Suit Vests + Overcoats questions

[DrInfested]

Hey everyone! My name is Alexander, I'm a young man of 18 years, and I live down in deep south Mississippi.

I've been interested in dressing in a more mature and more professional manner for some time. I've been slowly learning exactly how a gentleman dresses over the past few months, from things as simple as how many buttons to button on a suit jacket, to ways to fold a pocket square.

Due to the temperature down here, I typically wear cotton slacks, a long-sleeve button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, brown belt, and brown shoes or boots. Nothing too fancy, but I will be adding a nice fedora to the mix once I can afford it. I have a brown fedora now, but it's not too terribly high a quality.

For church and other special occasions, I wear a dark charcoal suit with a white or blue dress shirt, and a various assortment of ties and pocketsquares. Black shoes and black belt of course. The suit is a Pronto Uomo dark charcoal suit with notched lapels and a very comfortable cut. The jacket was about $170, and the pants were $70.

Now, the first question I have is, winter is coming in 3 months, and I want to warm up in a better way than I did last year. Last year I wore an odd leather jacket with my suit, and that didn't look to nice. There are two things I want to do to make wearing my suit warmer. I would like to purchase a vest to wear, partly cause they look amazing, and partly because they will help keep me warmer. The problem is, I'm having a really hard time finding any type of vest besides a black one. Mens Warehouse has a nice black vest also by Pronto Uomo, but it seems to me that there must be companies out there that sell more varied types of vests, but can't find any. If anyone here knows of some good websites where I can find more varied types of vests, I would greatly appreciate it.

My second question concerns overcoats. I love the look of full length coats, but I wonder if that might be a bit much? Would it be better to buy a 3/4 length overcoat, or a full length one? Which is more versatile, and what would be the most appropriate for semi-formal as well as casual use? Also would it better to get a black, charcoal, or brown? Is it okay to wear a brown overcoat with a dark charcoal suit?

Many thanks in advance for all replies. This is a great forum and I'm glad to be part of it!

 

[Lonny]

Hi there!

Welcome to the forums, I'm not really...apparent, but I love coming here as a reader, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here!

As for vests, I've been looking at Magnoli Clothiers and I've considered having a vest made for a suit I own, but right now I'm broke so...thats not gonna happen just yet! But soon! haha.
Over coats looks great with a suit, I've always liked the full length coat, but kind of reminds me of the mob for some reason and more formal, but then again you're gonna be in a suit already so I guess that doesn't matter now does it?!
3/4 coats are nice, I like peacoats with that cut.

Anyways, welcome and I hope you find the help you are looking for!
Lonny.

 

[HoundstoothLuke]

I would like to purchase a vest to wear, partly cause they look amazing, and partly because they will help keep me warmer. The problem is, I'm having a really hard time finding any type of vest besides a black one. Mens Warehouse has a nice black vest also by Pronto Uomo, but it seems to me that there must be companies out there that sell more varied types of vests, but can't find any. If anyone here knows of some good websites where I can find more varied types of vests, I would greatly appreciate it.

My second question concerns overcoats. I love the look of full length coats, but I wonder if that might be a bit much? Would it be better to buy a 3/4 length overcoat, or a full length one? Which is more versatile, and what would be the most appropriate for semi-formal as well as casual use? Also would it better to get a black, charcoal, or brown? Is it okay to wear a brown overcoat with a dark charcoal suit?

Many thanks in advance for all replies. This is a great forum and I'm glad to be part of it!

With a suit, it's best to buy one that comes as a three piece rather than getting a separate waistcoat later on, as they won't look 'right' later on, owing to the fabric not matching. A way around for that would be to purchase one that is deliberately different, perhaps in dark red.

For the overcoat, grey would be the most versatile colour there, as it can go with brown and black shoes. For length, the 3/4 length would be more casual, but would work fine for more formal stuff, whereas a longer coat would look a bit 'off' in a casual situation.

 

[Lone_Ranger]

With a suit, it's best to buy one that comes as a three piece rather than getting a separate waistcoat later on, as they won't look 'right' later on, owing to the fabric not matching. A way around for that would be to purchase one that is deliberately different, perhaps in dark red.

I agree. Maybe a v-neck cardigan sweater? It would have the same look as a vest, and would probably be easier to match with a suit.

 

[DrInfested]

Many thanks for the replies everyone! Mens Warehouse has some nice (in my uneducated opinion) overcoats, should I go with them, or are there better places to look?

I agree. Maybe a v-neck cardigan sweater? It would have the same look as a vest, and would probably be easier to match with a suit.

I never thought of this. Would it still be appropriate for special occasions?

 

[Mr Vim]

For special occasions, such as weddings, or dress parties I would say no. An actual off color vest for your suit would be more appropriate. But the cardigan is a great way to keep warm and still look good in a more casual environment.

And again, welcome, we're glad to have you.