[Winhes2]

Assuming the fabrics, cut of the vests and suits, and tints, tones, shades are similar, is there a reason not to do this? It would increase the combinations in one's wardrobe.

There examples of the color combinations:

Blue suit grey vest:

https://goo.gl/images/Gq55sV

https://goo.gl/images/RS2gha

https://goo.gl/images/KTdyu3

https://goo.gl/images/bJDSR5

Grey suit blue vest:

https://goo.gl/images/J42nL5

https://goo.gl/images/SkKa8s

https://goo.gl/images/hRqQwu

 

[Troones]

I recall a similar thread on this topic and I believe a slight majority said it was a good look. The main takeaway being that you just need to realize you're not wearing a three piece suit. You're wearing a two piece and a vest.
I'm all for variety so I say go for it.

Edit: After viewing all the links, I can tell you I don't like any of the grey suit/blue vest combos. It seems that's a look that's tough to do well.

 

[jts287]

Blue suit/gray vest works, imo; gray suit/blue vest not as much.

 

[AJ1982]

I think it works. The tones need to be similar to make it work however.

 

[JBierly]

Of the pictures shown I feel it works best with a blue suit grey vest and then a matching grey tie and PS. (Wedding tie?). I probably wouldn't wear it.

 

[Matt S]

You want the opposite of what you're saying. For this to work, the fabrics should be very different. Different textures and different shades. A dark blue suit can work well with a medium-to-light grey waistcoat in something like doeskin or linen. A grey suit does not work as well with a blue waistcoat, unless it's a dark grey suit with a light blue linen waistcoat or a heavy grey suit with a rich blue doeskin waistcoat. As others have said, this is a difficult look. Mixing and matching pieces from different suits will not work.

 

[paxonus]

You want the opposite of what you're saying. For this to work, the fabrics should be very different. Different textures and different shades. A dark blue suit can work well with a medium-to-light grey waistcoat in something like doeskin or linen. A grey suit does not work as well with a blue waistcoat, unless it's a dark grey suit with a light blue linen waistcoat or a heavy grey suit with a rich blue doeskin waistcoat. As others have said, this is a difficult look. Mixing and matching pieces from different suits will not work.

This ^^^^^ They are called "odd vests" for a reason. A vest from a 3-piece suit will not be interchangeable with a different suit.

 

[Tim Correll]

You want the opposite of what you're saying. For this to work, the fabrics should be very different. Different textures and different shades. A dark blue suit can work well with a medium-to-light grey waistcoat in something like doeskin or linen. A grey suit does not work as well with a blue waistcoat, unless it's a dark grey suit with a light blue linen waistcoat or a heavy grey suit with a rich blue doeskin waistcoat. As others have said, this is a difficult look. Mixing and matching pieces from different suits will not work.

I agree with most of what you said, Matt. I don't like any gray suit blue vest combinations, not even what you described.

 

[Fading Fast]

The only not three-piece suit-vest combo I do is with a sweater vest - v-neck pullover or button-up.

You still have all the texture, tone and style harmonizing issues, but it, for me, it eliminates the challenges that we discuss above.

 

[Matt S]

The only not three-piece suit-vest combo I do is with a sweater vest - v-neck pullover or button-up.

You still have all the texture, tone and style harmonizing issues, but it, for me, it eliminates the challenges that we discuss above.

I only see this working with a tweed or corduroy suit. With anything else a sweater vest will look too formal or too heavy. I love a doeskin waistcoat for a similar look with more formality. They work well with tweed, flannel and serge suits.

 

[Fading Fast]

I only see this working with a tweed or corduroy suit. With anything else a sweater vest will look too formal or too heavy. I love a doeskin waistcoat for a similar look with more formality. They work well with tweed, flannel and serge suits.

There's definitely a balance that has to be maintained. For the finest worsted suits, it simply doesn't work. But I have some mid-weight worsted suits that paired up with a fine-gauge merino sweater look fine.

 

[Winhes2]

Thank you one and all. That is exactly the type of advice I was seeking. You've just enabled me to avoid a couple of mistakes.