Fashion Newb in desperate need of advice

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

I believe my astute friend Mr. Corbera will also offer you his expertise here, but if you are located near a Saks off Fifth store, go check out what they have in terms of shirting. You might be pleasantly surprised!

this is great advice...off 5th is where i got my wardrobe started...i remember hitting the jackpot one day with ermenegildo zegna shirts foor 12 bucks apiece and my first charvet tie for 20 bucks....

 

[Steve Smith]

OP, buy or thrift a nice Brooks Brothers blazer, some OCBD's and some decent chinos (Polo RL, Bill's, etc). I have 3 kids in college. I can't imagine a college kid actually needing a suit until he starts interviewing for jobs or graduate school.

 

[oDD_LotS]

Personally, I have gone the path of mixing items purchased at deep discount in menswear stores with the same/similar brands purchased on eBay. For example, I've got a stockier build, even after losing a considerable amount of weight, so I tend towards brands like Hickey Freeman (which is waaaay out of your price range at retail). I have found out what my measurements are and what fits me, so I can bid on eBay with reasonable certainty.

If you're unhappy with the fit of your JAB suit, don't hesitate to return it. If, however, it's fulfilling the needs you have for this current stage in your life (and it fits), then I don't see any big problem with it.

As for needing a suit in school, I know that in my program (accounting at a state school), we have frequent honors society, departmental, "meet the professionals", etc sort of events that require a suit. Sure, we've got plenty of guys that show up ridiculously underdressed, but the majority of people are in business attire. No one really dresses that way for class, but I have the need for a suit for school-related things several times a month.