Professional Dress Help

**McMurdo** · 18th May 08, 10:00 PM

While I am not a fan of button down collars. I do not know the culture of the White House, being a visitor to your great country from time to time, I was lucky enough to see it live however that is as far as my experience goes. You may well be fine in those shirts, I am sure that the quality of the shirts will shine through buttons or no.

**Rex_Tremende** · 19th May 08, 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by berserkbishop

I asked eariler, but do you gents feel like the button downs will be fine for my work in the white house?

I doubt it will be a problem. Button-downs are a tad less dressy than lay-down collars with stays, but if you make sure that your shirts are clean and wrinkle free, you can make them look just as good.

I have both types in my closet, and sometimes I go for the button-downs when I am in a decidedly unfussy mood. I do send all my shirts out for laundering and medium starch, so I know that whatever I pick out will be the best that it can be.

Regards,
Rex.

**berserkbishop** · 19th May 08, 09:35 PM

Thanks for all the help gents. Sorry to ask so many questions, but I would rather ask silly questions here among friends than make a bad impression in front of future colleagues. Thanks again!

BB

**O'Neille** · 19th May 08, 09:38 PM

Good luck and make sure you take something to wear while bashing crabs in Annapolis.

**berserkbishop** · 19th May 08, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by O'Neille

Good luck and make sure you take something to wear while bashing crabs in Annapolis.

Huh???

BB

**O'Neille** · 19th May 08, 09:41 PM

Big table, pile of hot steamed crabs, a hammer; not something you wear a blue blazer to. A definite day trip from D.C.

**berserkbishop** · 19th May 08, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by O'Neille

Big table, pile of hot steamed crabs, a hammer; not something you wear a blue blazer to. A definite day trip from D.C.

That sounds great for someone who likes crab. . . . . Personally not a fan of seafood. I keep trying it and everytime I dont enjoy it. Thanks for the suggestion though!

BB

**berserkbishop** · 20th June 08, 05:58 AM

I thought I would let all who weighed in on this thread know how things turned out. I wound up buying two suits from Jos. A. Bank (one charcoal, one black), a nice pair of khakis, and a blue blazer. I picked up a bunch of Brooks Brothers shirts in blue and white as well. So far I feel confident in the way I am dressed. I wear a pair of wingtip shoes to the office every day, and I am always well put together. Thank you all for the advice!

And as for the button down collar thing. . . I personally dont like them, but I got a great deal on a bunch of them so oh well. I have seen senators wearing them with a suit, and my superiors in the office wear buttondowns as much as point or spread so I dont feel out of place.

BB

**Aracos mac Domhnaill** · 20th June 08, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Rex_Tremende

As for shoes, I would avoid buckles and stick strictly to lace-ups, avoid any trendy toe shape, going for a substantial leather-soled oxford that you can keep polished to a high sheen. For a long-lasting shoe, I'd budget $80-120. See Johnson & Murphy, maybe.

I agree completely on the shoes. Plain black oxfords are hard to beat. The best that I've ever found are US Military issue believe it or not. They do take a little breaking in, but they wear forever, they take a shine well, and they look great with anything from a tuxedo to jeans.