Acceptable Suit Patterns/Textures

Looking for suits right now and was wondering what is acceptable in terms of going beyond just a solid color. I know that bold pin stripes should definitely be avoided.

Is something like the image attached ok?

And in terms of color, I know to avoid black and to go with Charcoal, Navy, and Grey. However how light can the colours be, are the following too light. (Note: I am only using the images as colour references)

Thanks for the feedback.

11 Comments
 

In terms of suit patterns, I wouldn't stray too far from a solid pattern for junior-level finance positions. A subtle herringbone pattern or a "sharkskin" look that worsted wool suits provide is ok, but beyond that is a no-no IMO.

 
Eric StrattonYou're working at a funeral home, right?
+1. Black suits are reserved for extremely formal occasions. Charcoal or navy
 

Wear the plain black one with a light blue shirt and a somewhat colorful/interesting looking tie. Were these suits gifts or something? Whatever happened to purchasing a plain charcoal or blue suit?

 

With the exception of reddog, all the above posters are apparently unable to answer a simple question. The question was "which is the better option," not "are either of these great options?"

Honestly, it depends on how garish the pattern on the one suit is. The blazer in the picture isn't really business-appropriate, and the fabric swatch looks maybe more trad than business-appropriate (but it's just a swatch so it's hard to say). If the patterned suit is really gaudy, go with the black suit. No, it's not charcoal or navy, but you're not going to look like any funeral employee I've seen if you follow reddog's suggestion and go with a light blue shirt and a colorful tie. A black suit wouldn't be anybody's first choice for a first day of work, but you could do worse with a chalk-stripe power suit or something.

WSO has its fashion gestapo, but you're starting work; they've already hired you. Unless this job is at GQ, they're not going to fire you for wearing a black suit.

One of those lights, slightly brighter than the rest, will be my wingtip passing over.
 

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