Wardrobe makeover, help me out please!

Sometimes shirts can be tailored.

This sounds like a person or persons should see you wearing some already-owned shirts.

Well assuming that money is not an object - which I assume it is not because you are in your mid 20's and have hundreds of shirts... I'm a few years older than you and I think I may have 20 shirts or so 10 pairs of pants, but each one I love and each one is tailored so it fits me well. Realistically though, I think 8 may seem like too little but 7-10 shrits and 4-5 bottoms would be a fair number. Just look at it this way, 10 shirts that's basically two weeks you can go without every wearing the sames shirt twice - I'm assuming at least one Saturday or Sunday you stay in and hanging out in sweatpants and a t-shirt.

I seemed to have gotten a little bit off topic, but here's what I can suggest. If money isn't an object, and you want to and you can afford it go out and buy the new shirts. Suggestions:

1. Bespoke - get in touch with a tailor or go to Saks or find a guy who does them in Hong Kong or whatever and get MTM (made to measure) shirts made. You can pick your own fabrics and the shirts can be made slim, short, whatever - to your liking.

If you still want to base it around a label (and you had mentioned you want pants, tops, and shoes this may be tough) you could go with:

2. If you REALLY want to go with Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers - fit is SIGNIFICANTLY better than Brooks Brothers normal stuff. Even the slimmest shirts from BB are pretty much like bags. Even the VERY SLIM fit is long and it could use a lot of work... then again I prefer really slim cut shirts, but still, if you get a normal BB shirt and tuck it in, you are gonna have that bunched up, parachute, muffin-top look and no one wants that. Thom Browne designs Black Fleece for BB and it is the brands "higher end line". The stuff is a little bit more designer, and fits a hell of a lot better.

3. APC - reasonably priced, good fit, lots of essentials and appropriate for a man in his mid 20's

4. Uniqlo - really really reasonably priced, decent quality, good fit, lots of essentails - think H&M more basic and better quality

5. RRL - if you are looking something cool, different and vintage-inspired RRL is where to go. Great quality, good fits, you can be the "cool" guy without being too flashy at the office and definately match and pair and be the swaggy fashionable but not over the top guy when you go out with friends. Classic chinos and an oxford or workshirt. Throw on some Chukkas or boots and you're all set to go to work or a bar with your buddies.

Cheers, I hope that helps a little bit and if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Oh... one more thing... invest in a watch!!! If money isn't an object... GET A WATCH!!!

Unfortunately, this has to be a warning about buying online, bespoke, and MTM for someone who apparently isn't particularly knowledgeable about style and fit.

For what it's worth, RRL is Rugby by Ralph Lauren and it's worth considering, if it can be assessed locally.

So, you have spent over 5,000USD(200+ x 25 low) on shirts alone and have a completely crap closet?
You are a true American. Industry thanks you. So typical and not in any good ways.
And while it would be good if you have realized the folly of your ways, I am not sure you do since now you want
to buy everything at once from one spot.
This is not the site for easy and lazy.
But there is plenty of good advice around. Perhaps you should mention a total or per piece budget as well.
By the way you threw away thousands on nothing before there might be no upper limit but just in case.

How much bunching do I want around the midsection?

This is getting frustrating.

That's a simple question to ask, but not to answer without pictures. First of all, dark colors and some bold patterns diminish the visibility of any bunching. Many websites these days show models wearing clothing that is too tight. At macys.com most of the fits probably have the right amount of bunching (though most items there are not worth buying). Also, linen (maybe 60% content or more) usually should not fit snugly at the waist during the first wear, because it is likely to shrink noticeably. But still ideal fit depends on the measurements of the wearer - waist size, hip size, shoulder width, etc. An alterations tailor probably could do a good job. Bring one shirt that is of decent quality, has a nice style, and fits well everywhere else; and let that expert decide how much to take in the waist. Repeat later if satisfied.

I'm trying to decide between the BB slim & super slim. What measurements would you guys need to help make the decision for me?

Pictures for reference would be a big help.

Try J. Crew; they have a suit line that is more work/ play than strictly work... with different fabrics and unique prints that can be business enough to wear in the office and casual enough to take to the streets. It sounds like you have enough dress shirts, though might I recommend some button downs. These can be worn unbuttoned or with tie, if need be. Look into a few cardigans and v-neck sweaters that can be worn to work for the winter days (i.e. over a button down, over a white or grey t-shirt, or under a blazer etc. - these are versatile and can be leveraged for many looks). Chinos, and a few pairs of dressier pants should do it. As for shoes, might I recommend some burgundy or dark brown penny loafers, a pair (or two) of lace up oxfords (wing tip & a cap-toe) and a single or double monk strap. You'll find that in keeping your selection on the classier side, you'll have a lot of timeless staples that can be mixed and matched with different looks. Good luck!

It's really not possible to help someone who won't listen to basic advice. Although there is a principle of buying the larger size when in doubt and then tailoring or returning if necessary.

LOL!!!

No offense, but RRL is not Rugby Ralph Lauren!!!

RRL = DOUBLE RL... totally different from Rugby in concept and in quality... although I guess depending on his style and budget OP could go with Rugby... I like their stuff.

Either way, simple advice OP with your dimensions probably go with very slim....

Perhaps subscribing to GQ or Esquire (although you should always develop your own style and not be influenced by such publications is the "real talk") would help??

Before you go out and spend a fortune on a new wardrobe, maybe you should do some research and figure out what direction you want to go?? There are personal stylists and shoppers that can help you with that if you don't care about money and although it is way more entertaining to shop for your own clothes...

IMO not being mean or condesending.... just my 2 cents.

BTW imageconsultant, I do not mean any offense by my post, I see your posts and you offer solid advice. I'm a huge fan of Ralph and especially RRL and just wanted to clarify. Cheers.

Why assume that 180 pounds at 6'2" is very slim? Besides, it's a business environment, where usually slim fit would stand out. ("Slim fit" has become a craze.)



mensimageconsultant said:

Why assume that 180 pounds at 6'2" is very slim? Besides, it's a business environment, where usually slim fit would stand out. ("Slim fit" has become a craze.)

Click to expand...

Even "slim fit" shirts aren't that slim - I'm 205 pounds at 5'11 (though I carry a lot in my thighs and butt) and am an easy fit in any "slim fit" shirts from more traditional brands (RL, BB, J. Press) I've tried at my neck size (though I'm sure the more modern brands like club monaco would be more of a challenging fit). "Traditional" cut shirts are really totally insane, and while I don't know the history of blousy shirts I assume it has something to do with the fact that wearing a shirt without a jacket used to be a rare occurrence so it didn't really matter. Now, of course, it's more common to swear a shirt without a jacket than with so fit is extremely important.


You're not going to make much progress until you get rid of all of the stuff that you own right now as your perspective towards clothes will still be all screwed up. Until then, adieu