Australian Members - Page 1122

I've got fat thighs and also have this issue with most pants

Even my Owen and James pants were modelled on "james" rather than me "owen" because most would find my thighs way too roomy.

As fxh said tell us your measurements and someone here can point you in the right direction

Sorry for the thread hyjack, 

 

I'm a law student from newcastle. I'm coming into my final years and need some tips for suits.
- What are acceptable colours for lawyers? I've been told to always stick with black and charcoal, is this reasonable advice?
- What are some good brands for mid range suits ($500 mark, what most lawyers would wear) and shirts? I've lifted weights for years so I'm basically built like a rugby prop. 
- What are some tips you could give a young person looking to build up a wardrobe for the legal industry? I've read the 101 guide but is there anything else not said?
- Finally are there any other good australian style forums/books on suits I could check out for ideas?

Thanks a tonne, look forward to posting on here :)

fwiw - for accessories I have RM Williams everything!

Hey guys, measurements for the Uniqlo navy linen jacket are as follows:

Shoulder to shoulder - 18 inches
Armpit to armpit - 21 inches
Length from bottom of collar to hem - 29.75 inches
Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff) - 25 inches

It's tagged a size 'L', brand new with tags - $120 including postage.

It's this model:

Exactly. Welcome Bunny, I hope you will find this thread friendly and helpful.

In terms of chino/khakis, like others I often look overseas or online for these things. Perhaps a more classic menswear retailer would suit your build, thinking maybe Ede and Ravenscroft, Cordings, the various shapes of Bill's Khakis, Land's End, J Press, Brooks Brothers. I can understand if you do not want to buy online, however most places are pretty good at answering questions about size etc and the savings usually make up for shipping costs (even if you need to return on a rare occasion). Buying from the EU, shipping is often negated by VAT not being charged (if that makes sense).

For a tapered leg, you could look at something like Incotex Red (not sure of your budget) or Nudie's Khaki Regular (rather than their skinny or slim). You could also look in Henry Bucks, David Jones, Herringbone to get an idea of shapes and styles (and maybe some more knowledge for buying online). The other option is to get something which fits well in waist etc and get legs tapered (very easy and not too expensive).

Just this weekend I pick up a pair of Nudie Khaki Regulars, which I like because they are a little worn in and more casual, and a pair of navy Otto chinos at the Fat store popup on Chapel Street. They were very cheap about $70 for both (very limited sizes, I was lucky), and I have no real experience of the brand Otto, but they have a nice shape and are "Made in Australia". I think they are available in Fat stores and are normally around $150. General Pants might have something similar too, though not sure of there sizing. Again more classic menswear retailers like Ralph Lauren or Gant might have wide choice of sizes (and you need to stick to budget try their outlet stores at Essendon DFO). If you are lucky enough to have the funds I would highly recommend getting exactly what you want made up at P Johnson Tailors. I cannot recommend this experience enough.

Speaking of which, this week I commissioned another suit at P Johnson Tailors (charcoal grey, patch pockets, soft shirt shoulder, wide notch lapel, 3 roll 2, Dugdale Bros fabric, cuffed trousers) and a few more shirts (I wish kickstart had not done the maths on Romp's shirts, makes me feel a little guilt). One shirt in navy (to be faded) with wide cutaway collar, one in small gingham mid blue check, one in light pink poplin with contrast white collar and one based on Connery's shirt in Dr No (turnback cuffs and all) - http://linenforsummertweedforwinter.tumblr.com/post/29876536783/the-dr-no-shirt-turnback-cuffs

That will bring my total of P Johnson shirts to 12 and two suits (already planning the next one in my head, thinking brown cotton). The shirts fit like nothing else (though for Off the Rack Owen & James shirts with the high armholes are the closest) and the suits are brilliant. Always love the experience of picking exactly what I want and discussing the options and getting the advice of Tom and Matt.

Now for the wait...

And finally Bunny, what fxh said about there not being a set Style Forum member size is true and no matter your size or shape one of the great things about getting the right clothes (in terms of style, fit etc) is that they make you look the best you can. I think this is what got me into men's style in the first place (I am not good looking enough to dress badly). Have a look at EthanDesu (ethandesu.tumblr.com) as a example of how someone of a more realistic shape and size (though perhaps different from you) dresses very well and makes the clothes work for him. Chris Bastian (of Gant Rugger, rippedbackpocket.tumblr.com) is another.

