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

[TatteredDignity]

For 0L: a gray/silver tie can look pretty sleek with a charcoal suit, but personally I'd recommend some strong primary color. Dressing entirely in shades of gray might appear drab, and could possibly give someone an incorrect idea about your personality (or lack thereof) before you even shake hands (this risk is multiplied when meeting someone who has done a lot of interviewing and/or had a long day).

Not to say you couldn't wear it to work one day (like I said - the right gray/silver can look sleek), but I personally wouldn't wear one to an interview.

Hadn't considered that. Thanks.

[03121202698008]

Has anyone ever used a tri-fold carry-on garment bag with a suit? Wondering if it and a travel steamer is the way to go for traveling to callbacks.

[Bronte]

Has anyone ever used a tri-fold carry-on garment bag with a suit? Wondering if it and a travel steamer is the way to go for traveling to callbacks.

The suitcase I have has a trifold garment bag. It works great. The type of hotels that big law firms will put you up in should have steamers or a steaming service.

To the poster asking where I got the suitcase, it's a CK carry-on that I got at Macy's for half off. Lots of suitcases have them though.

[goodolgil]

I can't imagine there being anything wrong with wearing an overcoat to an interview, especially in a public transit heavy city that wouldn't expect you to walk around in the dead of winter in just a wool suit. In fact, in my last interview one of the first things I was asked by the front desk was whether I had anything that needed to be hanged up (sort of strangely, since this is summer).

[barrydukakis]

YES! The JAB Traveller's are on sale, 50% off through the 21st. Thought I'd let everyone know in case they need a dress shirt or two. I realize this isn't the BEST deal on them, but for ~40 bucks or half the price of BB, I'll take them. FYI the staffords at JCPenny are ~30, and so are the lower quality irons at Nordy Rack.

FYI, online prices=store prices, and you can call and reserve shirts.

EDIT: anyone (Pufer?) thoughts on broadcloth (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Su ... =&filter3=) v. pinponit (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_101903)

[emciosn]

YES! The JAB Traveller's are on sale, 50% off through the 21st. Thought I'd let everyone know in case they need a dress shirt or two. I realize this isn't the BEST deal on them, but for ~40 bucks or half the price of BB, I'll take them. FYI the staffords at JCPenny are ~30, and so are the lower quality irons at Nordy Rack.

FYI, online prices=store prices, and you can call and reserve shirts.

EDIT: anyone (Pufer?) thoughts on broadcloth (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Su ... =&filter3=) v. pinponit (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_101903)

I got a few of the pinpoint shirts a couple weeks ago at a 3 for 1 price and really like them. They seem to made of good material ( I like the feel) and the styling is basic and conservative like you want for interview and law jobs.

Unrelated Question: Is the consensus that light blue for shirts is ok for OCI interviews? I think I saw some debate on this a couple pages ago but I was kind of wondering the outcome. I was thinking charcoal suit, light blue shirt, and dark blue tie for on day of OCI. Is that ok?

[romothesavior]

Unrelated Question: Is the consensus that light blue for shirts is ok for OCI interviews? I think I saw some debate on this a couple pages ago but I was kind of wondering the outcome. I was thinking charcoal suit, light blue shirt, and dark blue tie for on day of OCI. Is that ok?

I think they're fine.

[moandersen]

What are your thoughts on Calvin Klein suits? They are generally 400-500 bucks, but there are sales all the time. Im looking to add to my collection a navy and a light grey suit. Worth a purchase when on sale? I know they are not top quality, but I have one CK suit and it looks pretty sharp.

[goodolgil]

What are your thoughts on Calvin Klein suits? They are generally 400-500 bucks, but there are sales all the time. Im looking to add to my collection a navy and a light grey suit. Worth a purchase when on sale? I know they are not top quality, but I have one CK suit and it looks pretty sharp.

They are fine, but mostly indistinguishable from all the other "brand" names featured at stores like Men's Wearhouse. They're all licensed to this company http://www.peerless-clothing.com/home.htm. Don't pay for them based on the name alone (Unless it's "Calvin Klein Collection," but a suit like that would likely cost significantly more than $400).

