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Buying my first suit

golfer1

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Well its about time in my college career where thought i would buy my first suit. Formals are coming up and im about to go to Vegas for spring break. I recently read in Details magazine that a light patterned grey suit was a good way to stand out in a crowd while looking sharp so this is the route i planned to take. Why grey you might ask? Personally I think that black and navy suits are for work. I'd like to know what yall think and if there are any tips you could give me on accompaniments or alternatives.
 

MrG

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You won't find anyone here who would advocate owning a black suit. Unless you're getting a degree in undertaking, it's of little use. I would advise charcoal grey or navy for a first suit, they're the most versatile.

Other than that, it would take more details to give any advice. How much can you spend? You say it's for formals, but would you need it for a job interview as well? What do you mean by accompaniments?

This question has been posed countless times, it might serve you well to search a bit and refine your question. I'm not one of those people who live by the "use the search function" mantra, but it might help you here so you can present a more directed question.
 

rjmaiorano

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^^ He didn't ask about a black suit...

I say H&M as a snap judgement. College student, used for formals etc... You are going to be drunk and around drunk people in the suit. Likelihood of getting it messed is good. So H&M is good, fashion forward, slim and you won't cry if you ruin it.
 

MrG

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Originally Posted by golfer1
Why grey you might ask? Personally I think that black and navy suits are for work. I'd like to know what yall think and if there are any tips you could give me on accompaniments or alternatives.

Actually, he did.

He mentioned them, and he's clearly new to buying suits. I thought it warranted noting that black isn't for business while noting that navy is a good choice.
 

golfer1

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im looking for two button around 400 i was looking at Jos. A. Bank, slight break in the pants, and by accompaniments i mean pocket squares, ties, what color of shirt. And i wouldnt worry about getting it messed up as we have a dry campus
 

golfer1

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Originally Posted by rjmaiorano
^^ He didn't ask about a black suit...

I say H&M as a snap judgement.



Dont have any H&M in Texas, wish we did though.
 

rjmaiorano

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Originally Posted by golfer1
Dont have any H&M in Texas, wish we did though.

What stores are available? I would steer clear of Jos. A Bank IMO.
 

golfer1

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Thanks for the Navy suggestion MrG, defiantly think that would be a sharp look
 

beau nash

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Jos. Bank is, as always, running a sale, and you could get a really good deal on a Signature Gold suit. I would suggest buying a solid blue and a solid gray. If you were to buy basics for shirts--white and blue solids, blue stripes, blue small checks, a pastel or two in a color you like--you could easily branch out with the ties. Look to coordinate a minor color in the tie or shirt with the pocket square or, better, just go with white linen, with or without border. If you stick to basics, then people will notice that you look good but not that you already wore the blue suit this week. If you get a more distinctive suit, they will notice how often you wear it. Be sure to add a solid tie or two into the mix, maybe a navy and a burgundy or silver. Well dressed men tend to wear solid ties more often than those who aren't so well dressed.
 

MrG

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There is a guy on eBay I would recommend you check out. I was recently looking for a suit in the same price range you're talking about, and someone from here sent me to him (here's the thread I posted: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=98938. I was skeptical about buying a suit on eBay, but I bought a navy one from him. I'm actually really impressed by the quality for the price. It's not the greatest suit ever, but it's great for the price, certainly better than Jos A. Bank junk for over $100 more.

Also, if you see something you like, don't buy it on eBay. Send him an email telling him what you want and mention you're a SF member. He'll give you a deal.

You don't mention your size, but I would think something like this would suit your purposes:

http://cgi.ebay.com/M-VALENTINO-MEN-...3A1%7C294%3A50

His eBay seller name is The Wizard of Aahs.

As far as the break in the pants, that's something your tailor will take care of when you have the suit altered. Ties, pocket squares, and shirts will all come after you decide on the suit, specifically color.
 

MrG

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Originally Posted by golfer1
Thanks for the Navy suggestion MrG, defiantly think that would be a sharp look

You're more than welcome. I was reluctant to buy a navy suit, I opted for charcoal instead first, but now that I have a navy suit I love it. Incredibly versatile, and it's easy to mix and match ties, shirts, etc. for different looks.
 

TheFoo

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For what it's worth, I'd go with navy blue before charcoal for a first suit. I did it the other way around and wish I hadn't.
 

golfer1

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pinstripes? Im a 42R 36W 30I btw
 

TheFoo

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Originally Posted by golfer1
pinstripes? Im a 42R 36W 30I btw

If it's your first suit and will be your only one for a while, I'd stay away from pinstripes. They're not as versatile in non-business situations.
 

golfer1

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Ok, so im gonna go with the navy. How about shoes, ive got a pair of coffee colored Bruno Maglis but i dont think that it would go good. I was thinking black. Budget shoes also help too. Sry im asking so many questions btw.
 

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