OCI/callbacks/etc Men's Clothing Mega-thread Forum

[mu13ski]

Should I get a sport coat or a blazer for biz casual firm shit this summer? Never worn either before. And where's a good place to get a decent one at a reasonable price?

I was thinking of getting something in the middle. Blazer like colors (neutral like grey), pocket hidden, but with sport coat-like light simple pattern

mvp99

I'm in the same boat. Looking for a jacket that is versatile that I can dress up or down.

Just my initial search, but thoughts on these?

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

You want a Navy blazer for versatility in going with all colors and it's ability to be dressed up or down.

Get this, or something like it:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fi ... &cgid=0218

Not a fan of gold buttons. Is getting into any sort of pattern a bad idea, even if subtle?

[Anonymous User]

Couple of Questions. TYIA.

Shoes:

For a business casual firm, are black AE Park Avenue's too formal? If so, what should I get instead? Also, any recommendations on a second pair of AE's (probably/preferably in brown)? Finally, thoughts on penny loafers? Mind you, I'm in a business casual office on the West Coast.

Pants:

Likely going to try to save some money and get pants at Nordstrom Rack. Should I be sticking to wool/more formal materials, or are khaki/chinos fine? And how about Navy, Olive, Brown, Grey, and Khaki as colors?

Shirts:

Getting BB Slim fit, non-iron shirts, and will have them tailored at a private tailor so they aren't parachutes. Going to get a few solid colors (white, light blue, light green), and perhaps some patterned. Are faint stripes and small, light checkered patterns suitable?

Thanks again, I appreciate any/all input!

[KM2016]

I was thinking of getting something in the middle. Blazer like colors (neutral like grey), pocket hidden, but with sport coat-like light simple pattern

mvp99

I'm in the same boat. Looking for a jacket that is versatile that I can dress up or down.

Just my initial search, but thoughts on these?

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

You want a Navy blazer for versatility in going with all colors and it's ability to be dressed up or down.

Get this, or something like it:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fi ... &cgid=0218

Not a fan of gold buttons. Is getting into any sort of pattern a bad idea, even if subtle?

Personally, I would absolutely stick to a solid color, no patterns. It's flashy for a blazer, especially for a summer associate. As a summer associate, you want to blend in, not stand out. And like I said, Navy is by far the most versatile/functional. You can get a Navy blazer without gold buttons if that's your only hesitation.

[mu13ski]

[/quote]

Personally, I would absolutely stick to a solid color, no patterns. It's flashy for a blazer, especially for a summer associate. As a summer associate, you want to blend in, not stand out. And like I said, Navy is by far the most versatile/functional. You can get a Navy blazer without gold buttons if that's your only hesitation.[/quote]


This is probably a stupid question, but at that point isn't it just a suit jacket? Why not just use my solid navy jacket for that purpose then?

[KM2016]

This is probably a stupid question, but at that point isn't it just a suit jacket? Why not just use my solid navy jacket for that purpose then?

Different cut and material.

[Anonymous User]

(nvm - moved to buy-sell forum)

[mvp99]

The point of a sport coat is that it is not a suit jacket. At my firm, there is no need to wear a blazer or a tie. It will be something to put on for when I head out to a fancy restaurant or dinner.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/canali-clas ... tback=5799

http://www.blacklapel.com/blazers/gray- ... check.html

Don't get this (and don't pay $1500):

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hickey-free ... =item_page

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/peter-milla ... =item_page

[FSK]

Gold buttons are a defining element of the truly classic blazer. Brooks makes an excellent blazer you can get, on sale, for like 500. It'll last basically as long as you take care of it. I chose a timeless cut, but they offer more fashion forward models as well.

[5ky]

damn that AE sale doesn't cover park aves, fifth aves or strands? pointless

[Anonymous User]

Are black AE Carlyles appropriate for business casual? Also, I'll likely get a pair of brown Cole Haan's (can't afford two pairs of AE's). Any suggestions on Cole Haan styles?

Thanks.

Edit: Are Carlyles too formal for business casual? Sorry if this is retarded to ask.

[MT Cicero]

Also looking at a pair of Carlyles. I have black oxfords already, so I'm looking for either a burgundy or brown and wondering which way to go. I'll be wearing a suit to work this summer, and have navy, gray (not too light), and charcoal.

Of the various red hues and brown hues, which way would you go given my suit colors? It seems like it wouldn't matter much for the navy suit, but I'm thinking that the two other suits might look better with an oxblood or chili. Thoughts?

