Professional Dress Help

**berserkbishop** · 8th May 08, 02:47 AM

So as I have posted, I will be working in DC this summer. Right now my professional wardrobe is sad, and I have been out of the game so long I really dont know what to look for. This forum has made me realize something big. A lot of times it is worth it to invest a bit of money and buy high quality items because in the long run they will end up costing less.

I know we have a lot of professionals on this forum, and quite a few gentlemen that have very good taste. I am willing to drop a bit of cash to buy nice accessories.

My first question would be on shoes. Right now my dress loafers are about worn out and I have a pair of bargain wingtips that due for anything around here, but I dont want to look like a schmuk wearing cheap shoes in DC. What style (oxford, loafer, monkstrap. . . ) of shoe would you reccomend for daily office wear and what brands have you had good experiences with.

As far as dress clothes are concerned I recently purchased an all wool dark blue pinstripe, and I also have an entry level Armani Navy blue blazer. What else would you reccomend that I purchase to survive daily life in a professional office and to get the most mileage out of my money?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

BB

**Rex_Tremende** · 8th May 08, 03:26 AM

If you can swing it, I'd add a good quality black or charcoal spring weight wool suit to your collection, several good-fitting cotton white shirts (avoid blends if you can), some snug white cotton tees, and a small collection of smart ties. DC tends to get pretty humid in the summer, so the shirts will help you stay cool and sharp. White sets off any tie without having to think about whether it "works," so you can get dressed quickly and still mix it up with a variety of ties. Ties can be expensive, but there's always one or two good ones on the sale racks.

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.

Yes, you'll look like a consultant, but this is a look that says you mean business. It's a good interview look, too.

Good luck, and post pictures!

Rex.

**berserkbishop** · 8th May 08, 03:52 AM

When buying dress shirts does it matter what type of collar you buy? Would point, spread, or button down be best? Is there any difference in the level of formality with these cuts?

JoS A. Bank is having a sale on oxford shirts. anyone have an opinion on these?

BB

**McMurdo** · 8th May 08, 04:06 AM

I would say, and this is coming from my brother who owns a menswear store as well, go for the spread collar, as the button down collar comes and goes in fashion, however the spread collar is a timeless look.

I would also completely agree with Rex on the shoes and the fact that if you can you would do well to add a good quality Black or Charcoal spring weight wool suit.

**berserkbishop** · 8th May 08, 04:08 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I would say, and this is coming from my brother who owns a menswear store as well, go for the spread collar, as the button down collar comes and goes in fashion, however the spread collar is a timeless look.

I would also completely agree with Rex on the shoes and the fact that if you can you would do well to add a good quality Black or Charcoal spring weight wool suit.

Thanks for that, the collars have always confused me. What brand of dress shoes are you partial to?

BB

**McMurdo** · 8th May 08, 04:16 AM

Well it depends of course I am in Canada, however I would say any of the bigger names will do you well, you say you have an Armani blazer, anything by Armani would serve you well, or you could go for lets say something by Kenneth Cole I have had a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes for a few years and have found them very comfortable and stylish enough to keep me ahead of the curve. Go for the Silver Technology if you can as these are made to be comfortable.

To start off with the shirts on the link you provided look good, just make sure that their are collar stays in the shirt as they will help to keep the correct shape.

**Rex_Tremende** · 8th May 08, 04:28 AM

Kenneth Cole is good. They have comfortable, well-made, classic looking shoes that somehow don't end up looking like your father's - well, in your case, your grandfather's - shoes.

Regards,
Rex.