Wearing a top hat with a business suit and overcoat?

[Abraham]

Two weeks ago my wife and I attended an Christmas parade, followed by dinner with some friends. I figured when I got home I could change (I was wearing a charcoal business suit, white shirt, tie and black brogues) into some more casual, warmer clothes until I was informed about dinner.

Since it was going to be near 40 and lightly breezy (which is COLD for CA), I broke out my navy blue overcoat, black leather lined gloves and wool scarf. My only warm hat choices were ball caps and beanies. My wife nixed both. Then I remembered the black Akubra top hat I had received while being in a wedding this last summer. It would provide some warmth (which is all I really cared about) and it was OK with my wife. Done deal.

We make our way to the parade (it's a 2.5 hour event) and the outfit I described above raised no eyebrows other than a few "hey, cool hat" from a few around us. I figured I would look like a dork but who really cares for a parade (save my wife)?

Are top hats making a comeback of sorts? No, it didn't look steampunkish in the least...

 

[MondoFW]

Personally, I've only observed them being worn with white tie ensembles, never casually. I don't really think they're making any sort of comeback, not that I'm flaming you for donning the top hat to the parade.

 

[Upgrade]

Top hats are more associated with Christmas and New Year’s, the former with Dickens Victoriana, the latter with white tie celebrations still referenced with paper top hat party favors and the top hatted New Year baby.

 

[scottyrocks]

Yeah, I'll go with the 'special occasion' scenario. People expect some unusual sights at parades.

I, for one, have never seen a top hat on the street, just out of nowhere in normal everyday circumstances, and if you're gonna see one, or any number of them, NYC would be the place. Or Venice Beach. Or the French Quarter. Or . . .

 

[Edward]

I prefer to keep mine to white tie or morning dress. Less a 'formality' thing, more that aesthetically to my eye they need a longer top half to balance them out, if you follow. Look wrong to me with a lounge suit, but the with a long overcoat on, who is to know? Ultimately, though, a matter of personal taste.

 

[Zoukatron]

I agree with Edward on this one, top hats just work better with the lines of tailcoats. I also agree about the long overcoat though, if it an overcoat that is long enough to theoretically cover a tailcoat or frock coat.

 

[Edward]

Actually, I've also often toyed with the idea of a John Bull type short (4") top hat for wearing with regular length jackets. Much earlier style, but one that I think could be made to work in a similar manner to Churchill's flat-topped bowler.

 

[Zoukatron]

I can't say I've often toyed with the idea of a low-crown topper, but I have definitely though about it. I think it absolutely would work with a shorter jacket, I would love to see that done (and not just within the context of modern dressage).

 

[PeterGunnLives]

Two weeks ago my wife and I attended an Christmas parade, followed by dinner with some friends. I figured when I got home I could change (I was wearing a charcoal business suit, white shirt, tie and black brogues) into some more casual, warmer clothes until I was informed about dinner.

Since it was going to be near 40 and lightly breezy (which is COLD for CA), I broke out my navy blue overcoat, black leather lined gloves and wool scarf. My only warm hat choices were ball caps and beanies. My wife nixed both. Then I remembered the black Akubra top hat I had received while being in a wedding this last summer. It would provide some warmth (which is all I really cared about) and it was OK with my wife. Done deal.

We make our way to the parade (it's a 2.5 hour event) and the outfit I described above raised no eyebrows other than a few "hey, cool hat" from a few around us. I figured I would look like a dork but who really cares for a parade (save my wife)?

Are top hats making a comeback of sorts? No, it didn't look steampunkish in the least...

Definitely a "special occasion" thing. But most people today wouldn't know the difference if you wore it with a regular suit and overcoat as opposed to white tie or morning dress.

 

[Monte]

I am not trying to bump old conversations, but I think there are less taboo clothes in CA than many Midwestern locals. That's an observation I had when visiting Santa Cruz and its outskirts. Pink guy comes to mind. All in fun.