Can't find a shirt and a jacket my size

[Canvas]

Hello, I'm invited to the Embassy of France on the 22nd and I need to find a navy blazer and a white or light blue dress shirt as I don't have any at the moment. I've already ordered a pair of brown AE Park Ave. and I'm getting grey flannel trousers, a navy (not sure about this) tie, and a white pocket square from Howard Yount.
I usually fit into J.Crew's XS (13.5/32, approximately) but they don't go that low for dress shirts. I think I wear something like a 36, but I'm not sure. I've got a black Zara blazer that fits me, although the shoulder padding is huge, so I guess I can compare measurements. Brooks don't have anything for me, and I don't know where to look. I've got about 580$. Any help?

 

[GBR]



Hello, I'm invited to the Embassy of France on the 22nd and I need to find a navy blazer and a white or light blue dress shirt as I don't have any at the moment. I've already ordered a pair of brown AE Park Ave. and I'm getting grey flannel trousers, a navy (not sure about this) tie, and a white pocket square from Howard Yount.
I usually fit into J.Crew's XS (13.5/32, approximately) but they don't go that low for dress shirts. I think I wear something like a 36, but I'm not sure. I've got a black Zara blazer that fits me, although the shoulder padding is huge, so I guess I can compare measurements. Brooks don't have anything for me, and I don't know where to look. I've got about 580$. Any help?

Surely you have a suit appropriate for such an occasion. It is hard to believe that you have received an invitation at such short notice AND do not have any suitable clothes in your wardrobe.

 

[Canvas]

I don't. I'm 17. Do you think a suit would be more appropriate? The invitation calls for semi-formal dress.

 

[Blackhood]

personally for semi formal I'd go with a suit and no tie. For younger people the flannel trousers and sports-coat can often come off as a little forced. Unless you're a political figure or otherwise expected to dress like a "grown up" then the tieless look should be fine.

I know that sounds condescending but I'm in a similar position; family are political so i have to go to royal dinners etc, but I'm not expected to be over dressed, just not turning up in jeans and a t-shirt.

 

[Canvas]

I can always do that and keep a tie around, see how the others (half my grade will be there) are dressed, and put it on if necessary. So I've got ~850$ to buy a suit, a shirt, a tie, and a belt (assuming there are belt loops); I just don't know where.

 

[Millerp]

Where do you live?

You should be able to find what you need in a department store like Nordstrom or Macy's - possibly in the boy's department rather than the men's department for your size requirements.

 

[Canvas]

I'm in Ottawa, ON; neither are in my area (yet; apparently Nordstrom is coming soon), but there's always Sears, Moores, the Bay, Winners (pretty much Marshalls), etc. Am I really better off getting a suit there?

 

[Millerp]



I'm in Ottawa, ON; neither are in my area (yet; apparently Nordstrom is coming soon), but there's always Sears, Moores, the Bay, Winners (pretty much Marshalls), etc. Am I really better off getting a suit there?

I don't know. You're 17. You're still growing. You don't really need a high end suit, just one
that fits you. It might be a bit difficult to find a size 36 mens. Maybe a boys 20 would fit.
You are also more likely to find a 13.5 shirt collar in a boys department. A department store is more
likely to have smaller/youth sizes. From your list, I think the Bay will have the most quality
merchandise and widest selection. Have you tried asking your friends where they shop?
Good luck with your shopping and the reception.

 

[dredwings19]

My advice would be go to a Moores. They don't have the best quality in terms of suits but they arn't too bad for the price.. I think they also have a buy one get one free promotion.. Unless you can find a specialty mens clothing store in Ottawa, but it will be pricey.

 

[Canvas]

I have to go to Moore's today anyway (my rental tux has arrived... ); I'll see what's available. If I have time, I'll make my way to the Bay as well, take some pictures, post them here and go back to buy the suit later.

 

[themodestman]

Went with a tux, huh?

 

[Canvas]

That's for prom. But since I'm buying a navy suit, I might just wear that instead; I'm pretty sure most people aren't going to be wearing tuxedos.

 

[cruizer]

there's got to be a suit for you at nordstrom.

 

[Canvas]

There is no Nordstrom in Ottawa, though I'm looking at the website right now. I might buy a cheap suit from B&S and work on getting a good one later if it's no good so I don't have to worry about getting it in time and stuff.