Ok, first, let me just say that this is most definitely not the best title I've ever came up with. 
However, I do have a slightly interesting "problem" on my hands.
For literally years, I've worn the work clothes that my employer has issued to me. For both on and off work.
And why not? Polo-like shirts and khaki pants? It actually looks pretty good. Best of all, it's free. It even comes with free dry cleaning!
But now that I am switching employers, I have to turn it back in soon. Supposedly, the new employers have their own "uniform", but what will that look like? When will I get it? What do I wear in the meantime?
And besides, I really do need clothes of my own anyways, in the remote chance that this new employer doesn't work out and I have to job hunt.
Oh, and in case you're wondering? No, my old clothes won't work. Not unless my merry collection of gag T-shirts ranging from, "Kiss me because I'm Irish" (I'm not), "I love mushrooms" (Mario Bros. video game joke), "I do my own stunts" (that one is true), and the ever-popular "I'm not a doctor, but I'll take a look at it" will win over prospective employers and women alike, then yes, I suppose I could wear them.
But something tells me I need clothes that are a bit more... formal. Something I can wear to interviews. Something that I can wear at work. Something I can wear while out at town.
Is such a thing possible? I'm a guy so, I really just need one set of clothes that I can wear anywhere for most if not all occasions.
And of course, I'm also hoping to pull this off for as little money as possible.... Or is clothing something that I should probably spend a little bit on quality?
Oh, and if it helps, I already have some navy blue slacks that I can keep wearing. But, if I have to ditch them because they're mismatched somehow, then... well, so be it.
So, based on all this, can anyone here make any recommendations on what kind of outfit I should wear? I don't know anything about clothing or where to even shop for stuff like this....
Also,
Want to play dress me up?
February 4th, 2009 at 02:37 pm
February 4th, 2009 at 02:42 pm 1233758551
That's basically business casual and most women will think you well dressed so its a good all round look.
As to expense, well, Ross Dress for Less sells dress shirts, Famous Footwear can get you decent shoes but the blazer and the slacks you will probably want to spend a little more for. Again, just my opinion
February 4th, 2009 at 02:53 pm 1233759188
Yeah, I also had a bad feeling that I'd have to pay up for this one. It's almost sad, but it's something I've put off for years so.... When was the last time I actually bought clothes? Let's see, I believe it was 2001. Yeah. So, considering that I've managed to get away with it for so long, perhaps it's not a terrible thing in the grand scheme of things?
February 4th, 2009 at 03:12 pm 1233760374
February 4th, 2009 at 03:30 pm 1233761404
By the way, that's similar to my current dress clothes. Navy polo shirt with khaki pants. For free, it's stylin'!
February 4th, 2009 at 03:37 pm 1233761850
My DH dresses very informally (jeans) in his work, but once when _I_ needed him to dress up a bit, he went to a mall-based men's clothing store and described what the occasion was and his level of discomfort with suits and spending on clothes. The guys at the store were great at helping him pick out an outfit that he was comfortable with and that fit the occasion. He could never have done it by himself, and those guys got it just right. So maybe you could do that for an outfit or two, then duplicate the look they guide you to somewhere less expensive.
February 4th, 2009 at 03:40 pm 1233762018
February 4th, 2009 at 03:48 pm 1233762496
As for the paper cut out thing... uh, I'm not sure what to make of that. Hehe.
February 4th, 2009 at 03:55 pm 1233762911
First, I think the consistently best deal (you might find sales and bargains here and there other places) for dress shirts is Marshall's. They have some upscale brands (I always buy the good brand for Hub, but they never cost more than $16 per shirt-- I know, not as good as "free") and a pretty decent variety most of the time.
Are we talking interview or work?
For interview, depending on the kind of job, I think you can do fine with NICE khakis and a navy jacket. I also like the navy pants with gray jacket.
But basically, for my husband's work clothes...
I buy pants: black, navy, khaki, gray, olive green
I buy jackets: gray, navy (he doesn't wear every day)
I buy shirts: white, some strips, some colors
He'll ask me if things match on occasion, but I try to make it so that most things can be switched around (I'm not a fan of mixing black and navy, but some people do)
Sounds like a challenge...
My son's t-shirt says, "Don't make me use my super powers!"
February 4th, 2009 at 04:06 pm 1233763574
I'm looking for clothes that can be used for both interviews and temporarily at work.
Although I want to keep the cost down, I'm prepared to pay a pretty penny for this. Obviously, I'm typically not interested in clothing, but.... at this point in time, I think it is necessary and I want to do it right. But I'm still in the "brainstorming" stage, so no real money is on the line yet either.
