01 April 2009

The Green Suit (maiden voyage)

After no small amount of consideration (and the helpful advice of many of my dear readers) the olive green sack suit made it's maiden voyage today:

A somewhat dreary Boston day with temperatures in the low 50s made this lightweight suit layered over a vest sweater the perfect option for a bike ride to work. Finish it off with my newly re-soled and re-heeled wingtips.And for good measure, a pink pocket square. (Don't trust the color in this photo. The shirt is white and the square is quite definitely pink). A drab color palette with a tiny punch to remind us that though it may be cloudy and cool, Spring is still in the air.

The Fair Isle sweater was a tricky choice. Part of me thinks such a thing is a distinctly fall item, but another part of me feels pretty sure that it was the sweater and the bow tie that made this outfit today. I suppose the conclusion is this: olive green may be a drab color, but as a suit it requires careful thought and an unexpected degree of the old sprezzatura to be carried off without looking like a frumpy grandpa.

Next time I think I'll try it with a knit tie and a dark plaid shirt...or maybe even with boat shoes and a tennis shirt come Summer.

p.s. "suit and sweater" is a between season combo that's due for a comeback. Who else will pick up the torch?

16 comments:

SB7 said...

I'm not sure I have enough of the old sprezzatura to qualify as a co-torch bearer, but I had actually planned on throwing a newly acquired cotton v-neck on under my suit tomorrow.

I've also always wanted a green suit but was unsure of what to do with it, so I'm eagerly anticipating what else you do with this one. So far so good though.

Percy Chatsworth said...

the fair isle sweater really makes the outfit. Then again, fair isle can always add a perfect touch to any outfit!

Young Fogey said...

The outfit looks great! Now--did you look great in it?

I like the sweater vest combo. Excellent way to wear a bow tie, because that way there's not too much shirt showing, as would be the case w/o a vest.

Cyclo2000 said...

I've been known to wear a v neck underneath my waistcoat with a 3 piece suit but then it is bloody cold in Glasgow most of the time,even in summer.

Very nice look that Guiseppe. Well worked. Here, I'm gonna have to get the burd to start taking me picture every AM and post those, instead of the softcore porn that I've been putting up lately.
http://cyclingweakly.blogspot.com/

Kim said...

DOTR actually has a suit that color (it's not a heavy wool, though, since we live in the South) and he usually pairs it with a light yellow shirt--it's actually one of his better looks, as you know he can't dress himself at all. He definitely needs a valet or butler to pick out his clothes.

Oh wait, that's why he has me.

Pitboss12 said...

The outfit looks pretty good in the full body pic. It's too warm where I am to help carry that torch.

Zingiber said...

Very snazzy. Very Siegried Farnon.

mace40 said...

Not only the Fair Isle sweater, but with the questionable suit!

I really like the result, I would have coupled it with a long tie, but your bow looks just fine.

Keep up the great work!

initials CG said...

Giuseppe,
I believe I've been following your posts since the beginning, and I have to say you have evolved into a real rake. You manage to put together beautiful combinations and you make them work in wonderful settings. Blew me away you cycling gear!

I think this is due to many factors: upbringing, experience, culture and so on. More so, however, a tight budget. Yes, that's where creativity and real elegance merge. I guess that's what you hoped for.

Always great fun to see you posts!

And just wait until you start rolling in some money! Massimiliano Fuksas, who?

The Eccentric Orange Gentleman said...

This is a look I wear very often. I just wear sleeveless sweaters.

FIXED BAYONET METAL SOLDIERS said...

No man, the only people who wea54r green suits are Irish libertines.They just don't go " lòose it

Christina - WhatsInYourManPurse.com said...

The fairisle sweater is AMAZING!

fractalshift said...

I've been wearing the combo for years now...you are not alone!

FIXED BAYONET METAL SOLDIERS said...

Please as I said bottle green really really sucks big time.I'm not joking.

Giuseppe said...

Good thing you're not wearing then.

FIXED BAYONET METAL SOLDIERS said...

I live in Milan and you'd never see anyone in Bottle green.