Dress Pants - Where to start

[Tropical Tony]

I have recently decided to take my wardrobe seriously and looking at tackling a whole bunch of different areas - however one of my priorities is some nice clothes for evening dinners at nice restaurants or cocktail bars. I wanted to get some dress pants - but am struggling to get my head around colours and fabrics and looking for some advice please.

I live in the tropics where it is hot and humid all year round, so am looking at fresco wool or Irish linen for the pants - and would probably feel comfortable starting out with beige or grey pants to begin with, but would like thoughts on what fabric and colour shirts would match? Can also consider jackets (I’ve got a few blue, brown and grey sports coats) but for now just want to get the pants and shirt match right.

I’m also intending to experiment with a high rise, pleats and cuffs for these pants. I’m in my early forties, 5’8 and 180lbs with a bit of a belly. I’m also liking the idea of side adjusters over belt loops.

Lastly, suggestions on shoes to match? I’m thinking maybe a suede penny loafer.

Appreciate any thoughts people have.

 

[paxonus]

If you plan on wearing a jacket I would suggest suspenders. You say you have some belly, so side adjusters will not keep your pants at the right height. Another benefit of suspenders is you can wear the pants a bit loose at the waist making for greater comfort.

As for color you cannot go wrong with grey pants and light blue or white shirts. Dark brown also works well. Sans tie, go for an interesting collar. Given your climate you might even consider a camp collar worn on top of your jacket. Or a one piece collar. Fresco will of course wrinkle less than linen, although a heavier linen will wrinkle less than a lighter one.

 

[dieworkwear]

You will rarely go wrong with trousers in light grey, mid grey, and tan.

Regarding shoes, you can wear mid to dark brown shoes that are not oxfords or sneakers. Loafers, derbies, chukkas, etc. All of these are fine with odd trousers.

Regarding trouser fabric, tropical wool is best to start.

 

[Tropical Tony]

Thanks a lot both. Would an OCBD work with fresco wool or should I be looking to other fabrics? Linen blends?

 

[dieworkwear]

Thanks a lot both. Would an OCBD work with fresco wool or should I be looking to other fabrics? Linen blends?

Personally not a fan of tailored trousers worn with a dress shirt but not a jacket. I don't think the shirt material matters very much if you do this, as it will read as "business casual" either way.

 

[Tropical Tony]

Personally not a fan of tailored trousers worn with a dress shirt but not a jacket. I don't think the shirt material matters very much if you do this, as it will read as "business casual" either way.

Thanks. What would go better without a jacket? Or is jacket the only way? Coming from somewhere always hot I’m loathe to limit myself to jacket-only outfits.