[sprezz]

black carlyles are great alternatives for PAs. bit more versatile up or down the formality scale without the stitch cap. plus, eliminates one of the two biggest flaws with the PA (cap placement). as for the 2nd pair, instead of cole haan i'd go to shoebank.com and get AE kenilworths for $150 (or ask what the prices are on BB PA's / 5A's / strands over the phone). as for 2nd poster's color: pick your favorite, they're all fine.

subtle pattern on a SC is fine, though you want it to resolve to a solid color. a herringbone or similar is a good way to avoid the orphaned suit jacket look. you're right to note that a plain worsted SC will look a lot like your suit. that's the downside of don't-stand-out-attire. but it will still give your suits a break from extra wear. if your firm is on the casual end, you might consider 2 seasonal blazers: flannel for winter, unlined linen for summer. but if that won't fly, and (like me) you think the shiny button look is a bad one, subtle pattern is about all you can do to get a different look.

[Anonymous User]

black carlyles are great alternatives for PAs. bit more versatile up or down the formality scale without the stitch cap. plus, eliminates one of the two biggest flaws with the PA (cap placement). as for the 2nd pair, instead of cole haan i'd go to shoebank.com and get AE kenilworths for $150 (or ask what the prices are on BB PA's / 5A's / strands over the phone). as for 2nd poster's color: pick your favorite, they're all fine.

subtle pattern on a SC is fine, though you want it to resolve to a solid color. a herringbone or similar is a good way to avoid the orphaned suit jacket look. you're right to note that a plain worsted SC will look a lot like your suit. that's the downside of don't-stand-out-attire. but it will still give your suits a break from extra wear. if your firm is on the casual end, you might consider 2 seasonal blazers: flannel for winter, unlined linen for summer. but if that won't fly, and (like me) you think the shiny button look is a bad one, subtle pattern is about all you can do to get a different look.

First Anon asking about the carlyles. I'll check out shoebank. Any recommendation on the shade of brown? Brown, chili, walnut, etc.?

[sprezz]

if i were pairing kenilworths with a black pair of shoes to be my 2nd pair of daily shoes for work i'd go brown. chili would be ok. walnut/bourbon wouldn't be disasters, but they're more casual than i would go. and this may be obvious, but "BB" in my previous post = brooks bros. AE can't post their brooks bros-branded seconds on the shoebank website, so a call is worth it to see what's in your size (almost always cheaper than non-BB PA, strand, etc)

[ymmv]

Should I get a sport coat or a blazer for biz casual firm shit this summer? Never worn either before. And where's a good place to get a decent one at a reasonable price?

I was thinking of getting something in the middle. Blazer like colors (neutral like grey), pocket hidden, but with sport coat-like light simple pattern

mvp99

I'm in the same boat. Looking for a jacket that is versatile that I can dress up or down.

Just my initial search, but thoughts on these?

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

You want a Navy blazer for versatility in going with all colors and it's ability to be dressed up or down.

Get this, or something like it:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fi ... &cgid=0218

If I go this route, where can I get a good one in the <$200 range? $550 feels too steep for a single item of clothing.

[KM2016]

I was thinking of getting something in the middle. Blazer like colors (neutral like grey), pocket hidden, but with sport coat-like light simple pattern

mvp99

I'm in the same boat. Looking for a jacket that is versatile that I can dress up or down.

Just my initial search, but thoughts on these?

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-outerwear/ ... Ascending)

You want a Navy blazer for versatility in going with all colors and it's ability to be dressed up or down.

Get this, or something like it:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fi ... &cgid=0218

If I go this route, where can I get a good one in the <$200 range? $550 feels too steep for a single item of clothing.

Nordstrom Rack.

[PennBull]

good lord don't get a brass buttoned blazer unless you want to look like a prep school goober

(such blazers are nice and can be worn appropriately but at a firm you will look like a prep school goober)

[PennBull]

Follow the Blue Blazer Hierarchy

[FSK]

good lord don't get a brass buttoned blazer unless you want to look like a prep school goober

(such blazers are nice and can be worn appropriately but at a firm you will look like a prep school goober)

Good:

Terrible:

[PennBull]

nope, still prep school goober at a law firm

[FSK]

nope, still prep school goober at a law firm

Isn't that what law firms are?

[ymmv]

good lord don't get a brass buttoned blazer unless you want to look like a prep school goober

(such blazers are nice and can be worn appropriately but at a firm you will look like a prep school goober)

*Shrug.* I've seen so many people at firms wearing these. Idk, I just want something to wear with biz casual shit when it's chilly. I hate doing the suit minus tie thing. Those jackets mu posted looked cool.

[PennBull]

no i mean like, blazers and sportcoats are TCR. Just avoid brass buttons. Wrong setting.

and I mean nobody will crucify you for it, but if you're buying something new then just do it right the first time

[FSK]

You can also get blue button put on for like 20 bucks, haha. Save your brass buttons if you ever want them back.

[Anonymous User]

Question for those of you well-versed in Allen Edmonds shoes.

I know BB has and AE line. Are these the same as AE Park Avenues?

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Allen-Edm ... &cgid=0522

I ask because I have a coupon for 40% off a single item at BB, and I could thus save money on Park Avenues, but I want to be sure they're the same thing.

TYIA.