MisterGrey said:Looking at vintage derbies/bowlers, it seems they were nominally black in the UK, with some brown occasionally cropping up in the US. During the bowler's reign, were shades of brown simply not a popular suit color for men, or was it seen as acceptable to match a black derby with a brown outfit?
We had this topic of black vs. light a few times, here. Speaking for Europe, black was definately predominant in bowlers and formal hats.
The general rule for suits and hats still is: light colours are fine during the day. After five they have to pave way for black, dark and subdued accessoir schemes. Only exeption: white dinner jacket in summer.
Coming back to brown. Brown was certinly around, but considered a day colour.
By the way, I do not know if you still experience this on the other side of the pond. One major reason for being properly dressed when going out certinly was, that one was not admitted access to restaurants, grand hotels, and other "style premises" without adequate dress.