Q. Can I wear a pinstripe suit to a funeral?

A. Pinstripes are generally associated with the business setting, so they are usually reserved for the office. However, a dark and conservative pinstripe suit is appropriate to wear in paying your respects. A black or charcoal suit is highly acceptable for a funeral dress code. Pair your suit with a black tie and some polished black dress shoes.

Q. What shoes should I wear with my pinstripe suit?

A. Try not to clash your footwear with your pinstripe suit. Dress shoes such as Oxfords, monkstraps, and loafers in solid colors (brown and black) are great options for a business meeting, while white sneakers are a good casual option.

Q. Can I wear a Pinstripe suit without a tie?

A. For casual meetings, open your top button and lose your tie when wearing a pinstripe suit. This option is also suitable for gigs in the summer. Another option is to pair your pinstripe suit with a turtleneck shirt or a roll neck for a ’60s-inspired vibe.

Q. Can someone wear a pinstripe suit to a black-tie event?

A. Unfortunately, you can’t. The black-tie dress code calls for a tuxedo, which means you must wear either a black, midnight blue or an off-white DJ. Pinstripe suits won’t work even for a “black-tie optional” dress code.

Q. What makes striped suits special?

A. For short men, narrow pinstripes are recommended as they make you look taller. Though wearing stripes won’t necessarily make you look taller, they will make you appear less short. Short, thin men look best in tightly spaced pinstripes, whereas heavier guys who are short can wear more widely spaced stripes if they so choose, which will help fill out their frame. Horizontal stripes are also best suited to men with tall, slender structures. Meanwhile, big men may or may not need the illusion of height, but they do need the illusion of slimness. As with height, stripes won’t make you appear thin, but they will draw minimal attention to your weight.