Would you please critique this outfit?

I had a very special event to go to last Sunday (part business, part social, part churchy) that lasted for several hours. Appropriate attire for men was either a business suit or a blazer/tie/slacks. It was a special event for me so I decided to wear something very nice. I'm 44, 6'2", 220 lbs, no fat.

My suit was a very nice solid black 100% worsted wool two piece with cuffed trousers. Very conservative cut finished with a properly folded white linen hankie in my breast pocket -- it's very obvious that it is a suit and not a tux. White linen shirt with a pointed collar and french cuffs. Cuff links were very old and very simple gold models from Tiffany. My tie was a predominantly black and conservative foulard from Talbott.

Well polished black Allen Edmond's wingtips and of course black socks finished the clothing. No accessories to speak of other than my very plain gold wedding band and a Hamilton Ventura wristwatch.

I have to say that in a sea of navy blue blazers and grey chalkstripes I felt very good -- very confident. This is the first time I have ever dressed this way and I felt as though I stood-out just a bit in a most positive way. There were two others (out of perhaps 50+) that dressed similarly. Can anyone critique this outfit for me? Is it something that would always be acceptable for business suit events or did I accidentally commit a social gaffe? Thanks, I appreciate any help.

I can't say much without pictures. It all depends on the cut and quality of the suit. They whole outfit is quite dark and I can already hear people murmuring "funeral". I strongly disagree this would be the only place to wear a black suit. I think it works better in winter and in the evening than on a sunny day though. Black tie events are rare and one step down would be a "dark suit" so it seems appropriate for the event you described.

We have a Black suit thread with some historical examples and some opinions about the "when and where" to wear a black suit.

I have a black flannel suit that I reserve for after dark (and funerals). I almost always choose a white shirt, silver tie and black suede wing tip to go with it.

I hate when people only associate black suits with funerals. Around here people rarely wear suits to funerals anymore. Last funeral I attended I wore a dark gray pinstripe and was about the only person there in a proper suit besides those officiating the service. A few men wore sport coats, the rest were in shirt sleeves or even more casual.

In NYC, I associate nondescript, unremarkable black suits worn during the day with livery car drivers. However, a noticeably well-cut black suit of good material does not give this impression. I have a nice black suit which generally gets compliments, but I reserve it for wear after dark, mainly because a daytime event is a good excuse to wear a nicer light-colored or patterned suit. Then again, one can get away with some fairly splashy attire in NYC that might not fly elsewhere.

PS one caveat afterthought - I think the black tie with a black suit does conjure the image of a funeral. I wear colorful ties with the black suit.

Thank you! After this experience I have a real interest in black suits!

Very severe, very old school. If you don't want to be mistaken for the mortician at a funeral (or the guest of honor) liven it up with a nice tie. Rep or solid color would be acceptable at the most strait laced function.

By the way the outfit you describe is the ultimate "power suit". With your size, it can come across as overbearing or intimidating especially if you have a gruff voice or manner, or a swarthy appearance.

Fine if you want to look a gangster in the eye and make him change his mind. But in some circles, especially where you are not known, it can be overbearing and put people off.

Also your look fits the FBI dress code of the J. Edgar Hoover era to a T and is a pair of Ray Bans away from the Men in Black look of flying saucer conspiracy fame.

Stanley Doble said:

Very severe, very old school. If you don't want to be mistaken for the mortician at a funeral (or the guest of honor) liven it up with a nice tie. Rep or solid color would be acceptable at the most strait laced function.

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Definitely not a funeral director nor corpse quality to my attire that day. Not in the least. I'm not sure how either a solid or striped tie would have made a difference?

Stanley Doble said:

By the way the outfit you describe is the ultimate "power suit". With your size, it can come across as overbearing or intimidating especially if you have a gruff voice or manner, or a swarthy appearance.

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I thought most "power suits" were navy and charcoal pinstripes?

Stanley Doble said:

Fine if you want to look a gangster in the eye and make him change his mind. But in some circles, especially where you are not known, it can be overbearing and put people off.

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How would it turn anyone off? Unless I made a fashion mistake, hence this thread.

Stanley Doble said:

Also your look fits the FBI dress code of the J. Edgar Hoover era to a T and is a pair of Ray Bans away from the Men in Black look of flying saucer conspiracy fame.

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And?

A fashion mistake would turn few people of since few people have a fashion sense.
I can see the intimidating factor but it really depends. I have seen big muscular guys with a big smile on their face and warm eyes so they wouldn't look dangerous at all.

Black suits are not uncommon in europe for business wear but most of them are blended fabric and not pure wool. Also the fit is terrible most of the time so this is what I meant in my first comment. Just the color alone won't make a good or bad suit.

Never, ever, EVER go tieless, you more then likely looked great.

My philosophy is don't worry about the color, worry about the fit. Black, gray,tan, whatever, if it fits it right!. You can go out in a Zegna or an Armani but if it isn't tailored to fit it will look like it is from Sears. I bet you looked great!

gear-guy said:

My philosophy is don't worry about the color, worry about the fit. Black, gray,tan, whatever, if it fits it right!. You can go out in a Zegna or an Armani but if it isn't tailored to fit it will look like it is from Sears. I bet you looked great!

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I quite agree - I summarise it as the Fs (in order of importance): Fit, flattery, form, fashion. Colour goes under "form".