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I have a business meeting and no clothes to suit the occasion...

post #1 of 13
2/6/12 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone,

I have a business meeting at the end of this month and I need something to wear!

My office has a casual dress code so I haven't needed a suit for quite some time. My current suits are cheap and horribly fitted. I'm 5"9, 10 stone / 140lbs and I always seem to have difficulty finding a well fitted suit given how slim I am. I've had a read through the slim-fit shirt guide thread and its been helpful, however a lot of the recommendations are for retailers based in the US, however i'm in the UK.

I'm considering just investing in a nice pair of shoes, trousers and a shirt at this stage, instead of a full suit. Is this a good idea?

Further questions I hope you guys can help with;

1) How much will I need to spend to get a decent, well fitted suit or trousers?

2) I'm looking at some Burberry London trousers - is this a good idea or should I get some tailored trousers (if so where from)?

3) Where can I buy (very)slim-fit shirts in the UK - Would I be better off getting a tailored shirt (if so where from)?

4) What are some good brands of shoe to look out for?

I would really appreciate your help on this guys! I know there is alot to answer!

Many thanks

Hennree
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post #2 of 13
2/6/12 at 8:40am
I'd focus most of your funds on the shoe purchase. If you get that one right, you'll have a shoe that will last you a long time, one that will look great, feel great, and work well with a variety of outfits. I gather that in London this pretty much limits you to black. It's also an area where there's just no way to avoid spending a pretty pence if you want to get something nice. How much are you looking to spend? Check out the shoes available on the A Fine Pair of Shoes site (link to the right). I'd suggest looking at Alfred Sargeant.

For shirts, there are a variety of online options that can make you a pretty decent fitted shirt for not too much money. Try MyTailor or Modern Tailor.

For trousers, I think you can probably get better quality for the money than Burberry. If you don't have a suit, you should probably just go for that. Wil others at your business meeting be wearing a suit? I'd suggest going down to the Suit Supply store right off Savile Row and trying on a few things. They also have a made-to-measure program you can ask about if nothing off the peg fits you well.
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post #3 of 13
2/6/12 at 9:04am
If I were in that situation I would get myself measured and then search ebay for something that might work. If I couldn't find anything there, I would then check some shops.
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post #4 of 13
2/6/12 at 12:09pm
If you're in the UK and am still thinking about suits, go check out Marks and Spencer. Not only do they make the elusive size 34 in certain models, but their "Limited Collection" is super slim as well. You can also buy the jacket and pants separately in order to get the best fit. I've handled a couple of their stuff and quality's not bad, but definitely not high-end.

I'd definitely start there.
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post #5 of 13
2/6/12 at 12:40pm
!) I really would say, if you really want a well fitted suiting garment, go MTM or Bespoke, expect £1000 or about that for a garment that will last for ages.

2) For cheap, I always like M&S, but also look at H&M, if budget is loose, look for Hackett, and you always can get bespoke trousers, it depends where you get it but most place will be fine for that

3) I really like hawes & curtis shirt, check it out on their website or london, you don't want super trim fit, but a slim cut will do, also Brooks Brother shirts are excellent, my one last for 6 years and still fresh

4) I am very snobby on shoes, look for Crokett & Jones, but also Herring shoes might be a good choice for starter. My all time favorite are George Cleverley semi bespoke range

Good luck and spend your money wise

+1 on the M&S suiting but they are very low quality,except their £500 ones but they don't come in small sizes
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post #6 of 13
2/6/12 at 12:43pm
Shoes
http://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/collections/uk-size-9-a-z/products/alfred-sargent-epsom-1

shirt
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/White-poplin-tailored-fit-shirt?q=gbpdefault|tailored-fit|FD002WHT|||||||||||||#

tie
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men%27s-ties/view-all/Sky-natte-woven-tie-?q=gbpdefault||TW765SKY|||||||||||||&page=2#

suit
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men%27s-suits/men%27s-business-suits/Navy-twill-tailored-fit-2-button-suit?q=gbpdefault||EPA02NAV|||||||||||||#

total damage

470gbp

The suit is fused, but it fits slimly and will last just fine. I have a couple standard CT suits as beaters and they are actually not bad for an inexpensive fused product.
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post #7 of 13
2/6/12 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quadcammer View Post

Shoes
http://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/collections/uk-size-9-a-z/products/alfred-sargent-epsom-1
shirt
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/White-poplin-tailored-fit-shirt?q=gbpdefault|tailored-fit|FD002WHT|||||||||||||#
tie
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men%27s-ties/view-all/Sky-natte-woven-tie-?q=gbpdefault||TW765SKY|||||||||||||&page=2#
suit
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men%27s-suits/men%27s-business-suits/Navy-twill-tailored-fit-2-button-suit?q=gbpdefault||EPA02NAV|||||||||||||#
total damage
470gbp
The suit is fused, but it fits slimly and will last just fine. I have a couple standard CT suits as beaters and they are actually not bad for an inexpensive fused product.

Interesting that you didn't also recommend some of the CT shoes.
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post #8 of 13
2/6/12 at 1:34pm
eh, something like this is always fine, but I think sargent is better quality at nearly the same price.

http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men%27s-shoes/men%27s-business-shoes/Black-calf-leather-Oxford-shoes?q=gbpdefault||MC003BLK|||||||||||||#
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post #9 of 13
2/7/12 at 2:37am
Exactly the CT model I had in mind!

AS Exclusive & Handgrade are undoubtably of high quality.

The renewed AS 'Classic' line I'm really not sure about. IMHO they are at best comparable quality to some of the Loakes I've seen which typically retail at £70 less than the AS and I think the Loakes will be better.

Only the Country themed offerings in this AS 'classic' range such as the Dumfries and Appleby with double soles are worth consideration IMHO, but typically prices are £200+ and in that price bracket you can find far superior shoes & boots.

With regards to the OP question I think I'd go with a complete CT outfit - it's a very decent budget option, which when worn won't look cheap.
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post #10 of 13
2/7/12 at 5:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Northampton Novice View Post

Exactly the CT model I had in mind!
AS Exclusive & Handgrade are undoubtably of high quality.
The renewed AS 'Classic' line I'm really not sure about. IMHO they are at best comparable quality to some of the Loakes I've seen which typically retail at £70 less than the AS and I think the Loakes will be better.
Only the Country themed offerings in this AS 'classic' range such as the Dumfries and Appleby with double soles are worth consideration IMHO, but typically prices are £200+ and in that price bracket you can find far superior shoes & boots.
With regards to the OP question I think I'd go with a complete CT outfit - it's a very decent budget option, which when worn won't look cheap.

And one stop shopping!
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post #11 of 13
2/7/12 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 
Great advice guys thanks for your help! I may go with a CT outfit and buy a pair of trousers too so I can mix things up in future...

Can anyone name somewhere I can buy decent trousers? I was looking at Burberry but apparently I can get better for less £££?

Thank you
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post #12 of 13
2/7/12 at 10:20am
I nominate this guy for best new member question. He seems genuinely interested and appreciative, unlike many of the others who ask similar questions.
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post #13 of 13
2/7/12 at 10:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hennree View Post

Great advice guys thanks for your help! I may go with a CT outfit and buy a pair of trousers too so I can mix things up in future...
Can anyone name somewhere I can buy decent trousers? I was looking at Burberry but apparently I can get better for less £££?
Thank you

Howard Yount is a good option IMHO
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