It's a close call, especially if we can't see the precise colors. From what your photograph depicts, I think you'd look great. If there's actually less contrast than what appears, you risk a mismatch.

Last year, I wore a dark navy blazer with dark charcoal flannel pants, and I was unhappy throughout the day, as the dark colors did not provide the contrast I initially thought was there. Mid-grey always works better than dark charcoal...

 

Agreed. That will work fine.

 

An important part of the contrast has to do with the types of materials involved. A navy blazer made of doeskin or flannel will always have a richness and depth of color not found in a tropical-weight wool. Same with pants. The heavier softer-surfaced fabrics, like flannel and the heavier worsteds, will look darker and richer than the lighter weight woolens.

To my eye, a pair of charcoal grey flannel pants works with a navy blazer of the same material. Why? Because the navy blazer in flannel looks so deep, dark blue (almost the same as black in tone) - blue enough to be seen well against even the darkest grey. With the lighter weight woolens, that small but significant amount of contrast may go away. Then Tiger's advice obtains!

 

It's mainly a matter of what looks good to you, I think. Personally, a navy blazer and deep charcoal slacks make an elegant combination. I love to wear a BB worsted blue blazer and a pair of charcoal gabs together. Almost a suit....but not quite. If you get much lighter with the grey slacks some will say you are coming close to the "security guard uniform" look. I don't particular agree--but anything lighter than deep cambridge or oxford grey looks a bit to common (for lack of a better word).

 

It's mainly a matter of what looks good to you, I think. Personally, a navy blazer and deep charcoal slacks make an elegant combination. I love to wear a BB worsted blue blazer and a pair of charcoal gabs together. Almost a suit....but not quite. If you get much lighter with the grey slacks some will say you are coming close to the "security guard uniform" look. I don't particular agree--but anything lighter than deep cambridge or oxford grey looks a bit to common (for lack of a better word).

+1 Salty-- I always prefer a darker, rather than a lighter charcoal grey to wear with blazers. I agree with your "common" statement.
Tom

 

...Almost a suit....but not quite...

This is exactly why it feels strange to me.

 

Thanks to all who have replied so far... I welcome more opinions!!

Whatever the outcome, I will post a pic or two tomorrow.:icon_smile:

 

"in many places, very dark flannels are much more popular that the pale gray variant, perhaps because a good many men think dark trousers look more formal. In fact, however, the dark gray detracts from the effect of the blue blazer, so that the outfit as a whole can create a rather gloomy, unattractive impression. If you think pale gray flannels look too casual, maybe you would do better just to wear a dark suit."

Bernnard Roetzel, Gentleman 2009 Ed. (the accompanying pictures show his "pale gray" equates to a US mid grey)

 

An important part of the contrast has to do with the types of materials involved. A navy blazer made of doeskin or flannel will always have a richness and depth of color not found in a tropical-weight wool. Same with pants. The heavier softer-surfaced fabrics, like flannel and the heavier worsteds, will look darker and richer than the lighter weight woolens.

To my eye, a pair of charcoal grey flannel pants works with a navy blazer of the same material. Why? Because the navy blazer in flannel looks so deep, dark blue (almost the same as black in tone) - blue enough to be seen well against even the darkest grey. With the lighter weight woolens, that small but significant amount of contrast may go away. Then Tiger's advice obtains!

This is very good advice, as to the nature of the particular fabric and the role it plays in how the colors play together.

Having said that, personally I think the whole "contrast" thing is for the birds. Let the females (and the Bernnard Roetzels of the world) worry about these nuances, I say. Saltydog is correct, the navy blazer/charcoal trousers combination is extremely elegant and is a time honored look.

 

Ideally, I prefer the greater contrast of the medium grey with navy blazer, but I can't say I would never wear charcoal and navy. It doesn't look bad.

 

This is very good advice, as to the nature of the particular fabric and the role it plays in how the colors play together.

Having said that, personally I think the whole "contrast" thing is for the birds. Let the females (and the Bernnard Roetzels of the world) worry about these nuances, I say. Saltydog is correct, the navy blazer/charcoal trousers combination is extremely elegant and is a time honored look.

I do not presume to speak for the other men in this thread who also advocate a contrast in tone between blazer and pants, but are you equating us with Roetzel, which would be a great compliment, or equating us with women, which might be taken differently?

 

I thought about the whole security guard thing a lot before I made my recent blazer purchase, and I decided that what makes one look like a security guard or any of the run of the mill badly dressed Joes I see every morning who wear navy blazers because they don't know how to dress, is not the shade of the grey (or the navy) but the rest of the wardrobe: the shoes, shirt, tie, etc. Nothing screams security guard like a pair of ugly corrected grain, dull matt black shoes, for example. So go ahead with whatever grey you want, but make sure you've got good shoes--polished, etc. A sharp tie. A pocket square.

