Changing my look

[adam1786]

Hi,
This is my first post on this site and I dont know a lot about dressing smart so i thought i'd ask you guys to help me out.

I am currently mid way through my 2nd year of university and I am on christmas break. My usual attire would be jeans and a polo or maybe joggers and a hoodie but as i am applying for internships and meeting a lot of people around my uni i've decided to upgrade to a more professional look.

I dont want to go in a suit or anything that fancy but something that looks smart an professional and is easy to wear. I've looked online an decided its time i bought some shirts and jumpers. The look i want is some trousers paired with a knit jumper with a dress shirt underneath it. I am a bit confused about colour variations though I could go for the classic grey trousers, white shirt and black jumper paired with some black shoes (would that look okay).

I wondered would this be suitable:
a white Ralph Lauren shirt (http://www.zeeandco.co.uk/mens/polo-ralph-lauren-white-slim-poplin-shirt.html)
with a blue knit jumper (http://www.zeeandco.co.uk/mens/polo-ralph-lauren-blue-marl-fine-knit-jumper.html)
and some grey trousers (http://www.next.co.uk/g67100s2)
paired with some black shoes. Would this colour combination look okay or is it not suitable.

Also in regards to trousers which would complement the look I've linked a pair I've seen online they are more suit trousers or would a more casual pair of trousers look better if so where would one find better suited trousers than the ones I've linked above.

Thank you for any help provided I know I've asked quite a lot of questions, but its a topic I have no idea about so I'd rather ask opinions of people who knew what they were talking about.

 

[breakaway01]

The overall look should be fine if you're not going to be wearing a tie. Crewneck jumper should go well with a button-down collar sans tie.

Not sure if you're proposing to buy those exact items, but you can probably spend less than 85 GBP on a shirt and 100 GBP on a jumper and get similar or better quality (e.g. at Yoox). If you're on a budget, Uniqlo is pretty decent for the price. Spend the money that you save on decent shoes.

Good luck!

 

[velomatt]

If you're starting out from a base of jeans and polos, it might make sense to buy a set of pieces that will work well together, rather than an outfit.

The pieces you've selected could be part of that, but consider a second pair of trousers (perhaps navy or dark brown), and also a light blue button down shirt.

I work at a prestigious university in New England and must say that the dress of the students is pretty casual. The outfit you put together would be modern and sharp looking on this campus. Around this university, there may be a slight preference for earth tones (more browns, greens, reds, etc.), but I honestly think that your own coloring and taste preferences should influence that for you.


Also, pick up a dark plain colored tie, navy or black, it can elevate the pieces you selected.

 

[fullycaffed]

you might want to think about a more casual trouser. I work in a business casual environment but like to dress up more than most and I get away with it by wearing things with a little more texture for a more casual look. knit ties instead of silk, flannel/tweed/herringbone trousers instead of wool and so on.

i agree with the above poster that these exact items aren't a good pick but the overall look would be good. I'd look at Epaulet new york, Howard Yount, and the like for trousers if i were you.

 

[sskim3]

if you want a solid jumper w/o the high prices, check out http://www.woolovers.com/.

Since you are in the UK, check out http://www.peterchristian.co.uk/ their trousers get good reviews. Plus since its colder,
http://www.peterchristian.co.uk/cavalry-twill-trousers
http://www.peterchristian.co.uk/mens/trousers/flat-front-moleskin-trousers

perfect for the colder winters.

 

[velomatt]

you might want to think about a more casual trouser. I work in a business casual environment but like to dress up more than most and I get away with it by wearing things with a little more texture for a more casual look. knit ties instead of silk, flannel/tweed/herringbone trousers instead of wool and so on.

i agree with the above poster that these exact items aren't a good pick but the overall look would be good. I'd look at Epaulet new york, Howard Yount, and the like for trousers if i were you.

This is a good point. There's nothing wrong with a sleek grey/white/black modern look. But in academia, I find there is a bit more room for texture. You don't say what you're studying, or what your plans are for internships or summer work. If it is a more academic field, consider that as you buy pieces. If it is a more professional field, then perhaps look at pieces that would be appropriate for interviews/networking meetings. And I didn't catch the climate of your school, but if it is cold, you may have good luck also with a jacket and scarf to finish the outfit.