Black Blazer/ Odd Jacket

[Scot]

Black suits should be confined to priests and undertakers. But can a black blazer or odd jacket work? If so, in what cloth, and what trouser, shirt and tie combinations would work with it?

[Manself]

Apart from tailcoats and DJs I can't think of any jacket for which black is the best colour. My taste has slowly morphed to the point that I find black unacceptably dull even for formal clothes - I suspect my next DJ won't be black, and at Ascot this year I saw a man in dark blue tailcoat that looked great.

[ajbjasus]

I have a softly constructed Armani one in a large, soft LArge herringbone weave with dark brown & black buttons. I find it really useful and will get another one made when it gives up the ghost

[jgmounts]

Yes.The stroller.Bring it back asap.It is most smart, practical and modern.Very dark gray,oxford,is however,even better than black.

[Costi]

Yes.The stroller.Bring it back asap.It is most smart, practical and modern.Very dark gray,oxford,is however,even better than black.

I agree, that's what I also thought about when I read the post - but it can't really function as a blazer, it remains (semi)formal: you can't really wear it with oxford shirt, ascot, gray flannels and brown slipons.
Scot, if you like B&W striped or checked wool trousers, pale coloured shirts (or discreetly striped, or with white collars), black shoes and fantaisie ties (not necessarily gray or B&W), go for it. SB or DB, as you prefer, with or without waistoats. Daywear only and nothing too informal.

[Scot]

What defines a stroller?

[Etutee]

What defines a stroller?

Lol! I thought we had discussed that enough so everyone knew. Anyways, it is an American term for a black/oxford gray jacket used as a semi-formal day wear garment, a step below formal day wear (cutaway morning coat.) It is the same relation what dinner jacket is to tailcoat.
In modern times especially in USA if you wear it, people often think you are wearing a sport coat even when properly accessorized. However, as Costi has mentioned earlier, it is indeed a striking combination if done appropriately in regards to our times.

Below is a nice picture

[Costi]

With respect to a normal odd coat, you mean? The colour and cloth (same as for morning coat), lack of vents, possibly no (or tucked in) pocket flaps.

[Scot]

With respect to a normal odd coat, you mean? The colour and cloth (same as for morning coat), lack of vents, possibly no (or tucked in) pocket flaps.

Exactly Costi. When does a black odd coat become a stroller etc etc. I rather think that if I went for a SB ventless black coat with grey striped trousers I would look uncannily like Cpt. Mainwaring from Dad's Army.

[Simon A]

I think it can look pretty sharp. Here is an example of the British Civil Service "uniform" of the 1940's (from "The Battle of Britain").

[Costi]

Scot, I don't quite see the elegance potential of a black odd jacket. Black remains a formal colour to me. The cut and context may vary the degree of formality, like moving up and down the scale of a radio; if you want to jump from long waves to FM though, you need to turn a switch first: leisure wear uses cloth and colour differently. Beyond appropriateness, there are so many great alternatives for making an odd jacket, it is where you can best express your taste, your personality, that it seems a shame to confine yourself to black. Cheer up!