Wardrobe overhaul- where to start? (AU)

[Jimba]

So I want to overhaul my wardrobe and step up a bit better quality and get stuff that fits. I am looking for classic stuff to start with and will do a post on the streetwear and denim forum for my more casual wear advice as I need to upgrade that too.

Firstly my specs:

Age: 31
Height: 6'4
Weight: 60KG
Body type: Ectomorph

I am mainly after business Shirts and attire and would like advice on that as well as the other menswear staples on what to look for and brands to look out for.

Another problem I have is shoes - where do I find leather shoes with good support? I was thinking about a pair of RM William Chelsea boots but also want a good pair of Oxford shoes of similar quality/price or better to RMs but without spending $1kAUD+ on shoes.
As for business and more classic/formal atire what would people recommend starting with? I am looking for a few pieces so I can mix and match. My thoughts are to get a few pieces over many.

I work in a big office environment. The dress code is business casual so a shirt and pants with dress shoes. I currently have some cheap stuff from Myer and colorado oxford shoes.

Thank you for your help and thank you for having me on this forum.

 

[Jimba]

I realized my post didn't make much sense, so I rewrote it.

 

[Jimba]

I am essentially starting from scratch if that gives more context.

 

[Father Style]

Hello. I’ll try my best to get you going in a good direction.
Since you’re starting from scratch, the thing to remember is to go slow. You aren’t going to solve all your wardrobe problems overnight. Just focus on slowly adding things that work with the other things you already have. One of the nice things about being a dude is that we can wear the same things over and over and no one will notice!
Now, since you are quite tall and trim you might have to get more things made to measure. My advice is mostly RTW stuff.
To begin, since you work in a business casual environment, grab yourself some white and blue Oxford shirts and some khaki pants from a company like Lands’ End which always has crazy sales. Likewise for your more business formal shirt… go to a place like Charles Tyrwhitt where you can get a handful for cheap. Figure out what you like and what fits you. Maybe grab a v-neck sweater while you’re at it.
For your office days, get a classic navy blazer (with or without metal buttons) and a tweed jacket for the colder days. Don’t penny-pinch on these as they will last you for ages, but you don’t have to go nuts. A place like Brooks Brothers, especially on sale, is a fine bet. For anything more formal, get a solid navy suit. If you don’t wear suits often you can get away with having just this one suit for the rest of your life, practically. For ties, again a place like CT has them for peanuts on sale. Get a navy grenadine and a plain burgundy.
I know you’re concerned about the cost of shoes but that’s one area you don’t want to scrimp. Shoes and mattresses should be of the highest quality you can afford since if you’re not in one, you’re in the other. You don’t want to wreck your knees because you wanted to save a couple bucks on shoes.
Again, go slow. Grab a couple items here and there and you’ll slowly build up your wardrobe and it will be interchangeable with a small quantity. Don’t spend crazy money on your shirts, pants, or ties. Allocate those funds for your sport coats, suits, and shoes.
Hope this helps! Best of luck!

FatherStyle.com

 

[Jimba]

Hello. I’ll try my best to get you going in a good direction.
Since you’re starting from scratch, the thing to remember is to go slow. You aren’t going to solve all your wardrobe problems overnight. Just focus on slowly adding things that work with the other things you already have. One of the nice things about being a dude is that we can wear the same things over and over and no one will notice!
Now, since you are quite tall and trim you might have to get more things made to measure. My advice is mostly RTW stuff.
To begin, since you work in a business casual environment, grab yourself some white and blue Oxford shirts and some khaki pants from a company like Lands’ End which always has crazy sales. Likewise for your more business formal shirt… go to a place like Charles Tyrwhitt where you can get a handful for cheap. Figure out what you like and what fits you. Maybe grab a v-neck sweater while you’re at it.
For your office days, get a classic navy blazer (with or without metal buttons) and a tweed jacket for the colder days. Don’t penny-pinch on these as they will last you for ages, but you don’t have to go nuts. A place like Brooks Brothers, especially on sale, is a fine bet. For anything more formal, get a solid navy suit. If you don’t wear suits often you can get away with having just this one suit for the rest of your life, practically. For ties, again a place like CT has them for peanuts on sale. Get a navy grenadine and a plain burgundy.
I know you’re concerned about the cost of shoes but that’s one area you don’t want to scrimp. Shoes and mattresses should be of the highest quality you can afford since if you’re not in one, you’re in the other. You don’t want to wreck your knees because you wanted to save a couple bucks on shoes.
Again, go slow. Grab a couple items here and there and you’ll slowly build up your wardrobe and it will be interchangeable with a small quantity. Don’t spend crazy money on your shirts, pants, or ties. Allocate those funds for your sport coats, suits, and shoes.
Hope this helps! Best of luck!

FatherStyle.com

It does indeed! and your comment about shoes is 100% correct. A lot of research ahead I think! Thanks for the advice.

 

[Jason12]

Loake 1880 range does free shipping in Australia I believe. The 1880 range are supposedly the higher quality range and all good year welted. Around $400-500. Easy shipping and returns in Aus

Thomas george is an australian GYW shoe company. I found their shoes a little too stiff to break in but the prices are good and easy to return. Around $350

TLD Mallorca Artista line are known to be great quality and low break in time but only free shipping one way. The return policy allows for one size change but otherwise you are paying about $60 AUD to return them. Around $600

 

[Jimba]

I have heard of loakes 1880 range. I think Myer or DJ's stock them?
As for stores, would sticking to DJs be best, or is online the way to go? In terms of aesthetics, I'm more of a European-style fan of menswear.

 

[Jason12]

I have heard of loakes 1880 range. I think Myer or DJ's stock them?
As for stores, would sticking to DJs be best, or is online the way to go? In terms of aesthetics, I'm more of a European-style fan of menswear.

online is the way to go for me. I think the loake website will stock more than the department stores.

 

[Jimba]

online is the way to go for me. I think the loake website will stock more than the department stores.

Yeah, I checked the Myer in the Bris conservative business dress and they didn't stock the 1880 range or any English-made shoes. But if I'm going to spend $650 on shoes, why not spend $100 more and get Crocket and Jones?

 

[Jason12]

Yeah, I checked the Myer in the Bris conservative business dress and they didn't stock the 1880 range or any English-made shoes. But if I'm going to spend $650 on shoes, why not spend $100 more and get Crocket and Jones?

Crockett and Jones is better if you can afford. I have the unlined Harvard loafer and they are better than my loakes 1880.

 

[Jimba]

Crockett and Jones is better if you can afford. I have the unlined Harvard loafer and they are better than my loakes 1880.

The only thing I worry about is foot support. if you have a flat foot and pronation can that be accommodated?

 

[Jason12]

The only thing I worry about is foot support. if you have a flat foot and pronation can that be accommodated?

im not too sure but I have wide and flat feet and usually need to go half size up thenput my own pad at the heel