How do you guys do it? When?

I think traveling is important - especially abroad. That way you will face new stores, new fashions, different environments that will inspire you.

Only going to department stores or looking at fasion/men's magazines will not cut it. Eclectic exposure will direct you to what will be essentially an extension of yourself, which, to me, is what clothing is.

any responses for the salary question? They say you shouldn't spend more than 1/3 of your salary on rent, what about clothing? What do you feel is the max percent of your salary that could go towards the wardrobe?

Just curious what different people with obviously different incomes will say.

My advice would be to start slow and to be patient. Wait out sales, check eBay, pay attention here, etc... As you get into the scene, you'll learn and develop your own style.

Also, don't go out and break the bank racking up debt just to keep up. Make sure your priorities are straight first.

Try to dress well but not so nicely that you are the one handed the check in a restaurant.

Originally Posted by velvel87

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any responses for the salary question? They say you shouldn't spend more than 1/3 of your salary on rent, what about clothing? What do you feel is the max percent of your salary that could go towards the wardrobe?

Just curious what different people with obviously different incomes will say.

Depends, this goes back to what your priorities are.

I want to say mine is maybe 10-15%, which is kinda high. I'm reducing that a bit because I'm saving to buy a house soon... priorities.

Originally Posted by Great Satchmo

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Jerks.


Seriously though, do you guys actually get up and put on pair of slacks/dress pants, dress shirt, nice (non-skate) shoes, and a blazer/jacket when you are just going to a college class or whatever?

I can see this stuff if you have a real job where its kind of expected with the dress code, but do people do this otherwise?

My policy during the school year was: class = jacket/suit, often a tie, no class = same or sans jacket, weekend = same or jeans. Summertime is giving most of my jackets a break, though I try to look respectable.

Remember, not everything from thrift stores looks like stuff from thrift stores. Most of my shirts and suits are thrifted, my shoes are ebayed, and my socks are inherited. For some reason I've not thrifted that many pants, but they're just too much trouble to try on. Once you're a professional, though, suits would be good to get new. My lapels usually betray me.

******** up, and now i suck cock for rock. its a road many a sfer's have travelled.(fade to black)

OK- here is some advice for someone first starting out:

One of the most important things that I have learned over the years is that each store, department store, etc. has its strengths and its weaknesses. So if you're on a budget and want to shop at discounted stores, here are some of the places to look:

Nordstrom Rack - is great for shoes and belts, but thats really just about it. Occasionally you might find something else there good but not on a consistent basis.

Brooks Brothers factory outlet - is great for dress shirts and ties but i wouldnt go there for a suit.

Century21 (if you live in the NYC area) - is great for suits and ties, especially when they have their sale.

Off 5th - is good for nothing. You used to be able to find stuff on the racks there, but now these outlet stores carry their own garbage brands at way too high retail prices for the quality. I still go in their from time to time just to see if maybe I could find something - hasn't happened in 2 years at least.

Marshalls - sometimes you get lucky there on polo shirts and sometimes you can find great underwear for really discounted prices.

And in general, don't rule out department stores like Saks, just because they usually charge ridiculous prices. You can often get lucky at the end of season sales, but you have to be willing to go into a store and leave empty handed - wait for a price your comfortable with.

Sorry for the megillah but i hope this helps.

Originally Posted by velvel87

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any responses for the salary question? They say you shouldn't spend more than 1/3 of your salary on rent, what about clothing? What do you feel is the max percent of your salary that could go towards the wardrobe?

Just curious what different people with obviously different incomes will say.

I will spend 0-5% a month on clothing. Occasonally I've spent up to 10% but never more than that.

Read this forum a lot. Buy clothing at a very slow pace. It will take a few months at least for you to develop your sense of taste/decide what you like. The first thing I bought was a pair of APC NS jeans (APC brand, New Standard fit). It grew from there.

Originally Posted by West24

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******** up, and now i suck cock for rock. its a road many a sfer's have travelled.(fade to black)

man get that gay **** out of my sight

its cool west24 you're my road dawg...

boyz 4 life

Originally Posted by Great Satchmo

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I really, truly would like to learn how to dress myself and to start doing it. I just have NO idea how you guys do it.

When I was 16, I was allowed to wear suits instead of the standard uniform to school. I ended up buying some Hugo Boss thing but I found the experience of handling men's clothes, i.e. suits, pretty interesting (though not, TAKE OVER MY LIFE interesting). When I was 18, I went out shopping just to kill some time and found a sweater. It was an Armani Jeans sweater in wool and it was the most expensive piece of clothing I had owned. For some reason, I was very drawn to it and bought it. From that day on, I started to take great interest in my wardrobe. It started as sort of a vague urge to look good but over the years, it developed into more of a creative pursuit and a very important facet of my life.

If you want to be presentable, it's not that hard. Don't be intimidated, start out in a formulaic way if it makes you more comfortable. White shirts, grey suits, khaki slacks, brown captoes ... just basic stuff. Too much at once will make you uncomfortable. I'm sort of glad I didn't have Styleforum growing up, it's such a great resource it almost makes things too easy!

Yeah, I actually agree to that. Gaining weight stinks, especially after you spend years building a wardrobe that no longer fits-- stay in shape! It's cheaper and opens you up to better clothing.

In the words of Barney Stinson - "Suit up!"