First post ... seeking advice on professional attire upgrades - Page 2

thanks for the replies ... let me try to get at these points -

i'll check out suit supply when i can get into the city - school keeps me really busy but i could probably get in there in a weekend or two.

the AE park ave is what i was looking at, as well as the kenilworth - they look pretty similar and theyre comparably priced, but i'm trying to keep the cost of the shoes below two hundred bc, basically, i just dont have much money right now.

that's also why brooks brothers is not really in consideration - the suits are nice (from what i can tell at least, which isnt saying much), but they're out of my range.  Partly because i may need to get another suit when i get a job in the next month or two.

Custom made sounds great, but i dont know any where to go, and i'm assuming this is also going to be too expensive for me at this time, but i'd like to start thinking about the future as well, so i'm going to keep an eye out.

- I dont need suits for law school, that is, not for class.  I wear jeans to and sneakers to class, although if i can find a cheap enough pair of brown shoes i'll probably start to mix them in.  I recently got a pair of trousers (BR), and actually theyre really comfortable and don't clash with the stye of clothes i usually wear. I also have a pair of slip on CK's, which are nice enough to wear with trousers and a sweater casually and still look presentable.

That said, I'm already interviewing, and i only have one suit, a dark charcoal, and the fit is ok but not great. It's useable, but I feel like i need a navy suit ASAP, and the corporate shoes to go with it, so I dont look like i have no idea what i'm doing.

So, with all that in mind, I'm not really looking to get clothes to put the finishing touches on my wardrobe, i'm looking really to get started on building a wardrobe of professional clothes, and i hate wasting my money or buying things that end up being worthless or inadequate for the purpose.

So, a couple questions:

Can i get away with AE provo or CH air adams for a starter pair of shoes, or should I wait and try to get a sale or used pair of park aves/kenilworths?

Also, i ordered the BR tailored fit navy suit the other day, and i'm waiting for it to get here. Im going to try it, see how it is, bc it's in the price range i was looking for, but I have the option to return it and try to get something from suitsupply.

And, has anyone tried indochino?  I'm sure this is going to go down in flames, but I'm curious to hear some opinions  ... 

Thanks again for the all help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CousinDonuts 

There is a massive Indochino thread on this forum with lots of bad and some good opinions. I have 2 IC suits that turned out fine, but I already had a decent handle on my measurements before wading in those waters. If you don't, it could be a nightmare. Or you could get lucky. Crapshoot.
Something in a cap toe is more SF-approved. Those Provo's are meh to my eye. i think they look like teacher shoes from Payless. But the Park Avenue model is on the SF list.
While it is good advice to buy the best quality you can, sometimes you just don't have money now. I see nothing wrong with stepping down a level at the moment, and then buying the better stuff when you have the JD after your name and a 6-figure income. Cole Haan will do just fine. Maybe the Air Madison Wing oxford or Adams cap toe. Buy a black and a dark brown. Keep them shined and they'll look better than the dude who paid 3x more but doesn't take care of them.
If you have a bunch of mixers and networking events that don't require suits, a navy blazer will take you far. You can wear it with khaki, medium gray, gray plaid, or brown plaid (BR has both I think) trousers. One jacket + a crisp white shirt + a crisp light blue shirt + 4 pairs of trousers + black shoes + brown shoes equals a bunch of looks that will get you through most events.
As you learn about this stuff keep a mental tally of items you really like but can't afford, and look for sales. Every now and then you stumble upon a great price and it all falls into place.

Thanks alot, that's really helpful.  I can manage to get a couple pairs of trousers, some well-fitting shirts, and a blazer.  

As far as the shoes go, can I ask your opinion on the Florshiem Kenmoor cap-toe?

http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/17108-01.html

vs. the park avenue and vs the air adams cap toe?

Thanks again,

z

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShoeShopperJ 

Well, this is what I did during law school that worked for me then and now. I clerked for a prosecutor's office during law school for two years, so I frequently wore suits.

 

 

SHOES

This one is easy. Allen Edmonds Park Avenue black. It will seem expensive now, but you will save money. When I first entered private practice, an attorney was showing me around a court that I had only been to twice. I foolishly wore my AE PA while everyone else was wearing snow boots. Well, my shoes were damaged but recrafted like new.

 

AE PA is a wise investment. 

 

An aside: I have purchased "seconds" from the allen edmonds shoe bank. I just literally bought the Strand. You might want to give it a shot to try to acquire a pair of AE PA at a discount.

 

 

SUITS

Many will disagree with me. I think Joseph Abboud Navy works great. Although I am new to the forum, many may disagree with me on this one. I think Joseph Abboud is an excellent value suit. 

 

Get it tailored.

 

TIES

I have what I consider my expensive ties: Armani, Burberry, etc. These are my favorites. I frequently wear them.

 

But I also have what I consider my good function Charles Tyrwhitt ties. I think they are excellent and an amazing value when you can buy them on sale. 

 

 

SOCKS

I think you can go cheap here. I really do. Just get navy off-the-rack. You will be 100 percent fine.

 

 

SHIRTS

I think you can go cheap here. I only wear Brooks Brothers and a few Charles Tyrhwhitt. All of my "dress" shirts AND "sport" shirts are Brooks Brothers. I can say that I am extremely happy with BB's shirts. Go to a store when they have a sale, get measured, buy at a discount. 

 

 

OVERCOAT
Necessary? Perhaps not. I prefer a tan or camel overcoat. I do not think you need an expensive one. I also really like charcoal gray for overcoats, though I prefer navy suits (own 3 navy suits).

 

 

NAVY BLAZER: NETWORKING, OUTINGS, YOUNG LAWYER (LAW STUDENT) EVENTS

Have to completely agree with someone above: navy blazer. Worth the investment. You can wear it with gray, khaki, brown, all sorts of colors for pants. Use it for networking. When I attend professional meetings with clients and outings, I wear a navy blazer with a BB sports shirt and either a crew neck or v-neck sweater. 

 

Attend as many networking events NOW, while in law school. Learn from CLEs and practicing attorneys. Get out of the law school classes that will befuddle your thinking and even undermine your ability to practice. 

 

The law is a great, noble, and honorable profession. It is a privilege to practice. You will learn from other attorneys and CLEs.

 

Find a practice you enjoy. I never thought that I would, but I love handling estate planning, probate, and real estate. All of them sort of go hand-in-hand. I expect that I would work as a prosecutor out of law school. I absolutely love having my own practice. 

 

 

 

 

LAW SCHOOL

I would get out while you have a chance. If not, reread the above about the importance of networking with other attorneys via bar association events now while in law school. Best of luck, nevertheless.

Thank you very much, this was incredibly helpful.  

Not to post a thousand times, I apologize, but is the AE shoe bank just an AE outlet (for example, there is an AE outlet at Tanger on Long Island, NY) - or is it something different?  Thanks,

Edit:

Btw I replied to the two above posts, but they are being moderated.. Just wanted to specifically express my thanks, they are extremely helpful posts, and I'm very grateful.