Don't waste your limited $$ on an expensive suit. You'll need to spend that money next year to buy one that fits and looks expensive for interviews. Nobody expects first years to be very well dressed, especially professors of whom expectations are often even lower. If you're in an understated but well fitting jacket, you will stand out amongst the rumples.
Brown chinos huh? Something dark bluish? Wear the pants with the white shirt & brown shoes when you go shopping. That way you know right away what works & what doesn't. At this point, fit is way more important than almost anything but price.
If you have an outlet mall near you, hit it. J.Crew for a pair of khakis (more versatile than the brown) and maybe a new shirt (iron it), Banana Republic for a jacket off the sale rack. You're looking for dark and no patterns that pop. If you have a Nordstrom Rack it would be worth the trip if only because they will have a ton of stuff for you to try on without getting pressed by suit salesmen. Consider a blue blazer. Get one that fits & treat it right and you'll still have it in 15 years.
Are these the clothes the folks on this form live for? No, but they're what you need and right now your money is headed for other places. You can try Target too, but don't be afraid to walk out if it doesn't fit (and at this point, off-the-rack fit is really what you're looking for) and doesn't meet your price point.
I'm involved in my law school often and I see new lawyers coming into my courthouse all the time. If your cloths fit, you'll be way ahead of the game. You sound like a tough fit between 42 & 44 in a jacket, so just start trying stuff on.
