The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Building a basic wardrobe
Flay
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I've never spent a great deal of money or thought on clothes, because younger me never saw why it was important, or never had the time. As a result I have a set of clothing that's passable, but really could be improved. Now that I'm a little older and starting to think about full-time employment it's time I started to build a better wardrobe.
So say I'm a vagrant wandering nude on the streets and you, a rich stately patron, wander by and decide to take pity by spending a few hundred dollars on a wardrobe of basic, high quality clothes. What do you buy? Assume I have nothing. I'm still fairly young and at university, and since I'm studying graphic design, I could probably pass off some things as professional that an accountant definitely would not. Preferably I'd be able to wear these clothes casually, but also have options when I need to look more professional.
So say I'm a vagrant wandering nude on the streets and you, a rich stately patron, wander by and decide to take pity by spending a few hundred dollars on a wardrobe of basic, high quality clothes. What do you buy? Assume I have nothing. I'm still fairly young and at university, and since I'm studying graphic design, I could probably pass off some things as professional that an accountant definitely would not. Preferably I'd be able to wear these clothes casually, but also have options when I need to look more professional.
Flay on
0
Posts
I'd probably look at getting a couple if well chosen staples, like a nice pair of pants, nice jeans, a good jacket and some matching shoes.
Satans..... hints.....
I would put a dress shirt and suit on a birthday/Christmas list, since that'll be at least a hundred dollars, and you'll need it for job or internship interviews.
In terms of pants, you shouldn't need more than a pair of khakis/slacks, a couple pairs of jeans, and a couple pairs of shorts. 12-14 sets of boxers/briefs and pairs of socks, a half dozen undershirts.
When you get a job, depending on the dress code there, you are probably going to need several pairs of slacks and a half dozen or more dress shirts, or even several full suits. But that doesn't need to be on your list just yet.
Oh totally this. FIT is better than price.
I get by (IT, acting manager) with half dozen polos, half dozen button up shirts (4 long, 2 short sleeve), few pairs of khaki's of different colors (black, grey, tan). Black shoes / belt. Most of my stuff is from places like Sears. While it's not the cheapest (ie Target), it's not exactly Calvin Klein.
When I got married last summer, actually getting a fit for a suit, rather than settling for a shirt that was "close enough" (I'm 6'3, 240), having a properly fitting shirt that was probably more fabric than other shirts I wear, not only looked better but also made me look thinner. If it doesn't work, try another brand and you'll find something that works for you.
Shoes are a top priority right now, my current ones won't last much longer, and I have not one dress shirt. Luckily y dad has also determined to get me a nice jacket and some shirts for my 21st, so I'm on the lookout for something that's versatile but decent quality.
Cheers guys!
Find something like those in gray or dark blue and you can wear it with alot of stuff. Got mine from Nordstroms or Macys for under $100.
Home Inspection and Wind Mitigation
http://www.FairWindInspections.com/
Go to a Men's Wearhouse or something and get measured to see what size shirt you wear - and write it down. Once you figure out your neck, sleeve, and chest measurements, it's going to be a lot easier to find stuff that fits you right.
I second the fitment suggestion. I always buy shirts from stores like the above and then have them tailored by my dry cleaner for another $15. The result is fantastic for the cost since most shirts are apparently tailored for giant land whales and if i wear them as is i end up having a giant parachute of extra cloth behind me!
As far as styles, look at what the mannekins at nice stores are wearing... look at macys for conservative styles and somewhere like express for more modern styles... but still shop elsewhere with your budget.
Correct - I guess I should have clarified that that was all I was suggesting. Also, if you can find a specific brand of shirts/jeans/whatever that fits you well, try and find them cheaper online and keep an eye out for coupon codes..
Very bad.
People always try to pass them off as a nice compromise between casual and formal, but they're not. Go one or the other and do it right. Don't half-ass it.
Polos have a place. But yes, they're not exactly a "dressy alternative." It's a short-sleeve shirt with a collar.
The golf course.
Dude just needs some decent digs to wear to class. Nobody wears dress shirts to class unless they're coming to school from work. Polo shirts will look nicer than regular t shirts without being too dressy.
I beg to differ. A nice pair of jeans and a t-shirt that actually fits you (and sans logos/graphics, check American Apparel) will look nicer in a college environment than a polo.