Like your son's T-shirt! Hehe.
February 4th, 2009 at 04:06 pm 1233763607
A t-shirt or two that is polite would be fine for a shopping trip (err not the dr one IMO)
As to slacks, you really would be well served with in person advice, they make all kinds, and some are flattering, some are not. (IE pleats usually bad, pockets can hide or accentuate the rear depending on need, fabric varies from true no iron to get a pro to press) So ditto Joans idea on advice for one or two outfits then use their info to shop on your own.
BTW I personally dislike golf shirts but that is prolly cause growing up I only saw them on fast food employees.
Oh and linked photo is of a fellow trying to hard with all that grey.
One last thing, I fall into the make pants and coat match group, or at least in the same family.
February 4th, 2009 at 04:10 pm 1233763854
Great advice by the way. All new stuff to me.
And yes, I'll be leaning away from Polos for my own shirts, and towards Oxfords.
Ok, and the grey outfit is out.
February 4th, 2009 at 07:14 pm 1233774855
Power tie = red!
When dressing it's about the overall grooming in my opinion. Pressed & fresh. Haircut kept up to date, nosehairs trimmed, etc. Clean & a very small amount of cologne on.
When dressing - the belt buckle lines up with the zipper, which also lines up with the buttons on the shirt. Tidiness is I guess to what I'm referring. Not just slopped together. Babe points to the guy who has these issues mentioned above covered.
Your future employer won't be unimpressed either.
IMHO, you wouldn't go far wrong with what you've pictured. Black or grey flannel dress pants. One each black and white oxford dress shirts. A black and red tie and the other clothes I mentioned would take you most places. A decent black blazer would be good for casual or a casual work place. If you're going up for a more serious job then a full on suit would be needed.
For dates - jeans and the white or black shirt untucked w/the casual blazer & good dress shoes should take you most places. Leave off the blazer & add tennis shoes to jeans for a walk in the park to play frisbee or something.
Out for Coffee w/her? Jeans, blazer, witty t-shirt & tennis shoes.
February 4th, 2009 at 07:43 pm 1233776591
For casual, I also like a thin wale corduroy shirt with jeans. We bought DH a black blazer at the Men's Warehouse last week, and it looks great (I guarantee it).
I agree that shoes are important. Black or oxblood loafers? Black wingtip?
I'm with the girls on the oxford shirts. Get the ones that are easy to iron.
February 4th, 2009 at 07:57 pm 1233777459
oh and my boss has a shirt that say 'you too can have a body like mine for $3 a pot' (of beer)
February 4th, 2009 at 08:25 pm 1233779111
That's what else I was going to say - clean & pressed clothing. If it needs repairs, go to your local drycleaners to get buttons sewn on, hems lifted, etc.
Or pay a few bucks extra at the men's shop to have things properly tailored to fit you. Nothing worse than having clothes that are 'cool' but not right-sized for you.
Should be needless to say but if you've worn the jeans six times already - get a hint, they need WASHING!! (well, maybe not you BA, but some guys need to turn on to the fact that lots of people have ultra sensitive sense of smell and if you've worn stuff twice at most in my book then it probably needs a good washing.) I'm not sure on how often a man's suit should be cleaned but I'm sure someone here who's man wears a suit could help you.
FWIW, I liked the all gray outfit. Monochromatic can be very stylish!
February 4th, 2009 at 08:47 pm 1233780459
As far as everything matching, go for colors that goes together rather than matchy matchy. You would not want to risk looking like a car salesman with those matchy matchy suit in teal, purple, and etc.
February 4th, 2009 at 09:32 pm 1233783165
February 4th, 2009 at 10:55 pm 1233788139
It's going to take a little while for me to absorb all this, but I've got roughly two weeks to iron all this out so....
But yes, great, great advice! Things I don't think most guys (or at least I) would have never thought of.
I never knew that shoes made such a big deal. Unfortunately, that's something I may have to shelf until later on, because I can't wear them to work anyway (where I have to wear pre-approved ones).
And finally, uh, perhaps I've over-emphasized the need to look good for prospective dates. I'm mostly thinking of interviews and work, but to save money, if I ever go out for some social function... or even dates... then it's a suit that I can also wear for that as well.
Hehe. Anyways, thanks again for the super advices!
February 8th, 2009 at 08:55 pm 1234126544
February 9th, 2009 at 04:39 pm 1234197585