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All,
I'm thinking of getting a new business suit and have toyed with the idea of getting one that is burgundy in color. The main reason I would choose this color is that I really like the way my hair looks against burgundy. I don't even know if suits are available in this color. What do you think? Would you recommend another color?
Burgundy is a pretty uncommon and might not come across as being sufficiently businesslike, not necessarily a good thing given the cost of a good business suit. Having said that, a longhaired and/or bearded man in a crisp business suit makes for a very pleasing contrast. For some reason, it forces one to rethink the "subversive" or "anti-authority" image of untrimmed hair (although the reverse isn't true -- interestingly, long/facial hair doesn't necessarily make suits seem less formal).
I'm partial to navy blue or brown, as these colors are slightly less common than the typical grey business suit. Brown might be tough to find, although it was briefly fashionable several seasons ago. Also consider softer fabrics, something not quite as conventional or "pressed" as worsted or gabardine. I've seen some "knitted" fabrics (don't know the proper name) that really soften the crisp lines of a suit, much the way long hair can. Good luck!
Jim
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I like the burgundy idea myself, if it can be accepted in most office
environments. But I wonder if it'll fly in most legal or accounting
settings, or even Information Systems? I myself am trying to get back into business programming, eventually doing manufacturing systems as well. But I'd also like to grow out my very short hair. Such a choice, already!
On the other hand, I really applaud Jim's knowledge of male clothing, and would tend to go with his advice, just to be on the safe side. So despite my liking burgundy (or maroon, as we used to say), I'd have to read gingerly through the mine-fields of business convention to keep those fees coming, until I can break free in a limited way, in my own business.
OM
Well if you're going to say maroon, perhaps I should shop at College Station, where maroon is one of the school colors. What I'm talking about really isn't maroon but is more like the original definition of purple, the royal red.
The attached picture is the one that inspired me towards burgundy.
I wear a standard blue suit a fair bit. I like the contrast between the most generic stuffed shirt look and the mid-back hair with a "big-metal-thing" pony-tie. I should mention that this is usually done in combination with my love of the bowtie (the real ones, darn it). I oughta post some pics.... give me some time.
if burgundy looks ok- i don't see a problem. as infrequently as i wear suits... i prefer a lighter neutral pant & jacket (NOT white) with a darker shirt. i get creative with the tie. it all has to coordinate & be stylish.
one problem i have is getting a shirt & jacket to fit properly... i haven't yet found anything off the rack that'll fit a 5'10" frame with a 44" chest.
Well, while burgundy is a nice color, I have a difficult time seeing it in the business world. There are plenty of shades of olive, jade, and gray-greens that may be worn with a jazzy kinda tie to make it stand out from the masses. While experimenting with different types of fabrics is fun, most end up in the closet next season because tehy appear to be too trendy the following year.
If you are investing in a business suit to be worn on a regular basis, then i say stay away from navy or gray, but look into the olives, black is always appropriate and can be combined with colored shirts and ties to stand out, or some of the more fashion-forward shades of blue. i.e. the brighter tones of blue, almost a royal blue, but not as electric.
Good luck!
Mark 8-)