$500 Nordstrom gift card + $1500 cash for new start in life

I am starting my career later in life than most. I am 31 years old. I joined the Army out of highschool because I had nobody in my family to help me pay for college. I studied for the CCNP and am now job hunting. I eventually want to get in banking and the stock market, so my clothing selection is with those ambitions in mind.

I have a $500 gift card from Nordstrom and $1500 cash to spend.

My plan is to buy 5 french cuff dress shirts @ $100 each at Nordstrom, 3 dress pants @ $150 each, 1 pair of black dress shoes @ $400, and a blazer @ $600.

Is that a good start?

In 6 months I will be comfortable spending another $1000.

Versatility-wise french cuffs aren't your best option. Just get well fitting button cuffs,

For trousers check out Epaulet and Howard Yount, their trousers in particular get a great name. (Not cheap though)

You could get MTM shirts around $125 (you can specify the dimensions or get measured), which you might prefer over off the rack shirts if you don't think they fit you well. Normal button cuffs would certainly be more versatile over french cuffs.

You need a suit too if you are looking at working in finance.

Ignoring how much you are willing to spend and where you are planning to shop; there is an imbalance, you want 3 pairs of trousers but are only planning to purchase one pair of shoes.
You would be better off with, in my opinion: 4/5 shirts, 2 trousers, 2 shoes, 1 jacket

When you have more money to spend, add another pair of trousers and also a pair of shoes.

Given your budget, I think $100 on a shirt is too much. You can get decent dress shirts for half that. Take a look at Charles Tyrwhitt or Brooks Brothers during their 30% off sale (begins Wednesday).

Wait until the July anniversary sale...

I would also use your shoe budget to get at least 2 pairs. You can find semi-decent shoes in the $200 range. Wearing one pair of shoes every day will not be good on the shoes.

think your gonna need a suit

Thank you for all the replies!

Are John W. Nordstrom suits good? They are $495 at Nordstrom. Do they go on sale?



TimeCollector said:

I studied for the CCNP and am now job hunting. I eventually want to get in banking and the stock market, so my clothing selection is with those ambitions in mind.
I have a $500 gift card from Nordstrom and $1500 cash to spend.

My plan is to buy 5 french cuff dress shirts @ $100 each at Nordstrom, 3 dress pants @ $150 each, 1 pair of black dress shoes @ $400, and a blazer @ $600.

In 6 months I will be comfortable spending another $1000.

Click to expand...

TimeCollector, welcome to StyleForum. For the time being, I'd recommend getting the bare essentials for interviewing:

-Canvassed navy or charcoal suit that FITS (Hickey Freeman is always in plentiful supply at around $400 to $500; Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald and Madison suits will be about $700 this week with the 30% off corporate card discount --- get a reputable SA to get you fitted)
-MTM dress shirts from a place like Brooks Brothers aren't a bad idea. Go for barrel cuffs and a semi spread collar. Avoid the online tailors for now. There's a good chance they'll come out wrong the first time.
-You could also just use your Nordstrom card to buy shirts, ties, and belts. Just make sure they fit in the sleeves and collar.
-1 pair of black calfskin laceups for $250 to $300 (see the low price selection at Herring Shoes; or maybe a pair of Allen Edmonds from the Shoe Bank)


Once you get a position, come back for advice on expansion.

You can wade into the B&S forum for the best prices on the net after you get a better sense for fit, etc.

take your time, don't buy everything at once. let your taste develop. read this thread and get an idea of what works and then derive from there what might work for you.

http://www.styleforum.net/forum/newestpost/253439/waywrn-hall-of-fame-pre-2010

Lots of good advice from everyone here. I'd second this:

Needsmoreshoes said:

Versatility-wise french cuffs aren't your best option. Just get well fitting button cuffs.

Click to expand...

this

ballmouse said:

You need a suit too if you are looking at working in finance.

Click to expand...

this

msulinski said:

Given your budget, I think $100 on a shirt is too much. You can get decent dress shirts for half that.

Click to expand...

this

cwh812 said:

I would also use your shoe budget to get at least 2 pairs ... Wearing one pair of shoes every day will not be good on the shoes.

Click to expand...

and this

clapeyron said:

take  your time, don't buy everything at once. let your taste develop.

Click to expand...

Do you already have ties? Bankers aren't casual anymore so you need those. And socks, and belts. +1 to the people saying to not buy everything at once. Get the staples then take a little time to decide what works or doesn't for you. Get to know a tailor in your town.

I agree on taking your time. Buy what you need as you go along, educating yourself. If you buy it all at once, I predict that you will later regret some of the purchases (if not all).