Pin-striped suits are coming back into fashion. The question that looms in my mind is, can one pull off wearing a fedora and a fashionable striped suit without looking like a comical rendition of an early 20th century mobster?
Welcome to the Fedora Lounge! To answer your question - sure, just check out some of the photos posted here on various threads. The Queen Mary event photos (in 'The Steamer Trunk') are recommended. Also look at the 'Show us your suits' thread and perhaps the 'Pulling off a look' thread. A lot of lounge members have been pulling off the look quite successfully for some time. Also be sure to check out Classic Style Magazine!!
Yes - absolutely. The only attention that you're likely to receive (at least, from my personal experience) is not based upon the fedora/pin-stripe combination, but more from the fact that a fella these days is actually wearing a fedora. And I get nothing but compliments. That said -- I'm a stripe suit addict. It's sick, and I probably need help. And I usually wear a grey fedora (Prescott by Worth & Worth) with a black band. It's a smart look!
The question that comes to my mind is, what's wrong with looking like an early 20th century mobster? When I watch episodes of the old "Untouchables" TV series (as I have been happily doing), I have a hard time deciding whether I want to look more like copper Eliot Ness (conservative three-piece single-breasted gray suits) or mob boss Frank Nitti (loud chalkstripe double-breasted suits with diamond stickpins and other flashy accoutrements). The answer, of course, is that I want to look like both, but on alternate days. It's harder to find a Nitti-style suit, these days, but I keep trying. I quite concur with these comments of Charleston Bows's. I would further note that it's one thing to wear a fedora with an overcoat during the winter -- that's not too outre -- and quite another to wear it with a suit alone during warmer weather, in good 1950s style. That draws the most (positive) comments. I enjoy them.
The mere fact that you've asked the question should tell you that you need to proceed with caution or risk becoming a "self-fulfilling prophecy", so to speak. Not everyone who wears a pin- or chalk-striped suit and a fedora is necessarily going to look like a wiseguy--but you need to know that twerps with their hats turned backwards and many others are going to make that comment to you anyway. So be it. I would only caution you to avoid the more stark contrast in colors between the felt and the ribbon (no black with white ribbons, for example) and avoid the dark shirt/light tie-look unless you're a real glutton for punishment! As the Baron said, it looks sharp, but it's guaranteed (particularly with the striped suit and fedora) to draw fire from the wise-crackers.
horses 4 courses It obviously depends on the environment, a light tie/dark shirt would be fine if one were at a soiree or gallery opening or the like, but not at the office. And don't forget that it's all in the eye of the beholder. I went to court once as a witness and wore a D/B suit, as I got to the security barrier the policewoman put a tray in front of me and cheerily advised me to put my gun in it. She looked shocked when I told her I was just a citizen, no doubt the only well-dressed guys she ever met were her superiors.
CharlestonBows, how do you like your W&W Prescott fedora? They seem to be reasonably priced. Is yours regular grey or light grey?
True grey, and I love it. Worth and Worth are a great company. Smaller operation, super nice people. I send all of our client's hats to them (re-blocking, cleaning, etc.), and if I don't send it personally, I at least give out the phone number. In the interest of full disclosure, although I've done a bit of business with them, they are not my hat people (I sell Bailey). I just really like the service.
The more you view the content here the more you will perceive the subtle differences between classy and tacky. Especially study the old fashion ads from the 30's and 40's, to get the feel of how this type of clothing is meant to look. There have been extensive discussions of arm holes and waist heights. They may seem amusing, but it's factors like these, and many others, that will help you learn just what style will work for you. Some guys like the pegged 60's look, others the deep cut 30's look. Different strokes. Welcome, enjoy!
