Staples for Work Experience in London

[Jorgeezy]

Hi,

secured 3 days experience at Barcap in London in August before I head off to University.

Would appreciate if you could help me in deciding what would be best to wear and offer a few ideas of some staples for any wardrobe.

I really need to get some decent shoes, and is it ok to wear a pocket square?

Most of the ties I own are flashy, would I be better getting some navy staples etc?

Considering buying a new suit since I think the trousers on my current are a little bit tight now. (and they don't have brace buttons)

Jorge

 

[Ivon]

IB in London? I was told a very LONG time ago, when dressing to meet Brits in a business setting, no "country" suits, black shoes/w laces and watch the rep ties ( apparently they have school/club/military associations with certain combos). Don't know if this still holds up in the 21st century.

 

[bellyhungry]



....secured 3 days experience at Barcap in London in August before I head off to University....

3 days?

 

[Macallan]

You are over-thinking it, after all it is only for 3 days

Black laced shoes (can be the same shoes)
White or light blue shirts
Dark trousers with a blazer or sports jacket; take the jacket off at the office - DO NOT WEAR BRACES!
Wear your fancy ties; however, if you do want to get ties - navy and greys.

 

[Loathing]

It would help if you actually said what you're doing at Barcap. If you're shadowing a trader you're going to need something quite different to if you're shadowing a corpfin vp.

 

[Loathing]

However, judging by the overall impression you give off, you'll be shadowing someone in operations, in which case the only dress requirements are: 1., you wear a suit; and 2., you look bad in it.

 

[Jorgeezy]

Hi all, thanks for the replies.

I will be spending 1 day in Corporate broking, 1 day in Research and 1 day on the trading floor.

And yes, it's only 3 days because otherwise I would have to be added to the payroll etc which would cause complications.

I hope to secure longer periods, weeks maybe months with other firms but most want you to already be a University student before they will take you on. This is hopefully going to provide some insight and start off my portfolio of experience

So I should definitely not wear braces? I prefer them to belts!

I own a few decent contrast collar shirts in blue/purple and an OK Hilfiger suit, but I am always looking in the trading forum for a nicer one.

I definitely need to invest in some shoes

Jorge

 

[Macallan]



1. I will be spending 1 day in Corporate broking, 1 day in Research and 1 day on the trading floor.

2. I hope to secure longer periods, weeks maybe months with other firms but most want you to already be a University student before they will take you on. This is hopefully going to provide some insight and start off my portfolio of experience

3. So I should definitely not wear braces? I prefer them to belts!

4. I own a few decent contrast collar shirts in blue/purple and an OK Hilfiger suit, but I am always looking in the trading forum for a nicer one.

5. I definitely need to invest in some shoes 

1. Wear the suit for days 1 and 3; for day 2 wear dark trousers

2. Get a navy and or charcoal/medium grey suit, with spare trousers when you can; get suits with belt loops or side adjusters. Xmas sale is the time to get the, as you may need to attend interviews in the new year for summer internships or search the trading forum

3. Do not wear braces!

4. They will do for now

5. Get a pair of black oxfords in the xmas sales or the trading forum

 

[Jorgeezy]

1. Wear the suit for days 1 and 3; for day 2 wear dark trousers
2. Get a navy and or charcoal/medium grey suit, with spare trousers when you can; get suits with belt loops or side adjusters. Xmas sale is the time to get the, as you may need to attend interviews in the new year for summer internships or search the trading forum
3. Do not wear braces!
4. They will do for now
5. Get a pair of black oxfords in the xmas sales or the trading forum

Great thanks,

I will see if I can pick up a pair of oxfords from here

 

[Quadcammer]

contrast collars and braces?

You're gonna look like a gordon gekko wannabe and you will get laughed at as soon as you leave.

 

[crashdummy]

contrast collars are quite rare and I've only seen them worn by people at at least manager level. don't wear anything loud/obnoxious (like a "blingy" watch or stupid cufflinks); clean white shirt with a simple tie (navy as you suggest is fine) and black shoes and belt (not braces!), though if your suit is gray/light charcoal brown is acceptable (I've noticed Amercans are quite opposed to brown as an acceptable colour for work shoes but here in London it's pretty common with lighter suits). There are still sales on in central London all along and around Oxford Street so now would not be a bad time to buy anything you feel you need

 

[Jorgeezy]

Alright, i'll try pick up a fresh white shirt and maybe a light blue one as well as some simple ties.

I don't own any ugly watches or cufflinks so we're fine there

I actually live in the West Midlands so can't really just pop into London but will look online etc

 

[crashdummy]

Ah my mistake I assumed that it would be a simple trip ;p It is summer sale time so I'm sure places near you will also have sales on, you can easily find functional clothing from places like River Island etc rather than spending a lot on fancier labels