[Pufer]

EDIT: anyone (Pufer?) thoughts on broadcloth (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Su ... =&filter3=) v. pinponit (http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_101903)

Broadcloth is generally thinner. This means it's cooler in the summer and has less of a weave, resulting in a more uniform-looking texture. However, it's more sheer (you will never be able to get away without an undershirt) and - at least in my experience - tends to not be as long-lasting.

Pinpoint is an oxford cloth. It's pretty much the standard, but it's warmer in the summer and its slightly coarser weave can result in minor pilling as the fabric ages amongst some of the cheaper brands.

I prefer pinpoint myself (especially for JAB as their pinpoint tends to breathe really well, lessening the advantage of the broadcloth), and recommend it in my suit megapost as it's the most versatile, but it's really up to you. The difference between the two is most pronounced in cheap shirts (i.e., the Stafford broadcloth at JCP is going to be substantially different than the Stafford oxford, whereas there will be less of a difference at JAB/BB/whatever nicer store you're at).

What are your thoughts on Calvin Klein suits? They are generally 400-500 bucks, but there are sales all the time. Im looking to add to my collection a navy and a light grey suit. Worth a purchase when on sale? I know they are not top quality, but I have one CK suit and it looks pretty sharp.

If you like the cut/fabric, they are a decent deal below $250, but you should really look for them way under $200. The big name, however, props up the price on them higher than it should be on the discount rack compared to identical suits sourced from the same generic suit outfit (basically, everything at Mens Wearhouse).

If the list price of an OTR suit is under $600, under no circumstances should you pay any more than half the list price unless there's an emergency. I know of no exceptions to this general rule (indeed, it's true for the majority of OTR suits that list above $600 too).

-Pufer

[TatteredDignity]

@pufer- so, your advice above applies to all the men's wearhouse lines? I'm about to pick up a suit separate Pronto uomo for $300... Are you saying that's too much? (it is on sale from 450)

[TaipeiMort]

@pufer- so, your advice above applies to all the men's wearhouse lines? I'm about to pick up a suit separate Pronto uomo for $300... Are you saying that's too much? (it is on sale from 450)

Read his post on page 6, he goes into extreme detail about everything.

I have to say that I have bought $80 suits in China, and Mens Wearhouse suits, and the $80 suits have always held up much better. I do not like what happens to Mens Wearhouse stuff after a little while. I think Pronto Uomo is a "Canadian" brand that is made in Mexico.

Also, Pufer: While I do not think that the BB 346 is comparable to the in-store line, I'm just saying that they aren't bad (I got both of mine for 479 after tax), especially because they will definitely be the exact cut you want for an OCI suit, and are better quality than Mens Wearhouse, or Jos A Bank "Classic" (outlet store) brands.

[NoleinNY]

I probably know the answer to this, but it's worth asking now than looking silly later.

I plan on buying a dark navy suit for OCI. The best shoes I own are these Cole Haan Cassidy Cap Toes: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_254399

While it is brown, it is a very dark shade. Workable?

[Anonymous User]

im sure they will be fine and that is one of the least objectionable ways in which you can diverge from the advice given here. at eip i have seen people look awful in black captoes/white shirt/red tie/navy suit, and i have seen people look great in striped shirts, pinstriped suits, light grey suit with brown shoes, pink ties, etc. contrary to what is implied here, leaving your interviewer thinking "that guy looked good" is not a bad impression, as long as it's tasteful, conservative, and doesnt look obnoxious or overly fashion-forward.

[lostpike]

What does everyone think about wearing a marine corp tie bar to an interview?

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[bjsesq]

What does everyone think about wearing a marine corp tie bar to an interview?

--ImageRemoved--

Trying too hard. You don't need to wear it on your sleeve, dude. They know already.