Anyway, more than enough from me. Good luck.
Edited by Pink Socks - 8/22/12 at 6:35am

I use one of these from AE except mine has a few belt hooks too:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF496_1_40000000001_-1



Use these for my dress pants too, they're great & cheap. Need a bit of space though:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF454_1_40000000001_-1



I love the smell of cedar...

that looks really good TBM.
uniqlo's biz-cas gear is crazy good bang for buck.

i own cotton-blend uniqlo patch pocket blazers in dark navy and light grey ($60ea).
they're fantastic. i miss their +J line.
was very lucky to pick up a charcoal +J suit in malaysia last year.

This is really nice and uniqlo quality is always great for what it is! Hope it finds a nice home.

Ok, I'm coming out of lurker mode ...  :)

 

I'm a lawyer in Melbourne. There are no special rules for lawyers. We're as badly dressed as everyone else in the CBD. If you generally follow the advice on this forum you'll be better presented than 90% of the profession. 

 

The Styleforum 101 article on building a business wardrobe is as good a place to start as any. Start with navy and charcoal. Don't get black. Don't get checks, windowpanes or stripes until you've got your staples sorted out. $500 for a suit is probably at the low end of the market, but only because RTW stuff is overpriced in Australia.

 

In terms of brands, I've become a bit of a fan MJ Bale suits - they're decent quality and you can get some of their suits at 2 for $1k which I think is tremendous bang for buck. Not sure what the forum opinion is on MJ Bale (it's by the bloke that started Herringbone) but they work really well for me. Don't buy any suits from Myer.

 

Cheers!

Oli, what Gonzo said is good advice. I would add that if you go the two suits route - try to get two pairs of trousers for each suit and wear them evenly.

I dare say you will be coming down to Sydney to buy your clobber - MJBale has an outlet store at Birkenhead Point and Herringbone has an outlet store near Central. Both might be hitnmiss in the sizes you will be looking for - if miss, try their regular stores during sale time. If you buy the right size for you - and make sure you get the the trouser and sleeve lengths tailored if needed - you should be fine with those brands.

According to their ads, MJBale outfit the 'tahs - so if they can't provide you with a suit that fits, when you graduate you can sue them under s18 (or s29) of the Australian Consumer Law if you like.

With the grey suit - you could go lighter than charcoal if you want, but not past 'mid-grey' (think school uniform grey) - yet.

Shirts - 3 x pale blue, 3 x white, 1 x pink.

Ties - a solid navy will be very useful - plus a few others (just avoid anything too garish/busy).

You'll need two pairs of good quality, conservative, black lace-up shoes - no square toes or weird elongated points - this will be the hard thing to do on a budget, but it is also the area where you could justify spending a bit more.

Exactly. If you know measurements and are happy to buy online this is a good deal (extra pair of trousers) - http://shop.edeandravenscroft.co.uk/products/sale-blue-worsted-panama-suit / http://shop.edeandravenscroft.co.uk/products/sale-grey-worsted-panama-suit.

Ede and Ravenscroft staff really helpful - in Edinburgh branch at least. There was a lot more available in store in terms of size and colour so might be worth contacting them. I spend a fair bit of money there when back in Edinburgh a few months ago and even took my father to get fitted for a suit, which was a great experience. He is not an great Off the Rack shape and the staff at E & R were very helpful with measurements and alterations. Nice change to as my father is usually the expert when we go shopping (bicycles, cars, computers, building work) whereas this time I passed on my knowledge and offer guidance.

Perfect. The addition of the pink shirt is a wise move.

 

Good advice - these won't break the bank: http://meermin.es/ficha_articulo.php?id=2033 and http://meermin.es/ficha_articulo.php?id=1920

 

 

Maybe some similarly coloured socks to match? 

I use to find pink really hard to wear. If this is the case experiment with the type of pink i.e. i suit ultra pale pink but not a mid or strong pink

Colours - Id get Navy first and Grey second. I find charcoal is still too dark .. go a shade lighter than charcoal. Using Charcoal and mid school boy grey as your spectrum here.

 

If in doubt re shirts you can't go wrong with white.

 

If you go blue, pale sky blue I find the best shade and compliments complexion

 

To build a wardrobe start with plain fabrics and classic colours. You can add texture with the fabrics and you can add pattern with your accessories i.e. tie and in some cases pocket square (I find in sydney its still not common for guys to wear a PS and as a graduate you should find your feet and suss out the workplace first)

 

Ties i agree, solid navy works with everything. Brown w/spots is also surprisingly versatile with a mid grey and navy. (check out vanda fine clothing)

 

Shoes yeah check out meermin. Ive got the cap toe hiro last shoes but ive seen the Ama and think they look nicer IRL.

 

Grey reference colour (i think this is CEP on the forum)

 

Listen to this man!