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

[sprezz]

re: slacks - i'd get at least one pair for when you don't need a suit, but that's more of a question of your firm's dress code. if those days never happen, maybe don't worry about it.

re: shirts - i would only wear the light blue check of the 3 in that picture to the office as an SA in what sounds like a less formal firm than yours, and even then the light blue one is an awkward fit if you have to wear a suit with it. get solid light blues, they'll mix up with your white ones and be more appropriate with a suit. and look for more subtle patterns of shirts that are some permutation of light blue and white, like a stripe or a more subtle (read: thinner) check.

edit: not to advocate you buy any of these or even this brand but bb has some decent options on sale; at worst, they illustrate the pattern intensity i'd recommend. one two three four five six seven and a blue while i'm linking.

[transferror]

Go spread collar, button down collars are generally less formal and better for biz casual.

Patterns are ok, but stick to more muted colors rather than bright/flashy stuff if you veer outside of white or variations of blue. I think these are conservative enough, but other can correct me if wrong:

Purple Tattersail: https://www.combatgent.com/shirts/purpl ... ead-collar
Green Check: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/dkny ... slotId%3D6

Agree with above poster, subtle patterns with variations of blue are safest

[Br3v]

Go spread collar, button down collars are generally less formal and better for biz casual.

Patterns are ok, but stick to more muted colors rather than bright/flashy stuff if you veer outside of white or variations of blue. I think these are conservative enough, but other can correct me if wrong:

Purple Tattersail: https://www.combatgent.com/shirts/purpl ... ead-collar
Green Check: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/dkny ... slotId%3D6

Agree with above poster, subtle patterns with variations of blue are safest

So like that green one, what color tie and suit would you wear with it? It seems like it would go great unbuttoned with slacks but I'm having a hard time picturing them with a suit

[sprezz]

you wouldn't wear that green one with a suit, it's too busy

[transferror]

So like that green one, what color tie and suit would you wear with it? It seems like it would go great unbuttoned with slacks but I'm having a hard time picturing them with a suit

I'd wear it with a dark gray suit and a dark, solid tie. Probably something like this: http://www.thetiebar.com/product/25122. But if you wanted to be more conservative you could wear a solid midnight navy or any other dark variation that doesn't clash.

Anyway, I'd think this is on the outer edge (or just over the line) of what's acceptable at a formal firm. My summer firm is small and from what I've seen very relaxed, so it's not a big concern for me. Adjust with other poasters' advice accordingly.

[sinkhole]

About to start a SA at a "formal" firm. I have 3 suits (navy and dark grey) black dress shoes and white dress shirts. I guess it's a good time to start a professional wardrobe so what should I buy? Am I going to need some nice slacks or should I just assume I'm going to be in a suit everyday anyways?

As to dress shirts, are things like this what I need?


Tell me stuff to buy and where to buy it.

i found this thread (and dappered more generally) to be useful
http://threads.dappered.com/showthread. ... post206434

[Br3v]

Do I need a pair of brown dress shoes? I just have black.

If so, what about these?
[Shoes]

[PennBull]

Those are totally fine style wise and I would recommend getting brown shoes but recognize that Florsheims will last you a year maybe two before they look bad

[Br3v]

Those are totally fine style wise and I would recommend getting brown shoes but recognize that Florsheims will last you a year maybe two before they look bad

Cool, I'd rather not spend much more on shoes right now so for that price range is it safe to pull the trigger? Also, would these go with a navy (I think yes) or dark grey (probably no?) suit?

[Br3v]

Can you guys tell me if these shirts work for a firm with a "formal" dress code? I need to get some more ties so ignore the clashing tie combos (number 4 seems like a particular violator). My main concern is whether the shirts are ok, and whether I have enough variety. (I also have a few nice white shirts without button down colors, and one nice white with thin blue checkers which I know is not an issue)

[thanks!]

[sprezz]

you're in good shape. only shirt i wouldn't wear with a suit in a formal setting is #1 but if you had to you could, and it's perfect for a sportcoat without tie.

5.5 - i think it's on the good side of the border. good 3rd suit, wear the others on court days / client meetings when possible but no problem if you're in this one. wear it with a lighter blue or white shirt to make it seem more balanced than it looks with a darker shirt + darker tie though, when the suit's the lightest element like in that pic it plays as lighter than it actually is.

6.5 - probably navy with a tight pattern and a little complementary color, one two; or if you don't wanna go navy, maybe something solid with good contrast and a little texture, one two again not trying to funnel to a specific merchandiser it's just easier to find what i'm looking for on these websites than tie bar

8/9 - shoes are good for casual, but maybe not the same level of casual as those pants if that makes sense. more chino than wool imo. pants are good.

[Anonymous User]

Considering I know nothing about alterations, how much, roughly, should I be expecting to pay to have a BB slim fit shirt brought in so it's not a billowing mess in the back? Hoping it's relatively inexpensive considering the shirts themselves hurt the wallet.

TYIA.

[BVest]

Why would you be doing that? Just get the extra slim fit.

If you already have the shirts, probably $20-30/shirt.

[Br3v]

you're in good shape. only shirt i wouldn't wear with a suit in a formal setting is #1 but if you had to you could, and it's perfect for a sportcoat without tie.

5.5 - i think it's on the good side of the border. good 3rd suit, wear the others on court days / client meetings when possible but no problem if you're in this one. wear it with a lighter blue or white shirt to make it seem more balanced than it looks with a darker shirt + darker tie though, when the suit's the lightest element like in that pic it plays as lighter than it actually is.

