Style challenged middle aged guy changing jobs and needs help...

[mkarim]

See if you can fit P90X into your lifestyle. You don't need a gym and the only equipment you would need is a few dumbells and that only for biceps and triceps. I've been using the system and its great. You will see a difference in 2 weeks.

 

[koolhistorian]

To join the crowd:
1. A navy blazer - most versatile piece of garment - if you have the funds go for a MTM programme (if you can find it in the sales) 9 - 12 oz fabric;
2. Yes, charcoal looks better of rather rotund guys (see my avatar), buy a second pair in mid grey, but make sure it fits (no pulls, waist strangling, etc.). - better buy a bigger size and have it tailored, than a smaller size and to risk that you do not have enough room to let out)!
3. 4 shirts - you can go outlet - Filene s etc, or go TM Lewin - there are roomy enough - 2 oxford blue, 2 bengal stripes (blue white);
4. 1-2 solid or polka dot ties (one on the blue side, one on the red side) - 100% silk;
5. Socks - go for charcoal grey 100% cotton - if you stay in the same place for 4 days wash the first and second pair after wear;
6. Shoes- if you are traveling cordovan is very good because it demands less maintenance (just a brush or cloth) plus one or two travel shoe trees (plastic) - See how it fits in your budget. I personally would go with one pair of oxfords (black) and one pair of loafers (tassel, penny), either black, oxblood or brown. With shoes, buy the best you can afford! And buy them in the evening, if you have some foot swelling problems!
You are in the middle of a diet, so there will be a lot of silhouette change for you - maybe at the end you will be able to keep the blazer, but the pants and shirts will not be very useful one year from now.
One last point - grooming is as important as fit of the clothes. Invest in a good barber (hair stylist) and in a grooming style that you can maintain while on the road. And pay a visit to your saloon at least once a month!
Re: traveling and packing I don t know the American airlines rules about cabin luggage, but here in Europe it has to be both in dimensions 21” and weight (less than 7 kg.) and there are some airlines that enforce that drastically (I had to check my luggage for 150 grams over the 7 kg) so you do need a lot of planning in order to fit 4 days of travel in that). Bundling is very good, use in the end a cleaners plastic over the bundle. Also keep in mind that worn clothes will have more volume than unworn ones, so plan a little bit of extra space when you pack!

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by koolhistorian

4. 1-2 solid or polka dot ties (one on the blue side, one on the red side) - 100% silk;

Pin-dot ties would be considerably more versatile than polka-dot.

 

[cbbuff]

Originally Posted by koolhistorian

And pay a visit to your saloon at least once a month!
Agreed!

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by koolhistorian

pay a visit to your saloon at least once a month!

 

[ktrp]

I find trying to make a connecting flight in the evening at O-hare tends to result in an unexpected 5-6 hour visit to the in-airport saloon.

 

[koolhistorian]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

Sorry, non native english speaker! When done with the diet, do pay a weekly visit to that saloon (and your barber once a month)!