Starting wardrobe - Page 2

Sounds like a modified camp shirt - maybe have it made without the pleats and in a thick khaki twill? Sounds like a Balenciaga piece or the DSquared shirt I'm wearing right now.

Things must be different over in the US, cos I can't imagine new grads spending anywhere near as much money on a business wardrobe over here (unless their parents are paying for everything). I work in finance and I'm coming up to my third year now, and I think even my current wardrobe isn't worth $3,000 on current exchange rates (and I'm earning over $50,000). I think it's better to not spend too much at first and then move up once you find out what everyone else is wearing at work, as this avoid the possibility of wearing more expensive clothes than your seniors/bosses and looking silly. (It happens - the senior people in my company spend surprisingly little on their business wardrobes despite earning bucketloads). Even if your wardrobe turns out to be cheaper than theirs and obviously so, well you're only a new grad and just starting work, so who cares? Also need to bear in mind how conservative the dress-code in the office is before choosing the suits and shirts. I would stick with plain suits/shirts to start with and to not buy too much; you can always pick up more after a coupla weeks (and payday).

I would say, as the budget is limited, and they are only starting off, I would recommend; 1-2 Boss suits, maybe one in navy and one in charcoal 1 Bironi, certainly in a navy, as the Bironi cut realy looks good in navy. Both of which, in my opinion should be single breasted, two/three button. A Zegna, Cashmere blazer (I belvie in America one would call it a Sports Jacket) A few pairs of trousers, from a high street shop, (excuse my Britishness here, in case you cannot understand, in American english that is; slacks from a low end chain store e.g. Bannana Republic) Two designer ties, e.g. Hermes, LV, Gucci, Versace, and two more sensible ties, e.g Kiton etc. A light suit for summer wear. A Designer belt, e.g. Hermes, Gucci, LV, Fendi, Prada. 3 Pairs of shoes, preferably one british style (Oxfords, or Standard Lace Ups), and one italian (i.e. Pointed, sleek, no cap toe) style both black and one brown. A Made-to-Measure suit from Saville Row. Forgive me if this would cost too much.   Bear in mind that diffrent brands have presence in England to the US, therefore, I have not got a clue what things like Allen-Edmonds and Oxxford are, threfore I cannot recomend them.

fotgrt Boss, this is shit

Ahh, for once we agree Ernest, but for they money, I don't think you could get better. You said before that you are French, what the hell are you doing on the net at 2 am, I am In the UK and am working, its 1 AM and my US offices are just about to close, if you were going to ask me the same question.

I'd say you are right CT, But I cannot understand it when you say that a suit is not needed for everyday buisness wear. I've never seen it in both the UK, and other countries.

specifiy "for the money", meaning what price are you saying a boss suit will cost? if you're in the 4-700 range, it would take about 2 seconds of looking to get soemthing far superior for the same or even less money

A Boss suit will cost you something like 200-500 pounds (though they can go up to 1100), that means they start at $340. (@ Rate 1GBP=1.7USD) I would like to know what brand is better for that money? Unless of course you are talking about a sale, but I've seen Boss suits on Sale for 150 pounds; that is like $255

Kalra: Whats hapening more and more nowadays in corporate America, and even in the real white collar professions, (lawyers, Accountants, Banker and Financial Positions) is that the suit is being passed over in favor of whats known as Business Casual.  Essentially what it means is be comfortable but stay respectable.  No Abercrombie and Fitch getups but the suit is not that necessary. On the general topic I have to agree with the thought process on this thread thats pushing Fiscal Responsibility.  Many of these students are in school but for the grace of the US Govt and student loans which will eventuall become due and payable.  3K-5K is alot of money by all means and for a guy to go out and spend that (post tax dollars might I add) kinda $ on clothing is a little much.  Better teach them that although a suit that is bought for 1000 is better than a suit that is bought for 250, a person has to know his means and its not a crime to wear a 250 dollar suit at all.  yes, a ferrari is a better car than a hyundai, but at a certain point the value (equated by use, need and budget) of buying a ferrari is just not there.  especially if the person is gonna wet their pants if they get a pull in a $2000 suit. JJF

I was under the impression that every jacket that is not paired with a pair of pants is a sports jacket, and that the blazer name was only reserved for jackets that mimic the one used on the HMS Blazer (a DB navy blue jacket with a 6-4 configuration and brass buttons), or variations of the jacket thereof. I could be mistaken though, anyone know for sure? Jon.

If you said Sports Jacket in England, they would think it is something you would wear to play sport in, such as on the Golf Course, like a windbreaker, made from nylon or such the like. I think this is just a language difference and not a technical difference. In the same way that you guys keep saying pants, that, to people in England means underwear.  

i mean if you do minimal searching on ebay you can find a good quality new suit for $350 that is far better than boss. i'm not a boss fan, obviously, as i had one boss item before and it was trash. i've bought brand new Brioni cashmere sportcoats on ebay for $300 (lucky i know, but it's there). when you're talking about your appearance, one thing to keep in mind: DON'T SETTLE

Wait...how would you say pants then? Would you use trousers instead? Jon.

Stu, you are very right, but even I, I repeat I, know that students can't buy serveral Bironis, moreover what would be the point, they are only employees, if they look like the Chariman, they look stupid. Perhaps they could get away with one at a board meeting, or such the like, and that is why I suggested 1 Bironi. In addition, you say ebay, of course you can do some hunting, but I was giving a regular way, i.e. no outlets, no sales, no internet. Jon, Yes, that is what everyone here calls them, also Slacks and Flannels are unheard of.

I see. Plus, the English might put buttons on my slacks if I ask for them to be cuffed next time I go to Saville Row. Jon.