Looking for tips on starting a new wardrobe

[Bvonh55]

Hi everyone, I'm hoping I can get some guidance here. I am a newly practicing attorney (somewhat older than most new attys), and I have been used to working in a non-legal corporate job where I could get a way with dressing pretty casually. You guys would probably gasp, but I live in Texas where business casual can be khakis/polo and cowboy boots. In my late twenties, I prided myself in dressing quite a bit "sharper," but somewhere along the way, I've lost that. Now that I'm practicing law (and in downtown), I feel like I need to start building a more professional wardrobe. I already have some suits, and will be getting more, but I'm looking more for day to day business casual that is traditional/conservative. The firm does not require ties, but I may do it anyway. I'm not really concerned at all with being "stylish" per se, and I really can't afford to be buying $150 shirts. I was hoping to get some ideas on where to start...inexpensive shops, number of trousers/patterns/colors you'd recommend. I hope this question makes sense. Thanks in advance for any tips you may have.

Btw, I have my eye on Swaine Brigg bag...omg. I figure I need to dress a little nicer first.

 

[hangthree]

This would be a good start:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2008/02/reader-questions.html

..then this:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2009/08/wardrobe-building-year-two.html

Adjust to your budget accordingly.

 

[Bvonh55]

Many thanks; just the type of info I was looking for.

 

[DerekS]

Ill add this....start at your feet. Buy the best shoes you can afford. or check out the B&S forum here for great deals. pretty much everyone can agree that allen edmonds park aves are the best starter shoe. If you look hard enough you can get em for a steal. A wise man once told me that good shoes will take you far in the world....i believe that.

after shoes, get a great navy blazer.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

For someone in your position I would recommend getting the staples of a business casual wardrobe before anything else.

Good clothes last longer than cheap clothes, which doesn't mean you need to overspend but consider the cost of replacement.

I'd consider getting year round wool trousers in mid, light and charcoal grey. A couple pair of burgundy and brown cordovan loafers and Oxford cloth shirts in blue and white.

 

[ajmanouk]



This would be a good start:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2008/02/reader-questions.html

..then this:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2009/08/wardrobe-building-year-two.html

Adjust to your budget accordingly.

If this price range is too high or you're looking to get some more good quality staples for the prices might I recommend a few substitutions:

-Suitsupply/Wizard of Aahs for your suit(s)
-Moderntailor for your shirts
-AE as opposed to Alden for shoes (can be easily found at discount)
-Used ties from B&S
-Scanning B&S regularly for other deals

 

[claerion]

When you say discount you mean used? Or new on sale? I'm looking at getting a pair of fifth aves and would ideally like to buy new on sale. If they do where are the best places to keep an eye out for them?

 

[ajmanouk]



When you say discount you mean used? Or new on sale? I'm looking at getting a pair of fifth aves and would ideally like to buy new on sale. If they do where are the best places to keep an eye out for them?

Well generally I mean used. You can shop around eBay or B&S and get shoes worn once or twice (easy to tell by looking at a picture of the heel) for half of the MSRP quite frequently. If you insist on new, email Allen Edmonds or call them and ask for a list of factory seconds in your size. Bit of a discount from full price.

 

[chogall]

This would be a good start:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2008/02/reader-questions.html

..then this:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2009/08/wardrobe-building-year-two.html

Adjust to your budget accordingly.

And adjust that price sticker for inflation between '08 and '11. 30% will be a good start.

 

[claerion]



Well generally I mean used. You can shop around eBay or B&S and get shoes worn once or twice (easy to tell by looking at a picture of the heel) for half of the MSRP quite frequently. If you insist on new, email Allen Edmonds or call them and ask for a list of factory seconds in your size. Bit of a discount from full price.

Thanks for clarifying. I don't have anything against used, but if there was a sale I wouldn't have an issue paying a little more for new is all I was saying. Thanks!

 

[Fred G. Unn]



If you insist on new, email Allen Edmonds or call them and ask for a list of factory seconds in your size..

[email protected]
I've bought 3 pairs from them. Nathan is great to deal with and he'll email you a list of everything they have in your size if you ask.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

Search for "Allen Edmonds MEGA THREAD", SF member allaboutshoes sells first quality Allen Edmonds at a discount.

 

[stubloom]

1. Understand your body shape (tall, athletic, short, stocky, round face, thin face, etc.) and skin color (white, ruddy, black, brown, fair, etc.) .

2. Determine what colors (lights, pastels, darks, etc.) and patterns (solids, stripes, plaids, etc.) best compliment your particular body shape and skin color. Why is this important? Because you now know exactly what to look for. Conversely, you won't waste your time and/or resources buying items of clothing you'll never ever wear. If you don't know the answer, go online. There are sites that will help you figure this out by asking you for some basic information. If this doesn't work, think about consulting an image consultant or personal clothier.

3. Develop your own personal style. There are many excellent blogs that will help you develop "a mental picture" of what you might project to be your own personal style (example: A Suitable Wardrobe and Permanent Style). Again, that'll help you in your garment selection.

4. Buy quality whenever you can afford it. Even if it's from Ebay.

5. Consider having your shirts custom made. There is NOTHING worse than an ill-fitting shirt. Look around you. You'll probably find that most of the shirts worn by your colleagues look like they were bought at Tent & Tarpaulin. You can find good quality custom made shirts for about the same price or not much more than a "branded", full priced OTR shirt.

6. Have your garments properly tailored. A reasonably priced, well tailored garment looks far better than an expensive, poor fitting garment ever will.

Good luck

 

[Bvonh55]

Thanks so much everyone!

 

[mensimageconsultant]

2. Determine what colors (lights, pastels, darks, etc.) and patterns (solids, stripes, plaids, etc.) best compliment your particular body shape and skin color. Why is this important? Because you now know exactly what to look for. Conversely, you won't waste your time and/or resources buying items of clothing you'll never ever wear. If you don't know the answer, go online. There are sites that will help you figure this out by asking you for some basic information. If this doesn't work, think about consulting an image consultant or personal clothier.

Thanks That's a very good argument for an image consultant. One is also supposed to factor personality into it, i.e., someone with a quiet personality might be better off avoiding loud-colored solids even though they'd go well with his physical characteristicis.