Help a newbie buy a dress shirt!

[allysan1027]

Junior in college, will be interning at a financial firm this summer where I'll be looking to work full-time upon graduation.

Dress code is business casual, or dress shirts (no tie) and dress pants.

Is there a type of collar that is meant to be worn open? What type of fabric should I be looking for? And lastly, which store/designer offers the most bang for the buck?

 

[bjornb17]

Originally Posted by allysan1027

Junior in college, will be interning at a financial firm this summer where I'll be looking to work full-time upon graduation. Dress code is business casual, or dress shirts (no tie) and dress pants. Is there a type of collar that is meant to be worn open? What type of fabric should I be looking for? And lastly, which store/designer offers the most bang for the buck?
It is great that you are getting a jump start on this! Probably the best collar to wear open is a regular spread collar. Sometimes i wear a cutaway (without a tie) and it looks great, but it is different enough that it can attract the type of attention that might not be ideal for a new intern. I personally really dislike point collars, since they stick too far forward and flap around more. Also make sure to wear a v-neck instead of crew neck undershirt so it doesn't show. Your dress code sounds similar to what I wear on a daily basis. I usually wear navy or charcoal wool pants, but i recently bought a couple of cotton dress pants from Banana Republic that i like a lot and look just a touch less formal but still refined. As for shirts, many recent threads and my own personal taste will suggest that a brand like Charles Tyrwhitt will be a good choice. The have three different fits, and the designs will look more refined and youthful than what you will fine in any department store, especially at the price of about $35-$50 shirt. They have some nice touches that you usually only find in more expensive shirts (angled split yoke, choice of cuff styles, various weaves, brass collar stays, higher button stance, etc.). Honestly I've tried many brands and haven't found any others that i like in the same price range.

 

[rathebaindc]

search the forum. there is more than enough info for you already out there.