another) and the black band makes the whole thing work well.

Its the more orangey browns that are a problem with black.

 

[D.W. Suratt]

Some browns have black overtones and go with black. Your hat looks like one of them (the DM Adventurer is another) and the black band makes the whole thing work well.

Its the more orangey browns that are a problem with black.

I think that is the problem, the photos make the hat look darker than it is. The ribbon is about the same color with gold and burgandy pin stripping in it. I think it might be a good excuse to buy a new coat. Thanks for all the advice and the compliments on the hat. One thing is for sure this hat is too nice to set around. it will get worn, matching or not.

 

[Jauntyone]

Here's a picture of the reverse combination from Esquire:

 

[Wil Tam]

should be fine with a black coat

I have a couple brown hats with brown ribbons that I wear with black coats .. I just wear something else that is brown with it, like slacks, shirt or necktie that has some black in it, doing so will bring everything together. I dig the lid, and if you do also then don't sell it!

 

[univibe88]

Or you now have an excuse to buy a new coat

 

[gtdean48]

Or you now have an excuse to buy a new coat

I vote for another coat. All black coats seems a little restraining... gtd

 

[Paisley]

The brown with black thread:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=21963

 

[pplepic]

The late Adolph Menjou, considered to be the best-dressed man in Hollywood in his day, frequently wore dark blue suits with brown shoes and a brown hat and he looked GREAT!

 

[Viper Man]

Accessories can help to make it work

I recently purchased a brown scarf for this very reason. The scarf also has some black in it which I think makes it work a bit better. The coat is charcoal colored wool and the hat is a very dark brown 40s Royal Stetson.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

It's amazing what a well chosen scarf can do! Sort of like picking just the right tie!

 

[bolthead]

I agree....

It's amazing what a well chosen scarf can do! Sort of like picking just the right tie!

Looks great Geoff......:eusa_clap

 

[Viper Man]

It's amazing what a well chosen scarf can do! Sort of like picking just the right tie!

Indeed! It was much cheaper than buying a new coat, too.

Looks great Geoff......:eusa_clap

Thanks, buddy!

 

[jlagman]

Man, I should've looked this up a little earlier. I wear a lot of black overcoats, my favourite in the winter is this black pea coat and I currently own just one black fedora. Personally, I thought the black on black was a little too much, especially since I wear a lot of black dress pants to work.

I'm currently shopping around for my second hat (most likely a grey one) and up until now I've completely disregarded the idea of getting a brown one for the second. Guess I'll give it some more thought, although I've really got my heart set on a Stetson Nostalgia.

 

[seed]

I have a dark brown hat with even darker brown wide ribbon I wear with a black rain type overcoat. It works great and in fact looks better than a black hat.