Looking more professional, a fashion thread

[brettbrettr]

Monotone is retarded.

[gusmahler]

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I have a couple of Jos A Banks Trios (suit plus an extra pair of slacks) that should meet several of your criteria. They usually go on sale for about $250.

Linky --- I'd suggest black or navy to start.

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Nice link. So is the whole monotone look not good? I rock it a lot and think it looks fairly classy but I am assuming it probably isnt the best for interviews?

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Monotone (meaning matching slacks and jacket) is standard suit. In fact, non-matching slacks and jack isn't considered a suit by many.

[Hey_Porter]

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I have a couple of Jos A Banks Trios (suit plus an extra pair of slacks) that should meet several of your criteria. They usually go on sale for about $250.

Linky --- I'd suggest black or navy to start.

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Nice link. So is the whole monotone look not good? I rock it a lot and think it looks fairly classy but I am assuming it probably isnt the best for interviews?

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Monotone (meaning matching slacks and jacket) is standard suit. In fact, non-matching slacks and jack isn't considered a suit by many.

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I assumed the use of monotone in this thread refers to EXACTLY matching the shirt and tie. I like this on my Godfather for XBOX 360 character; on myself or others, not so much.

[BukNaked36]

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I have a couple of Jos A Banks Trios (suit plus an extra pair of slacks) that should meet several of your criteria. They usually go on sale for about $250.

Linky --- I'd suggest black or navy to start.

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I think the suit you're wearing in your avatar would work.


As far as OP, I only have one thing to say -
MAKE SURE THE COLLAR OF YOUR SHIRT IS COMFORTABLE WHEN BUTTONED UP.

Seems like salesman measure you and give you that size. Don't be afraid to go 1/2" bigger and try it. You'll be wearing that suit all day, so make sure you're comfortable.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

when I first decided to upgrade from khakis to nice pants, I started at Banana Republic. it's not fancy or unique, but they have lots of standard wool charcoal/brown/gray pants that look a whole lot nicer than basic khakis, and will serve as good basic pants for a few years.

for shirts I went to Brooks Brothers and Polo.

now, none of these places are super unique, but you'll be able to find reasonably priced basics and decent prices if you wait until sales, etc.

Zara is kind of like the European BR, and if you are in Vegas, NYC, or Montreal you can find one (maybe other places now too?). their stuff is slightly edgier, slimmer fitting, and cooler looking than BR, but still you can find classic stuff that won't look dumb in 4 years.

both of the above stores can fill your need for work clothing and going out to restaurants/bars when you want to move a level up from fleeces and khakis.

[M2d]

Jared,
there's lots of good advice suite-wise here. I was in the same boat as you, fashion wise, and, over the years i've ended up with a couple of classic suits (one lt brown burberry and one black ungaro) that I picked up cheap at off 5th (saks fifth discount outlet for last year's models). since the suits I got were last year's cuts, they were heavily discounted, but since they were basic, they don't look dated. I also got a navy blazer and a bunch of slacks and nicer khakis.

for basic office wear, check out the banana republic outlet at waikele the next time you're in hawaii. for some reason, they stock the same styles as banana stores/outlets on the mainland, but, since it's honolulu, they have a lot more sweaters and pants (since no one buys them there) on hand. they also have an off fifth there, but i'm not sure if they carry suits. if they do, it'll probably be easy pickings to get something nice for a good price since so few people in hawaii wear them.

[Zeno]

Some general comments:

Take the advice on grey, dark grey, dark blue/grey color combinations for formal suits. Very dark blue/almost black is Ok also depending on the pattern.

Color and pattern coordination are key to formal and causal wear. You can even get away with being “underdressed” if your garments are tasteful; you look presentable and project an air of confidence.

Purchase at least two very good dress shirts, it is very bad form to have a first-class suit and then spoil it with a bad choice of shirt in either pattern, color or form. Same thing can be said for the tie. If you go to an upscale shop at least some of the floor people should be knowledgeable and give you solid advice in picking and choosing ties and shirts and general color and pattern coordination.

Choose patterns that fit your general body shape, and colors that complement your eye and hair color and skin tone. Skin tone is important and this is often overlooked by many (especially men) but is very important. Case in point – some people should never wear a green shirt (or tie) or a yellow one. Others can. You need to get some advice on this – I think the gals at makeup counters have skin tone and color charts that can help you. This is especially important if you do not have a natural eye for color and patterns. All the above comments fit for all types of clothing, from casual wear to what you don for that first job interview or your own wedding.

-Zeno

[Hey_Porter]

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If you go to an upscale shop at least some of the floor people should be knowledgeable and give you solid advice in picking and choosing ties and shirts and general color and pattern coordination.


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This is good advice. Give them the general idea of what you're looking for, and you should get some great options. Even the Nordstroms people usually do good work.

[Jurollo]

Is facial hair really frowned upon in the corporate world. For instance if I had a neatly trimmed beard is that a big no no?

[4_2_it]

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Is facial hair really frowned upon in the corporate world. For instance if I had a neatly trimmed beard is that a big no no?

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Depends on the company. You would be in the minority in most big companies.

Much better to get the job first and then grow the beard while on vacation [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I suggest you forget about working for the Yankees.