6.5 - probably navy with a tight pattern and a little complementary color, one two; or if you don't wanna go navy, maybe something solid with good contrast and a little texture, one two again not trying to funnel to a specific merchandiser it's just easier to find what i'm looking for on these websites than tie bar

8/9 - shoes are good for casual, but maybe not the same level of casual as those pants if that makes sense. more chino than wool imo. pants are good.

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[Br3v]

Are J Crew chinos appropriate for social events for the summer? I don't have khaki colored slacks and I am debating buying some when I am not going to be able to wear them to the office because ill be in a suit anyways.

[5ky]

Are J Crew chinos appropriate for social events for the summer? I don't have khaki colored slacks and I am debating buying some when I am not going to be able to wear them to the office because ill be in a suit anyways.

fwiw, when I was a summer, we didn't have any weekend activities, everything was either during the day or immediately after work

[WestOfTheRest]

I had no idea how to deal with shoes before getting into biglaw. Some advice for guys looking at shoes:

1) Buy nice shoes, they will last longer and look WAY better. But the fact that they will last longer is the important part (Allen Edmonds is undoubtedly the best bang for buck shoe, but there are a lot of great options out there). If you're paying less than $250 a pair, they probably aren't ideal (of course, quality over price, so if you can find a great deal, all the better). If you're tight on cash, look at buying some seconds from a reputable company instead of buying cheaper shoes.
2) Buy shoe trees (cedar ones) and use them. When you get home at the end of the day, take your shoes off and instantly put the shoe trees in them. They payoff in spades.
3) Either have a cobbler treat your shoes before you wear them the first time or do it yourself, but don't wear shoes without having it done. After the first wear, make sure you have them shined regularly to keep them semi-water resistant.
4) Never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. If you do, your shoes will last a quarter of the time (or less). Shoes need to properly dry out between wears.

Hopefully this helps some of you guys out (if it hasn't been stated elsewhere in this thread).

[chuckbass]

Paging pennbull (but all help is appreciated)

I need a basic biz cas wardrobe for the summer. Pretty simple I'm guessing, but just would like confirmation of what I definitely need, and how many of what. Should I get 5 pairs of wool pants, and 10 dress shirts? Was planning on doing BR since they have the sales and also have XS. Also guessing I should pick up a sport coat as well. I have walnut strands and black park aves, but figured only the strands would work for this, so any other good ideas for shoes? I'll be spending a shitton on the pants/shirts since I'm pretty short so I will need everything tailored, so I'd probably be wanting to spend less money on the shoes and upgrade those in the future. TYIA.

[TheDogWhisperer]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but slim lapels are definitely out. if it's less than 3 inches, burn it now.

[bonerjamz]

Is this okay for a blazer for a business casual firm? My office is on the West Coast, if that puts things into context at all.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/pr ... =190109002

[TheDogWhisperer]

Is this okay for a blazer for a business casual firm? My office is on the West Coast, if that puts things into context at all.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/pr ... =190109002

design is fine but I think its too expensive for a 60% wool jacket. you can probably get one 100% for aprox the same price

[Anonymous User]

I want to pick up a new suit or two before heading off to law school. My previous life experiences haven't required me to own a suit, so I'm a bit of a suit noob.

What are the unspoken rules of attire in the legal community? What is appropriate for interviews and other law related events? I've read other places that black is a definite no for any business environment. 2-button or 3-button? Pleats or no pleats? Any suit knowledge is appreciated.

I vaguely remember a thread on TLS about what not to wear to an interview, which is why I'm asking this question.

I worked at a biglaw firm. The attorneys weren't averse to wearing black to court but did tend to have non-black suits for client meetings. Black is a bit severe I guess.

No1 at my biglaw firm wears black, ever. Navy, gray, and brown, possibly charcoal, all before black (in that order). It's just a weird unwritten rule - everyone joked that those in state and fed govt. wore cheap black suits haha

[bonerjamz]

Is this okay for a blazer for a business casual firm? My office is on the West Coast, if that puts things into context at all.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/pr ... =190109002

design is fine but I think its too expensive for a 60% wool jacket. you can probably get one 100% for aprox the same price

Well with sales, discounts, and a gift card I can get it for $35 cash, so I'm going to pull the trigger. Thanks.

[TheDogWhisperer]

Is this okay for a blazer for a business casual firm? My office is on the West Coast, if that puts things into context at all.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/pr ... =190109002

design is fine but I think its too expensive for a 60% wool jacket. you can probably get one 100% for aprox the same price

Well with sales, discounts, and a gift card I can get it for $35 cash, so I'm going to pull the trigger. Thanks.

OK. take it to the tailor asap for adjustment unless it fits you like a glove

[BmoreOrLess]

Paging pennbull (but all help is appreciated)

I need a basic biz cas wardrobe for the summer. Pretty simple I'm guessing, but just would like confirmation of what I definitely need, and how many of what. Should I get 5 pairs of wool pants, and 10 dress shirts? Was planning on doing BR since they have the sales and also have XS. Also guessing I should pick up a sport coat as well. I have walnut strands and black park aves, but figured only the strands would work for this, so any other good ideas for shoes? I'll be spending a shitton on the pants/shirts since I'm pretty short so I will need everything tailored, so I'd probably be wanting to spend less money on the shoes and upgrade those in the future. TYIA.

Definitely don't need that many pants. Three would be more than enough (navy, charcoal, grey). Also don't need ten shirts. A muted set of five would go a long way (white, blue, a few patterns). The only way anyone would notice is if you get a really bold pattern, and even then it is doubtful that anyone will really care.

As far as shoes go, you may be fine but it couldn't hurt to pick up a pair of brown or merlot shoes. Walnut may stick out, but you're honestly probably good rotating them daily. Black park aves are perfectly fine for biz casual, just a matter of whether you want to put them through high use.