Originally Posted by
ExitRowSeating
I have two pair of PE Portfolio dress pants and I hate them! Something about the fabric I find really uncomfortable, I am sure they are great for traveling as they are wrinkle and stain resistant, but mine are destined to be donated to Goodwill.
Originally Posted by
Alpha
I'm gonna vote against the brown or grey blazer. I know black is an easy choice and perhaps that makes it cliche. But it's entirely versatile. Will generally go with whatever color shoes/belt I have on hand and just about anything else.
Regarding the pants, I was about the biggest polyester snob you could imagine. But these pants are really quite good. However, the material is quite thick so I wouldn't recommend them for tropical climates or Texas heat for example. I am also not sure if we are talking about the same model. Mine says RN# 37762 under the size, independent of color. It is a gabardine weave with a slight diagonal rib, a bit like jeans but more subtle.
The only thing I can imagine one doesn't like in its hand (how it feels to the hand) is that the material is a bit slippery and shiny, like viscose. Is that the model you are referring to?
There are nice looking wool trousers out there by Travelsmith, Lands End and Jos. A Banks. I haven't tried them out yet, though. Some of them even have a comfort waist which the PE lack.
Alpha, it is possible to go with a black blazer but if you are wearing a black blazer with anything else but black pants you are not well dressed both in terms of "rules" and in terms of actual aesthetics. The black is too hard a contrast with lighter pants. Naturally any pant color but black will be lighter. Grey flannel might be possible but black is still a bit harsh. The rule says that a gentleman's clothes should be getting darker from top to bottom. Try it out. It does look better to wear a lighter jacket with darker pants than the other way around. The darker bottoms give grounding to the silhouette.
A black blazer with beige or khaki colored chinos would be almost criminal.
Even grey will be difficult but dark brown will work.
Of course, you know that belt and shoes should match. And, ideally, the watch band as well as the buckles on belt shoes and watch band.
But frankly, this list's intent is not fashion advice. There is enough out there. This list's intent is to basically give a fail-safe and easy way of composing a travel wardrobe. Although I've studied and practiced the subject and am almost infallible (note the modifier
), I try not to pontificate. If it comes across as such, terribly sorry. Each will dress as he likes. At his own risk.
Here is a decent link I found on the subject. But basically any style manual you can find will agree with the method outlined above.
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/F...s%20or%20pants
Cheers,
Till