Help Me Design My Professional Wardrobe! Fun Fun!

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by thinman

Quality woolen trousers that I frequently find on sale for less than $200 include Zanella and Zegna. A brand called Ballin appears regularly at Saks Off 5th for $99.99 and are decent workhorse trousers. You'll need to get them cuffed, for approximately $10 per pair, probably less.

Zanella/Zegna - Where should I look for these in the $200 range this month? Certain department stores, Century 21? I like Zegna stuff a lot so I may opt for that. Thanks.

 

[Stax]

Originally Posted by DGP

Also, you MUST get one that has the compartment with both upper and lower zippers so it fits over the handle of a roll aboard suitcase. Very key.

So that's what the bottom zipper is for! Of course. Thanks for the tip!

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Zanella/Zegna - Where should I look for these in the $200 range this month? Certain department stores, Century 21? I like Zegna stuff a lot so I may opt for that. Thanks.

Discount stores like Century 21, Saks Off 5th, Neiman-Marcus Last Call, and department store sales. Full price for Zanellas is around $285 and AFAIK Zegna varies, but sells near that price and above. You can sometimes score terrific finds. I have a pair of $900 Brioni trousers that I absolutely love and bought for about $160 at NMLC in Dallas.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Originally Posted by thinman

Discount stores like Century 21, Saks Off 5th, Neiman-Marcus Last Call, and department store sales. Full price for Zanellas is around $285 and AFAIK Zegna varies, but sells near that price and above. You can sometimes score terrific finds. I have a pair of $900 Brioni trousers that I absolutely love and bought for about $160 at NMLC in Dallas.

Also, Zanella has a store-locator hotline listed on its website.

 

[JeffC]

You'll look better dressed than average if you just get clothes that fit (FWIW, my experience is working for the government in an engineering field - not the best dressers overall).

First, if you want good inexpensive shoes, see the CT sale thread from last night/this morning. I am in the same boat as you, just starting my job out of school. I'd start with a couple of pairs of more conservative shoes that will be versatille, say the black semi-brogue and chestnut derbys. Later you can move on to the chukka boots and wholecuts when you can afford other brands with last shapes more suited for these styles (EG, C&J, Lobb).

As for pants, you will have to get them tailored for them to look good, so make sure to buy up an inch if things feel snug in the waist, and/or short in the inseam so there's enough material for alterations. I'm pretty sure there is a SYMS nearby that would carry a good selection of pants. You can get some HSM wool pants for $80 a piece and pay ~$10 for hemming and look great. I've always felt that most dress trousers are pretty bland anyway, but that's just my opinion.

Shirts, ties and shoes really make the outfit if you aren't wearing a jacket. Here is where I'd spend my money. Having a large variety of shirt and tie combinations where most everything matches everything else can make only owning just a few different pairs of pants serviceable in a starting wardrobe.

 

[MetroStyles]

Okay now that I have some ideas for slack brands, what colors do I need?

So far I have charcoal and black with these faint stripes. Both are by Zegna. I need some lighter colors that are versatile too.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Uh, someone else can comment about the black.

Standard, versatile colors for wool pants include charcoal gray, medium gray, light gray, and tan. Having a brown or olive pair is a good idea. It probably would make sense for you to also buy a pair of tan linen (or linen-cotton) trousers, for warm weather.

 

[mundie_3]

THICK AS THIEVES

maybe jason will hook you up w/ a deal for trousers only