One tip--next time you buy a dress shirt to go with a tie, make sure you get one that doesnt have buttons on the collar. Something like a spread or point collar. Buttons on the collar look *terrible* with a tie--the collar sorta billows out, making you look completely out of place. When ironed, the collars will stay down without the ugly addition of buttons.
Its the little things that make the difference between well-dressed and merely wearing nice clothes.
But yeah, you cant go wrong with the coat and tie. Maybe a suit if you so desire, but if you dont know them well, that may be overkill.
As for a good place to shop, Ive always had luck a Joseph Banks. They have stores all over, so theres probably one in your town, or at least closeby. Make sure you go during one of their frequent sales if you dont want to die of sticker shock. Dress clothes are *expensive*
