The stripe is having a field day in fashion lately, swiping across tee shirts and sweaters, darting down pants and through socks in an array of dashing colors. Sure enough, the stripes stodgy cousin, the pinstripe, wants to get in on the action, taking a cue from fashion and getting a make over in the process. No longer relegated to the realm of the conservative banker, the pinstripe is breaking free from long held stereotypes and appearing, now, in much hipper, younger arenas.
A blessing for shorter, stockier men, the thin pinstripe elongates and slims. And, while it’s not an obvious choice for lankier fellows, for everyone else, the pinstripe suit hits the perfect note down the middle between casual and formal. It works for business meetings and first dates, and from Broadway plays to dinner with the parents.
Pair your pinstripe ensemble with something solid, either the shirt or the tie. For the average man, it’s just too difficult to pull off three patterns. Any pattern you do choose needs to be small and tight so as not to interfere with the overall pinstripe look.
Wear the look elegantly with French cuffs, cufflinks and, perhaps even a contrasting collar. Try pinstripes in a more contemporary way with a thickly knotted tie and a spread collar for a striking “look at me” effect. Or, simply play up the sophisticated nature of the suit by choosing a white shirt and a tie that picks up one of the pinstripe colors for tight, pulled together appeal.
