Braces Question

[S.Otto]

Hello Esteemed Members of this fine virtual establishment. I would first of like to thank all the contributors and staff of this forum; it has been interesting to learn about sartorial elegance, the origins of garments, and how to put things together. Secondly, thanks for all the wonderful illustrations, articles, pictures, and tidbits that have been posted. Now to my question, it is about braces and City dress or business attire. I have a small collection of braces and a number of the unique and rather fetching ones have brown leather button fasteners and I feel uncomfortable wearing that with black shoes. Would it be a faux pas to wear them with black shoes, belt, and City dress? It seems very insignificant but to me it is the small details that make one well dressed. For instance, wearing ones top hat slightly forward and cocked to an angle as opposed to wearing it straight and level on the head. The former looks very rakish while, the latter plain. Thanks to all respondents in advance.

Stephen Otto in Atlanta

[kirsch]

I remember an article in GQ (yeah...I don't like the mag, but...) stating that all should match, whether it's braces or a belt.

I usually try to match, but I understand what you're saying, though. It's a pain to have the exact same braces, just with a different color of leather on such a small part.

Most of the time, though, unless I am in a formal situation or a situation where I need to be conservative (like an interview or meeting with some important folks), I use my own judgment and kind of do what I want. I guess it's both fashionable to follow the rules--or even to break them every now and again. Think about folks who wear loud socks...

Oh, and, welcome, fellow Atlantan!

--Chris

[the tailor]

Welcome Stephen,

My favourite braces are my British Army issued ones, I always wear them, because they mean so much to ME, and I love them.

Elastic, yes elastic straps, with light brown leather tabs!!

[S.Otto]

Thanks for the response.

I will be wearing them during my summer internship; I hate wearing belts with suits. So, the situation will be formal. It is not like I'll be taking my jacket off but in the case that it does show. I'm just self conscious about stuff like that. When I'm in casual situations I don't care much, like you Kirsch, about matching leather colors so serious.

Hey Kirsch, not to many Atlantans on here. Its nice to hear that I'm not the only one here.

Stephen Otto in Atlanta

[DD MacDonald]

Lucky you - black tab braces seem far more available than brown tab. You gotta match the leater to your shoes if you can. I've had to special order them from Thurstons and then the brown is a tan more than a mid brown (though a little dressing takes care of that easily enough).

DDM

[HappyStroller]

I think pants made for attaching braces should not have belt loops; therefore, belts should not be worn with braces.

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Would it be a faux pas to wear them with black shoes, belt, and City dress?
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Stephen Otto in Atlanta

[S.Otto]

I think pants made for attaching braces should not have belt loops; therefore, belts should not be worn with braces.

...<snipped>...
Would it be a faux pas to wear them with black shoes, belt, and City dress?
...<snipped>...
Stephen Otto in Atlanta

Oh, thats an error in conveying my query. Most of my pants don't have belt loops. I agree with you; I also think that if it has belt loops wear a belt with it or don't wear them at all. The pants I do have with belt loops are gifts from my God father. If not for that I probably wouldn't wear them much because I hate belts with a passion!!!!

[edhayes]

a lot of braces can be bought with whilte ends which you can wear with anything, I don't wear brown ends with black shoes.

[HappyStroller]

Isn't it possible to remove the brown leather button fasteners, replacing them with whatever colour fasteners you feel are more appropriate? This would be the case if they were attached with screws.

[S.Otto]

Isn't it possible to remove the brown leather button fasteners, replacing them with whatever colour fasteners you feel are more appropriate? This would be the case if they were attached with screws.

A few of them can be but, I guess I can invest in some new pairs and change a few. Thanks for all the responses.

Stephen Otto in Atlanta

[Sir Royston]

Try Albert Thurston for a wonderful range of Braces

[chelsea]

I have just experienced marvellous client service at Albert Thurston - the first time I had bought direct. .

Yesterday afternoon I ordered online some braces from Thurston. I was astonished to find them waiting for me at home this evening when I returned from work.

I was also pleasantly surprised that postage and packing was included in the online price.


Chelsea

[S.Otto]

Sir Royston,

Thurston is way out of a college boy's( you would say University boy's) budget. I was able to get 1 pair from a thrift store and man to do appreciate it. It is a light bluish purple hue. Goes well with blue & pink shirts.

Thanks for all the replies, gents.
\
S. Otto