Build a new Grad's Business Casual Wardrobe

[McPryon]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately I currently don't have enough money to go much higher end than Gap or BR when it's on sale. Just graduated college, student loans, new job, etc. Do you have any suggestions for stores or websites that I can get better pants for a similar price? What's wrong with the jacket neck?

I didn't wear the vest for the interview, just the pants and jacket. I wore a white shirt and blue dotted tie. I know better than to wear a 3-piece to an interview!

I make it to DSM once in a while and I've always had good luck finding off-season sale, and reasonably-priced current season, pants at the Dillard's at Jordan Creek. Dillard's is one of the places I always check when I'm there (along with going to Smitty's on Army Post for a pork tenderloin). I've always had decent assistance when looking at sports jackets there, too. If I remember correctly there is a TJ Maxx in the area, as well, but I don't have any information about that location, though.

 

[unbelragazzo]

Also I would suggest that you try pleated pants. Don't be afraid of people who say they're not "stylish" for young people or whatever. You're a muscular guy, you may find they are much more comfortable and better suited to your build.

 

[unbelragazzo]



The jacket neck should cover more of the shirt collar.
Lands' End and Jos. A. Bank dress pants should fit and provide fair value, if dress pants are what you want. Edit: just in case you haven't read many posts here, don't buy black dress pants.

It's true that the collar fit isn't great, but it's not horrific. Especially if you're choosing between entry-level suits. Of perhaps greater importance, I would argue, is the lapels of the jacket. You've got broad shoulders. Those lapels are too skinny for you. Broad shoulders need wide lapels to be in proportion. Witness Shannon Sharpe (pretty sure he's in TF here, and this suit probably costs at least $5k, so the comparison isn't fair, but you get the idea):





to me he looks much worse here in smaller lapels:

 

[rwaldron]

For my business casual workplace, that occasionally lands me at a construction site or wastewater treatment plant I can't wear pants that would make me cry if they got ruined, so I go with LL Bean.

 

[K-man21]

Well, here are my first two days of work..
Day 1:

Shirt and Pants are Banana Republic. Shoes are AE Players Black Calf. Watch is Tissot PRC200.

Pattern Close ups. These are true to color.



Day 2:

Shirt and pants are Gap. Pants are Navy, hard to tell. Shoes are AE Cliftons in Walnut Calf. Socks are J. Crew, belt is Banana Republic, watch is a Tissot PRC200 again, I need a gold and brown watch.

Close up is true to color.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Navy pants aren't so great, and the Gap brand should be avoided for office wear. Also, the brown belt probably is slightly too narrow. That said, the total look is fine, except for the striped socks, which make too much of a statement in any almost any new job.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Navy pants aren't so great, and the Gap brand should be avoided for office wear. Also, the brown belt probably is slightly too narrow. That said, the total look is fine, except for the striped socks, which make too much of a statement in any almost any new job.

I disagree, I really like navy pants, especially when paired with either Walnut or Chili colored shoes/belt combo. Great look.

 

[msulinski]

I disagree, I really like navy pants, especially when paired with either Walnut or Chili colored shoes/belt combo. Great look.

Agreed. I do think that the belt might be a bit long though. The end seems to be dangling free a bit and pulling away from your waist.

 

[Rugger]

Suitsupply is a good place to find decent stuff at a good price. I'd buy there before a department store. Also, depending on your size, the Benjamin suits at ehaberdasher are very high quality compared to their price tag.