Suits

I completely agree. Allen Edmonds shoes are horribly uncomfortable.

I know its been mentioned in this thread, does anyone which line/fit is the one to go with on Brooks Brothers suits? They have some pretty good deals running right now from 2 for 700 (Suiting Essentials) to 2 for 1500 (1818) w/ additional 30% off.

The Fitzgerald personally fits me the best (I'm thin), but only comes in single vent, which I'm not a fan of. So, if I were to buy a Brooks Brothers, that's what I'd buy.

This thread speaks to me.

Consider Canali, they are very nice and generally reasonably priced ($1000 ish)
Absolutely get it tailored. Pro-tip, when buying a suit get one they need to take in a bit rather one they need to let out -- that way if you gain a few pounds you won't be SOL. Please don't go funeral black. Stick with dark navy or charcoal. Please don't try to pull off brown or white or anything else. For the love of god make sure it's tailored right. There is nothing worse than an untailored suit.

Shoes, Ferragamo is my personal choice, but largely out of necessity - I'm a 13 and a narrow foot. There's basically two shoes that fit me: Ferragamo and Reebok.

Shirt, please skip the Gordon gecko shirts.

Ironically, I can dress myself in a suit but can't dress business casual to save my life.

Canali is amazing. Fits like a glove and you can buy at Nordstrom for $1,300. Their stock suit is built the way all suits ought to be cut, at least for someone that is on the thin side and likes sculpted suits. They are my absolute favorite if you can swallow the price tag.

Fit is all relative, for both suits and shoes. To say a certain brand fits you like a glove and thus everyone else should get one too, that doesn't really make sense.

*Traditionally*, a black suit is not really appropriate for business or even social events. Black suits are for funerals and waiting tables.

Now, we live in 2009, a male in America who is between 25 and 35 years old has probably seen more black suits at weddings, night clubs, at work, at business conferences, than any other color. In short, a black suit was "wrong" for business at one time, but now it has become acceptable, mainly because a million others have made the mistake for you already. Its probably the Calvin Klein effect from the 80s evolved into Armani and Hugo Boss in the 90s.

rhyme, you're a baller now since you've graduated! Time to get some bespoke shoes too, heh. You should be getting John Lobbs and Edward Greens, c'mon!

As for suits, just remember that there is a difference between banking folks and non-banking folks. If you want to work in finance, stick with the rules (e.g. non-black dark suits, black or brown shoes only, etc.), because they tend to dress much more conservatively.

Pin stripes on anything (shirts or suits) are considered less formal. Wingtips are considered less formal. Again, this stuff really matters more in banking than in other areas. For corporate or consulting, as long as you don't look like a slob, it won't hurt you. Don't think wearing a suit means you won't look like a slob -- wearing an oversized suit with a gaudy shirt and tie definitely does not project a well put together image.

Regarding rhyme's pro-tip, just remember that a good tailor can take in almost every part of the suit EXCEPT the shoulders. You should find a suit that fits your shoulders perfectly (i.e. the suit should not stick out over your shoulder), and then find a good tailor to fix everything else. Also note that for pants, taking it in more than two inches will probably be quite challenging.

I have a black suit (while not appropriate for business, there are occasions where you do need them), and a charcoal gray suit. I will probably get a light gray suit first, then consider getting a navy blue suit next despite conventional wisdom. Yes, I am not going into banking.

I saw that one too, I need two suit too for bschool (I think), for interview and then recruiting for the next two years. Try it out and see how they fit you. I think the two for 700 is a great deal.

i have to say that if you're going to a school on the West Coast, DON'T worry too much about the suit stuff, unless you're going into banking. Most people will wear navy or charcoal colored suits (striped or not), and I've pulled off brown quite a few times (sorry to disappoint you, rhyme ), but things are a lot more relaxed here than on the East Coast.

Just wanted to give a different perspective.

Interesting thread. To offer a kryzak style regional twist on suits if you are coming to Oxbridge, you'll definitely need a black suit for your subfusc that you are expected to wear to all exams, matriculation and graduation ceremonies. I am going with dark navy pinstripe, charcoal and black suits + a dinner suit (for all those formal Harry Potter style college dinners ).

Also remember that doesn't matter how smart the suit is, sometimes the shirt and tie can make or break the look.

I agree...
Tie, belt and shoes pretty much seal the deal!

Interesting discussion.

On one hand we have ultra conservative students from UK who wears suits to exams, on the other hand, we have students from Cali who probably wear shorts to exams.

What are the expectations of interviews from these two regions of schools? Should students dress differently for interviews for different schools? I would like to hear your takes on this, Thanks.

A few years ago, I picked up three suits for work: Charcoal Hugo 3-button, Black Hugo 3-button, and a Black pinstripe Canali 3-button. This was before I knew anything about suits (although my current knowledge is still somewhat lacking), so I didn't realize how ridiculous a 3-button looks on me. Additionally, I have gained about 20 pounds in the last four months, so I doubt the old suits will fit anyhow.

I will probably ditch the two Hugos but still want to hold on to the Canali. I agree with Rhyme in the quality of their suits; it feels so nice being hugged by that fabric beast. I'm going to start looking around for discounts, as I will probably pick-up two or three suits before school starts. We have a Barney's outlet nearby where nice suits can be found in the $500-$600 range.

I also fully agree on the comfort of Allen Edmonds shoes. I've been wearing a pair of cap-toed oxfords for about three years now, and they still feel and look incredible. AE also offers a reconditioning service for $95. I sent them in before my interview, and they came back looking virtually brand new.

Yea I definitely see the West Coast being much more casual. I live/work there right now so I can definitely see a lot of things pass for business casual here that wouldn't on the east coast even in the same company.

I also am interested in billyjeans Q about if its necessary to approach different schools with dress habits. I'd like to go to school on the West Coast, but want to get the standards just in case. I figured 1 navy/1 charcoal from Brooks would be the safest bet. My main concern is I don't know what quality suit is good enough.

That brings up a funny point regarding our admit weekend. At first we told people to wear "business casual", and it went from jeans and polo shirt to full suit (without the tie). That's when we realized East Coasters have a different definition of "business casual" than we do out here. Then we went with "smart casual" and specified that jeans and polos are ok, and we still got some people wearing slacks and button long sleeve shirts (what we consider "business casual" on the west coast).

Go figure!

I can't vouch for the quality or anything like that, but this shop in Chicago has made to measure suits for around $500. That is an amazing deal!!! I've seen made-to-measures at no less than $900 here in Houston. Maybe pick up one now and then pick up another in Septemeber when you get to school.
https://nicholas-joseph.com/

That's a very good price for a bespoke suit, but before I jumped in I'd try and find some people who had used that shop before. Quality of workmanship can vary pretty dramatically, so you'd want to make sure you're not buying a suit that's going to fall apart first time you have it cleaned.