[stainless]

I apologize if this topic has been covered recently but I did try searching.

I will be making a business trip in December and given that my industry is fairly casual I don't plan on wearing a suit. I need to come up with outfits for 4 different days, so I am thinking about bringing 2 jackets and 2 pairs of trousers. This would give me 4 outfits, so my main concern would be to choose items that would go well with more than one color. I already own a navy blazer and a pair of charcoal pants. What sort of odd jacket and trousers should I buy in order to complement this outfit (i. e. the trousers would also go with the blazer, and the jacket would also go with the charcoal trousers).

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Flanderian]

I apologize if this topic has been covered recently but I did try searching.

I will be making a business trip in December and given that my industry is fairly casual I don't plan on wearing a suit. I need to come up with outfits for 4 different days, so I am thinking about bringing 2 jackets and 2 pairs of trousers. This would give me 4 outfits, so my main concern would be to choose items that would go well with more than one color. I already own a navy blazer and a pair of charcoal pants. What sort of odd jacket and trousers should I buy in order to complement this outfit (i. e. the trousers would also go with the blazer, and the jacket would also go with the charcoal trousers).

Any advice is appreciated.

If you could swing a nice camel hair jacket, your charcoal slacks should work well. A black and gray, or black and white glen check, also called Prince-of-Wales plaid would work with the blazer, and if carefully chosen should work with the camel hair jacket too. Often this pattern has an overcheck, and a camel overcheck is common. If you can find one that has it, it should marry more easily with the camel jacket, but still look good with the navy one.

PS., Burgundy/oxblood/cordovan #8 shoes are the perfect shoes for any ensemble created from the above. Dark brown will also work well too.

 

[paul winston]

A medium gray trouser will go well with any sports jacket and blazer you own. Assuming your navy is dark ( There are different shades of navy), the medium gray trousers will be better with your blazer than a charcoal. The charcoal may not have enough contrast for the navy. The charcoal trousers will go well with any black or dark gray patterned jacket- herringbone, plaid, houndstooth.

 

[Barrister & Solicitor]

I know you said no suit, but this may work out much more easily: A plain navy suit, a white shirt, a blue shirt, 2 different ties and voilà! you have 2 outfits... go on with this thought: add a lavender shirt, a tan or light green shirt, a couple ties to match these different shades and you have your 4 outfits. I'd bet nobody will noticed that you wore the same suit. Or else, they'll think that Stainless really packed intelligently.

Come to think of it, the same trick could almost be pulled with charcoal...

 

[stainless]

Well, I did think of going the 2 suit route. But I do already have the blazer. I do also have a charcoal suit but I think the pants are unalterably too big. Though wearing braces I don't suppose it's supercritical that the pants are sized correctly. So I'm looking at the prospect of 2 suits vs. a sportscoat and pair of odd trousers.

I have also questioned if the charcoal slacks really go with the blazer. I suppose I could return them for a lighter shade of gray, since I haven't worn them. Not sure what I would do for a 2nd pair of trousers aside from getting yet another shade of gray.

Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[jackmccullough]

A pair of khakis would go well with the blazer (there's a reason it's a cliche--it looks great). I would consider adding a herringbone tweed jacket. I like the brown/green style of tweed, and it would go well with the khakis; it's also a good look for New England in general.

 

[Matt S]

I like chinos with a blazer, but for business tan or taupe wool trousers are more appropriate. A grey based prince of wales check sport coat as mentioned before would be a great idea. I also like black and white/cream herringbone coats. A grey-toned sport coat would be best with a more grey tan than a gold/yellow/cream type.