Doing "Dress Shirt & Tie" Right

[Huntsman]

The dress code at my office is 'dress shirt and tie,' and though suits/sportjackets are acceptable, I won't wear a suit too often, as I don't want to rile anyone or be seen as snobbish (not that I am, I just like suits -- here at least I can feel some love on that).

So I'm looking for suggestions on how to best to really work dress shirt and tie. Probably best quality on everything is a good place to start -- though it's a little hard since I'll owe my soul to Sallie Mae for five years. Of course I'll do eBay/yoox/bluefly/stp, etc. No Last Call , Off Fifth or Racks around here I'm afraid. Probably my next move is a Jantzen followed by five or so.

Any suggestions on what to wear to keep the end up -- fabrics, styles, whatever. Where does 'dress pants' and 'dress shirts' end? Is cord tousers in there? Flannel is out, but what about other options in between flannel and fine cotton shirtings?

Anyway, let me know what you think.

Regards,
Huntsman

 

[Jared]

I think I can speak for the majority when I say I do not favour ties without a jacket or sweater. Are sweaters permitted? If so, get some in cotton and/or featherweight wool to extend the season. You are also in the enviable position of requiring a significant collection of odd jackets!

 

[odoreater]

My office is business casual. I wear a jacket into the office, then take it off as soon as I get to my office. If I have to go outside for lunch or whatever, I put the jacket back on; but, so long as I'm in the office (meaning, the entire building I work in) I leave the jacket on a hanger in my office (meaning, my specific room). I'm far from snobbish or anything like that, but I wouldn't go out in public with a tie on with no jacket.

 

[DocHolliday]

If you really need to do shirt and tie without a jacket, you might consider a thin knit. It looks a bit more at home without the jacket, and has just enough youthful attitude about it. Silk knits also look good with cardigans, which might be an option for you. My navy silk knit is one of my most worn ties.

Hopefully you can wear your tie loosened a bit. Looks better without a jacket that way, I think, like you had a jacket but have just set it aside.

Beyond that, I'd say sportcoats and v-neck sweaters are your friend.