 

I thought about the whole security guard thing a lot before I made my recent blazer purchase, and I decided that what makes one look like a security guard or any of the run of the mill badly dressed Joes I see every morning who wear navy blazers because they don't know how to dress, is not the shade of the grey (or the navy) but the rest of the wardrobe: the shoes, shirt, tie, etc. Nothing screams security guard like a pair of ugly corrected grain, dull matt black shoes, for example. So go ahead with whatever grey you want, but make sure you've got good shoes--polished, etc. A sharp tie. A pocket square.

+1

I believe you have solved the riddle.

 

If the pants are too dark it will appear like a mis-matched suit and should be avoided.

 

will be neither wearing a suit (long story)

We've got time......

 

I thought about the whole security guard thing a lot before I made my recent blazer purchase, and I decided that what makes one look like a security guard or any of the run of the mill badly dressed Joes I see every morning who wear navy blazers because they don't know how to dress, is not the shade of the grey (or the navy) but the rest of the wardrobe: the shoes, shirt, tie, etc. Nothing screams security guard like a pair of ugly corrected grain, dull matt black shoes, for example. So go ahead with whatever grey you want, but make sure you've got good shoes--polished, etc. A sharp tie. A pocket square.

This is certainly true. Also, "security guard look" is just one of those expressions that catch on simply because they sound clever (for a while). It's my default outfit, which occupies an important place between a suit and a sporty sport coat - just what dorj is looking for. I usually prefer a lighter gray than charcoal, but see no issue at all in wearing the darker shade of trousers, I've seen it many, many times, and never think mismatched suit or security guard.

 

We've got time......

See recent "resolutions" thread! :icon_smile: The (2) suits I own fit poorly, and as opposed to tailoring them further they may just go to the thrift.

Furthermore, now that I feel OK about this charcoal/navy thing, there really are few occasions (for me) which warrant a suit.

 

This is very good advice, as to the nature of the particular fabric and the role it plays in how the colors play together.

Agreed! Unfortunately the flannel blazer is at the tailor....
I have overcome my aversion to low-contrast. Thanks for the opinions guys. As promised, a (poorly shot) picture as I left for the event, which was a success...

 

Looks great!

 

Very sophisticated; the contrast works exceptionally well!

 

I do not presume to speak for the other men in this thread who also advocate a contrast in tone between blazer and pants, but are you equating us with Roetzel, which would be a great compliment, or equating us with women, which might be taken differently?

Nice try; not biting.

 

I thought about the whole security guard thing a lot before I made my recent blazer purchase, and I decided that what makes one look like a security guard or any of the run of the mill badly dressed Joes I see every morning who wear navy blazers because they don't know how to dress, is not the shade of the grey (or the navy) but the rest of the wardrobe: the shoes, shirt, tie, etc. Nothing screams security guard like a pair of ugly corrected grain, dull matt black shoes, for example. So go ahead with whatever grey you want, but make sure you've got good shoes--polished, etc. A sharp tie. A pocket square.

Even though I alluded to the "security guard" look in my earlier post--I have never really liked that term. You are absolutely right...it is the accessories, and I would say, the quality and fit of the blazer and slacks that make the difference. Thanks for making that distinction. I still think the lighter grey trousers present a less sophisticated or elegant look. I said earlier that the lighter grey trousers present a more common look and I don't mean that in a hoity-toity way. I detest pretense. But it does--to my eye--look more ordinary I guess. A navy jacket and charcoal trousers in a good fabric and fit IMO is anything but dull or drab. One can dress it up or down with the accessories to an extent...but it is hard to look bad in that combo. For a dressier than khaki contrast, I like British Tan slacks with a navy blazer.

 

"in many places, very dark flannels are much more popular that the pale gray variant, perhaps because a good many men think dark trousers look more formal. In fact, however, the dark gray detracts from the effect of the blue blazer, so that the outfit as a whole can create a rather gloomy, unattractive impression. If you think pale gray flannels look too casual, maybe you would do better just to wear a dark suit."

Bernnard Roetzel, Gentleman 2009 Ed. (the accompanying pictures show his "pale gray" equates to a US mid grey)

I'd agree with Bernhard. A pair of grey trousers worn with a navy blazer should contrast sufficiently so that it's clear it is definitely not a suit.

In fact, all odd jackets should contrast with the trousers. The almost-suit look is anathema to style in my book.

 

Looks good. Might rethink the tie.

 

I used to think charcoal was the way to go, but I prefer medium grey with a blazer now.