[Pufer]

@pufer- so, your advice above applies to all the men's wearhouse lines? I'm about to pick up a suit separate Pronto uomo for $300... Are you saying that's too much? (it is on sale from 450)

Suit separates are almost per se overpriced and under-quality. Additionally, I'd argue that Pronto Uomo is actually a bit worse than most stuff at MW because it's one of the MW house brands. There's no basis for price comparison as they're only at MW (they can inflate the price more) and they're just not particularly good suits (full disclosure: it's probably been a couple years since I specifically checked out a Pronto suit; I doubt they've changed much, but it's possible they have).

Pronto is a different cut than the Lauren suits you can find on STP for around $160, but is comparable quality. For another option on cut, according to an email from MW I got today, they are having a sale on Calvin Klein for $250. They won't be any better in the quality department, but will at least save you $50 if you want to stay with MW.

Read his post on page 6, he goes into extreme detail about everything.

The version on page 75 is updated and easier to read (http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... start=1851).

Also, Pufer: While I do not think that the BB 346 is comparable to the in-store line, I'm just saying that they aren't bad (I got both of mine for 479 after tax), especially because they will definitely be the exact cut you want for an OCI suit, and are better quality than Mens Wearhouse, or Jos A Bank "Classic" (outlet store) brands.

Absolutely, and I hope I didn't give the impression that I was dismissing them completely. I just wanted to point out that BB is pulling some JAB-style shady dealing with its outlet stores.

I've never been to a JAB outlet store (I've never lived anywhere near one as far as I'm aware), so can't speak to their "Classic" line, but am not surprised at all that it's pretty bad.

I probably know the answer to this, but it's worth asking now than looking silly later.

I plan on buying a dark navy suit for OCI. The best shoes I own are these Cole Haan Cassidy Cap Toes: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_254399

While it is brown, it is a very dark shade. Workable?

Make sure your belt matches the shoes and you're probably fine. Bronte's "One Deviation" Rule is solid.

-Pufer

[Bronte]

I probably know the answer to this, but it's worth asking now than looking silly later.

I plan on buying a dark navy suit for OCI. The best shoes I own are these Cole Haan Cassidy Cap Toes: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Pr ... 050_254399

While it is brown, it is a very dark shade. Workable?

You'll be fine with those. But when you say "the best shoes I own," do you mean you own some black cap toes? Because if you do, you might as well wear those.

[03121202698008]

What color belt with cordovan shoes and Navy suit? Do they make cordovan belts?

Edit: I found one or two online but all of the local stores only carry black/brown for dress belts.

[03121202698008]

What the fuck is cordovan?

NVM, thanks, Google. TIL: people have way too many names for colors.

I think technically it's a name for the type of leather (rear-most part of horse IIRC) but in many cases just means burgundy shoes.

[Bronte]

They make belts in all colors but you're just going to have to look a little harder. Also, to Nightrunner, "cordovan" is also a type of leather used for high-end shoes (which often comes in "cordovan" color, but also in black and other shades of brown). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_cordovan, --LinkRemoved--.

[03121202698008]

They make belts in all colors but you're just going to have to look a little harder. Also, to Nightrunner, "cordovan" is also a type of leather used for high-end shoes (which often comes in "cordovan" color, but also in black and other shades of brown). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_cordovan, --LinkRemoved--.

Is a brown belt with cordovan shoes and Navy suit a no no?

[EmVan]

I'd work on getting a belt that matches your shoes. I'm sure you can find one, though it will probably take a tad more work for colors other than black (even brown isn't that easy since you should be matching the shade - and even texture).

Cheers,

[Bronte]

They make belts in all colors but you're just going to have to look a little harder. Also, to Nightrunner, "cordovan" is also a type of leather used for high-end shoes (which often comes in "cordovan" color, but also in black and other shades of brown). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_cordovan, --LinkRemoved--.

Is a brown belt with cordovan shoes and Navy suit a no no?

Mmm, it seems like a no no. But it would of course depend on specifically how it looked. Here are lots of belts in lots of colors, although they're pretty steep: http://www.theshoemart.com/accessories/ ... -mxab.html. The JC Cole one looks nice though. But obviously buying a belt online when you're trying to match the color is a little tough. But you could always return it.

[goodolgil]

This one is $20 --LinkRemoved--

But it doesn't seem to have a picture of it available in Cordovan.