prs362 wrote:Anonymous User wrote:I'm an associate at a business formal firm. I don't know anything about overcoats. I'm thinking of buying a navy overcoat. Okay to wear with any color suit (other than black)?
Would be interested in this as well. New to the Northeast, and thus new to overcoats in general. Black overcoat for the typical dark navy suit? Or is it a dark navy overcoat? A link to any commonly accepted overcoats would be greatly appreciated.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between an overcoat and a topcoat. An overcoat is longer, fuller, and heavier, whereas a topcoat is generally shorter (above the knee), typically a bit slimmer in cut, and lighter in material. I'd say most guys our age wear topcoats, but I own both and wear both. I generally wear a longer, heavier overcoat with my suit, and my shorter, lighter topcoat with anything else.
I would go with black or charcoal for your first overcoat, not navy. Those are the most versatile and will go with just about anything. You could even go with a tan camelhair color as well, if you want to branch out, but I'd stick with with charcoal or black for your first coat.
Here's a solid guide to the different types of coats, courtesy of Art of Manliness:
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/12/1 ... overcoats/. They conflate topcoat and overcoat, but it's very informative. I'd get something similar to the Chesterfield in their guide. (Pretty sure that's an old Brooks Brothers coat, based on the model.) You might want to go a little bit longer, closer to the knee, but I personally like the simple, three or four button look with no frills. Pair that up with a nice scarf and you'll look great.
As with anything, make sure it fits. You want to have a little extra room in there if you're wearing a suit underneath.
Also, to the anon above, I hope you aren't wearing black suits to your office.