And speak for yourself, a fitted dress shirt with a shorter hem untucked along with rolled up sleeves and again, nice jeans, is a great look.
Esh types the truth here.
TylerJ on League of Legends (it's free and fun!)
Frequently jobs ask you to wear "collared" shirts and are just fine with Polos instead of actual dress/buttondowns.
TylerJ on League of Legends (it's free and fun!)
This.
I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of polo shirts, I think I'd rather try to offset a dress shirt with more casual pants/shoes/etc. You don't see people wearing them very often around my end of the university; my area is full of fashion design students and hipsters, so I'm not that concerned about overdressing.
I've never had anything tailored either, but that sounds like something I should spend the money on.
For shoes, I'm probably going to need some general purpose canvas shoes for casual occasions, but how do you guys feel about these as a more formal shoe? These shoes that Liquid Hells mentioned are also really nice, but I'm afraid I would completely destroy suede.
ITT, we learn that Esh's closet contains dress shirts and plain, coloured t-shirts.
There is nothing wrong with wearing a polo.
This is a good place to start
putthison.com/tagged/How_to_Thrift
This is good resource for getting a few of those staples on the list at a cheap price.
jcrew.com/mens_feature/catalogjcrewcomexclusives/pants/PRDOVR~48447/99102659270/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~stanton%20pant%20484%20slim/48447.jsp
and a personal recommendation of mine, a good pair of chinos that can be dressed up or down
In this thread we learn that Figgy owns a lot of polos. ;-)
I own a lot of "casual" dress shirts as well. Ben Sherman, vintage pearl snap, etc. Though I don't think the OP wants to spend $70+ per shirt. And yeah, I abhor anything with an obvious label or graphic.
OP said he doesn't like polo shirts anyway, so it's pretty much a moot point.
Like Chocolove said, J. Crew has some really great stuff. I'm a fan of their sweaters (they have a nice slim fit in merino wool) and some of their slim fit dress shirts.
4 x White T-Shirt
2 x Black T-Shirt
2 x Navy T-Shirt
2 x Grey T-Shirt
1 Suit
1 Nice Watch
1 White Button Down Dress Shirt
1 Black Button Down Dress Shirt
1 Striped/Patterned/Colored Button Down Dress Shirt
4 Casual Button Down Shirts
1 Pair Dark Jeans
1 Pair Blue Jeans
1 Pair Chinos
1 Pair Black or Dark Grey Slacks
1 Pair Black Shoes
1 Pair Brown Boots
1 Pair White Sneakers
1 Hooded Jumper
1 Crew Neck Jumper
1 Casual Jacket
Pullover sweater.
NotYou: That's a pretty solid checklist, there are a lot of things on there I've been meaning to buy.
jrkruse: Funnily enough, I just went shopping with my dad for my 21st, and picket up a navy blue blazer, and a couple of shirts to go with it too. Pictures later.
I'm okay with spending a bit more on shirts so long as they'll last me a while. $70 isn't that unreasonable, but that might be due to price differences between Australia/America.
1x nice pair of jeans - dark coloured. Light blue jeans are worn by tradesmen and do not work when your aim is to look good.
1x nice pair of trousers - for times when jeans aren't quite enough
2-3x long sleeved collared buttoned shirts. Something that will look good with sleeves rolled up for a casual look is good. Something like this
1x nice jacket. Something nice - not necessarily a suit jacket, but similar. Like this. In fact, that overall look (top half only) is pretty good for all casual and smart casual appearances
1x nice pair of dress shoes. You can't go wrong with dark brown, something like this is ideal.
1x business suit, if you plan to go to a job interview, you will need one, and everyone needs something to wear for funerals, weddings, and formal events.
I happen to be a guy who is blessed with natural style without trying to hard. My style is kind of boho though. I don't like the clean cut look. I like the slightly bohemian look.
At this point, make sure to toss all your old tshirt, underwear, socks. Make sure you have nice quality solid colored tshirts. The gap would be a good place. A few black, a few gray. Blue if you have blue eyes. Have a decent pair of nice looking jeans. Ideally one blue, one black. the goal is new and clean foremost, style second.
you could look at magazines to see what men are wearing. like wired magazine. see what all the artsy tecchie guys are wearing and copy it.