Question:
Ok, let me admit that I'm a novice, a tyro, completely verdant when it comes to style and fashion but I am undergoing a sea change, and now I attempt to dress as well as my budget allows.
My question...I have a navy blazer that I wear with very traditional outfits like chinos or tan gabardines, dress shirts and black/brown dress shoes (and the occasional loafer). Would it be uncouth to don the blazer while wearing any slacks other than a brown/tan? The blue does not seem to complement greys, charcoals or blacks.
What about jeans, white dress shirt, and blazer, accompanied with a pair of brown or black shoes? This seems a common outfit and looks comfortable.
I guess I'm wondering what colors of pants and shoes clash with the navy blazer. Am I thinking to hard about this? I hate to look out of place, despite my lifelong adventure to attain the necessary confidence to not give a damn what others think of me.
Answer:
blue blazer with gray pants, in any shade, is very very classic.
Answer:
i dont really like blue blazers. maybe they just clash with my dark complexion. I much prefer browns, tans, charcoals, light greys, etc etc.
but there is no denying the blue blazer...
Answer:
Even a dark charcoal? This is good news, as I own many pairs of charcoal slacks!
Excellent!
So, the black shoes and blue blazer are o.k.?
Answer:
IMHO, blue blazer with greys makes me look and feel like a stadium security guard. Some can pull it off better than others, I am not one of them. I wear mine with jeans on occassion and even with some olive chinos or cords. I believe it is pretty versatile as long as you a sharp contrast against the pants.
Answer:
Your definitely right with the navy blazer + black pants combo... yuck. No contrast and it looks so mismatched.
However, any other colored pants with a navy blazer usually looks great. The thing with charcoal and navy colors is that they are the most versatile solid colors out there. They're neutral - not boring like black or screaming for attention. Both go well together. :)
As for shoes, black or brown are fine.
Navy blazer with gold buttons + white shirt (unbutonned or tied) + black shoes = classic.
Answer:
Keep a blue blazer/gray pants combo from looking like a security guard uniform by wearing them with a nicely patterned shirt and good brown shoes.
Answer:
and pocket sqare. Very few guards wear pocket squares.
Answer:
It works with olive trousers, too. One of the single most versatile items in a tailored wardrobe.
Answer:
IMO a navy blazer goes with any color trousers except navy (looks like a misguided attempt to construct a suit) or black. According to Flusser, dark charcoal gray is the most formal and the lighter the gray, the less formal the outfit becomes. Khaki is even less formal. I'd wear olive trousers and even jeans with a navy blazer (but don't tell the AAAC crowd or they'll revoke my membership), but maybe not dark brown (probably just my personal prejudice).
Answer:
Very versatile with a vast array of pants, shirts, sweaters...
This is pretty much the limit you don't want to cross ;) :
Answer:
how about wearing a red v-neck sweater underneath? Im attending a Masquerade ball, and want to 'let it loose' by dressing nicely in a way i wouldnt normally dress. The combination of (bright) red under a dark navy blue (also a white button up shirt) gave off a patriotic vibe to me.. should i avoid this?
Answer:
A blue blazer with gray slacks is very nice in my opinion. I wear brown or tan when I want to look more casual and gray for more formal. Also, if the blazer is solid, I think you can try patterned pants. Otherwise, go for interesting ties and squares and shirts.
If it's a gold button job, I would replace the buttons with something that was more fun than whatever it came with.
Casual, jeans, white shirt, pair of brown boots, (and a pocket square,) and you're good to go.
