The Stigma of the Black Suit

Somber. This was a word that was used to describe me a few times - namely when I wore my black suit. Wearing a black suit is an experience. It seemed as though anyone that even noticed I was wearing the suit in the first place immediately asked if I was going to a funeral. A wake shouldn't be the only reason to wear a black suit. While I'm fairly partial to gray as well, black is still my favorite color to wear. If you like black suits as well (sorry ladies this one is a little hard to relate to) this is something to take interest in.

It's rare to see a black suit in the media unless it's some sort of awards show. The classic "cool-but-generic" guys can wear black suits like The Transporter or Hitman. Reservoir Dogs did a nice job in portraying how wearing a black suit can be used. Not...cutting off ears or anything, but it just shows that it's not impossible to look sharp if not little mysterious. The black suit is my Sunday best. Wearing it to the local IHOP is an interesting experiment on reactions, I recommend it for anyone looking for some extra entertainment as they eat their chocolate chip pancakes. School is no different. From my many encounters with curious schoolmates or teachers, here are some techniques that I employed to get around some of the stigma of the black suit.

If you don't mind dressing out of sync, try just wearing the jacket. I regularly wear the black top with jeans or other dark slacks just because I am so attached to the jacket. No one will ask you if you're going to a funeral if you're wearing denim. Well, at least anyone who thinks you respect any of your deceased family, friends, acquaintances, what have you. Pants are fairly important in throwing people off the funeral track. If you're wearing a matching set, people will either avoid you or stare at you in wonder. "What's that guy doing here instead of being at the funeral he's definitely going to?"

While I despise it, people unbutton the top two or even three buttons on their collard shirts underneath. The "casual" overtone this provides will help convey the fact you're dressing in black because you chose to, not because you're being forced to. If you're feeling especially daring, bring the collars from under the lapels. Now, I'll admit it that some people look decent like that, me not being one of them. Just be careful not to get anything too flashy or you'll end up looking like a cocaine-lord of the 80's. Unless you're into that kind of thing.

Thirdly, wearing a colored tie can throw off the immediate thought of going to a funeral if you're in a black suit. A red tie is nice. I personally wear a blue one that doesn't do much to distract from my usually serious mood, but getting used to talking about your suit is well worth it. Black ties are still the standard protocol for me, however a shock of red is nice to see. Make sure it's a subtle pattern, though. Black suits hardly go well with overly-patterned silk.

Finally, you can just wear the suit and take it. A black tie, a black suit, a white shirt. The classic look is something that is unfortunately attached to something as grievous as a funeral. While a funeral is indeed appropriate for the black suit treatment, but a funeral is a gathering to pay respect to someone. What better way to pay respect someone than showing up to your final meeting neatly dressed and pressed? At the end of the day, after wearing the black suit, something just makes you feel good. It's a little hard to explain, but anyone who has done it should know the feeling. It's a mixture between satisfaction and relief. Dealing with the stigma of the black suit can be tiring, but being able to wear your favorite set of clothes is well worth it.