Business Casual Newbie Needs Help! - Page 5

"Wasn't awful." Paul Fredrick (online), for example, probably would have been a better choice than Banana Republic. Also, as this is "business casual," where are the patterned shirts? What's the shoe size? No unusual foot shape? That's the easiest way to track down a shoe brand/line worth recommending.

Jos. A. Bank sells better dress shirts than BR and is nearby, if trying on shirts is a rule. Which seems unwarrated. Most online retailers list measurements, and virtually anything will need at least minor tailoring. Beyind that, if you're like most non-senior members of this site, you probably aren't a great judge of fit. Therefore, post pictures if you want to learn whether shirts and other items fit you well.

For something better than the Cole Haan's at a similar price point...
http://www.zappos.com/florsheim-chatom-black-calfskin-leather#prdInfo
The non-shiny finish and blucher styling are good for business casual. The sole is part leather, which is much more appropriate for an officee than typical 100% rubber.

Footwear is very important to try on before buying, if possible. It could be a different, pricier brand purchased in LA or some other city that has better options than seem to be available locally.
Edited by mensimageconsultant - 2/14/13 at 2:07pm

I rock BR dress shirts, and I don't see what the issue is. I think the difference between a helpful post and a non-helpful post is the whether or not a claim of unfavourability is backed up with reasoning. Poor fabric? Poor cut? What is the concern?

poor construction, fabric, and price point retail. Although I have to say that a couple of my old BR (ca. 1996) shirts still in casual rotation are much better x2 made (stitching, buttons, fabric) compared to current offerings.