Seattle. $1000. A New Style - Please Help!

[llcooljayce]

Hey guys,

I am looking for some help. I will be in Seattle for a short trip from Canada and I am looking to spend $1000-$1500 on a new wardrobe but I must confess that while I have a sense of style, it might be a bit on the simplistic side. What I am looking for is some thoughts or suggestions on where to go, what to look for and if there are any stores that have personal stylists you trust.
I know that there might be a lot of 'it depends on what you want' answers but I am really looking to get an idea of it's it's even realistic to get everything done in a day to a day and a half and if so, where should I go.

Budget: $1000-$1500
Style: Casual that can pass on a casual Friday where the normal expectation is shirt and a tie with a sportscoat
Location: Downtown Seattle
Time: December 27-29 with the only fully day on December 28
Needs: Pants, Shirts and Shoes
Normal Shopping Method: In and Out ... find something that strikes me or get out ... willing to completely trust a stylist and spend all day if need be on this trip

TIA!

 

[luv2breformed]

Do you have anything to work with at all, or are you starting from scratch in shoes, shirts, pants, jacket etc?

 

[zippyh]

Downtown Nordstrom is probably your best bet. Men's sale will be going on.
There's also a Brooks Brothers a few blocks away.

J Gilbert carries Alden shoes but one pair is going to take 1/2 to 1/3 of your budget.

Don't forget there's 9.5% WA sales tax.

 

[llcooljayce]

I do have a decent wardrobe but I want to shake it up a bit and try something fresh. I was looking at perhaps hiring a stylist for a few hours to get me started.

Anyone have experience with this?

I'm coming from Alberta so no sales at for me (which is why I'm coming to Seattle)

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

 

[luv2breformed]

Ok, kinda shooting a little blind here. In that budget I think Allen Edmonds is going to be your best bet on shoes. Their website shows the following two Nordstroms to carry their shoes in Seattle:

401 NE Northgate Way Seattle, Washington, 98125 206-364-8800
500 Pine Street Seattle, Washington, 98101 206-628-2111

I would purchase a mid-dark brown wingtip with matching belt. I like the Mcallister, but a blucher would probably be preferred if you are aiming for casual. ~ $400

For shirts and pants I would go to Brooks Brothers. For shirts I would get a white oxford cloth button down shirt and a blue one as well. You may want to exhcange the button down collar for a spread or semi-spread instead depending on preferance. For pants, I would get a pair of mid gray wool pants and I would get a pair of khaki cotton chinos (advantage chino). For all of these I would get their milano cut as it is slimming and flattering. If you have any funds leftover I would possibly get a white/blue striped spread or semi-spread collar shirt as well. ~$400-$500

For jackets I would get a simple navy blazer or sports coat. You can probably find one at Nordstroms. ~$300-$400

For ties, I would get a few knits. Navy would be my first choice, followed by brown. You could probably throw in a burgundy if you want. ~$200

If you have any leftover you could pick up a brown tweed sports coat as well.

Most of these items should be fairly versatile and interchangeable. Focus on fit. I can't emphasize enough that your clothing needs to fit you properly. I don't know how many times I have gone shopping to update my wardrobe and purchased a bunch of things that don't fit me correctly. I didn't know enough about proper fit and paid the price, literally. Hope this helps!

 

[zippyh]

Every Nordstrom in the Seattle area carries AE shoes.

 

[Sabutai]

luv2 has it about right with his suggestions, but for fun you should drop by Mario's on 6th st. to encounter some styleforum selections if you have the time.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Personal shopper at Nordstrom if you insist on having someone with you, but don't buy everything there (waste of money).

Without more details like sizes and specific items already in the wardrobe, there doesn't seem to be anything more to say. Except don't shop for ties - they might not be needed and could be found online for less.

 

[AverageGuy]

I do have a decent wardrobe but I want to shake it up a bit and try something fresh. I was looking at perhaps hiring a stylist for a few hours to get me started.

Anyone have experience with this?

I'm coming from Alberta so no sales at for me (which is why I'm coming to Seattle)

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

Schedule a (free) personal shopper at Nordstrom, but keep in mind that they work for the store. I hired an independent image consultant and felt it was money well spent. In addition to actually purchasing, I got a lot of advice about such things as what colors work best with my skin tone, along with those to avoid. Etc.

 

[Cornet]

Just go to Suit Supply. A new store in Seattle should be open by then. There is nothing else in Seattle that you cannot find in any other major city.

 

[ChetB]

On your budget, I'd go straight to Uniqlo's website. Get some oxford and flannel shirts ($30), lambswool cardigans ($40), wool blend pants ($50), and denim ($50). Design will be better than places like Brooks Brothers and your money will stretch farther.