As summer gives way to the fall and winter months, there are several things that I eagerly anticipate. One of them is the arrival of a freshly delivered cord of wood, signaling the imminent enjoyment of our first indoor fire of the season. Another is the prospect of witnessing the picturesque landscape adorned with a blanket of snow—a sight that I, being from Upstate New York, genuinely appreciate. Additionally, I find joy in retrieving my heavy wool coats from storage, ready to embrace the colder weather. And, as you might have guessed, there is one more thing that I eagerly await: the opportunity to swap my cotton and linen suits for what I consider to be the epitome of suit styles—the chalkstripe flannel suit.
It’s challenging to put into words, but there is an indescribable allure to a chalkstripe flannel suit. Undoubtedly, it exudes a certain level of formality, as is expected from any suit. However, what sets it apart is the perfect balance it strikes between formal elegance and effortless, casual sophistication.
I realize that “formal” and “casual sophistication” may seem incompatible. How can something be both of those at the same time? But in the case of the chalkstripe flannel suit, I really believe they’re two sides of the same coin. I said it was hard to describe.
So for those looking for a fall/winter suit that can do formal and not necessarily feel so formal, look no further than a gray chalkstripe flannel suit.
What is a Chalkstripe Suit?
The chalkstripe is a popular style for menswear connoisseurs and is named after the line made by a tailor’s chalk. This particular stripe style is typically long, vertical, and continuous, with the stripes consisting of two to five threads woven directly into the suit material. While not as pronounced as pinstripes, chalk stripes add an elegant touch to any suit.
The spacing between the stripes can vary, and typically the narrower the spacing, the more formal the attire appears. Additionally, the spacing between stripes can affect the overall appearance of the suit, with wider stripes giving a more bold and daring look, and narrower stripes giving a more subtle and sophisticated look.
Overall, the chalkstripe flannel suit is a versatile option for those looking to add some variety to their suit wardrobe and take their menswear game to the next level.
How to Dress It Up Formally: My Formula
When I’m styling this particular suit for a formal occasion, I always stick to the same basic formula: white poplin shirt, black cap toe oxfords, and a black grenadine tie. The extreme high contrast of these items paired with the mid-tone gray of the suit creates a very harmonious (and formal) appearance.
You may be inclined to ask why I chose a grenadine tie, which is generally a notch down on the formality scale for neckwear. Wouldn’t a nice 50oz silk number have been better?
And, to that, I would say “better” is subjective.