That's great to hear, I am glad we could be of help. Post pics if you are comfortable with that, so we can see your selections. Sounds like you had a good time.

I'm just going to take a moment here to second willravel's recommendation of a slim fit dress shirt. For skinny to moderate men, this can be the single most versatile piece of apparel you will ever buy. You can wear it with a tie for anything formal, with the sleeves rolled up and the collar unbuttoned for casual, or even open over a plain t-shirt for uber-casual/night on the town.

But please, please do not wear it over some big silly looking logo. That (in my opinion at least) looks very tacky. Then again, I don't wear logos in general; something about being a human advertisement doesn't really work for me.

Also, short sleeve button downs. These are possibly the worst development in men's fashion, ever. And most guys, not knowing any different, think they're great. If you want a short sleeves for comfort or taste reasons, either wear a t-shirt or roll your sleeves up. It will look much more stylish.

I think this might be one of those things that works for one person and not another. I love the BORING nascar shirt, linked above. I think it's about breaking up an otherwise not-casual-enough look. You shouldn't wear something overt like that asian fuck you shirt that everyone seems to love, but if you're interested in pushing buttons, there's a 'rehab's for quitters' shirt out there somewhere with your name on it.

I am fairly short too and length 30 is also pushing it. I am also waist 28-30.

So.. what you need is jeans that fit relaxes but not too loose so that you still look tall.

We can't do loose jeans looks or hip-hop style looks b/c our legs are too short and stumpy.

If you have skinny thighs and calves, you can probably do tighter jeans. If not, then I suggest looking into (based on my own experience):

Levi 527's low rise bootcut. Fit OK but needs bottom to be shortened (cheaply done at a tailor). Even after shortening, doesn't really look too bootcut since the bottom still bunches up.

Guess Jeans bootcuts: try on at store and even after shortening by a tailor, they still look bootcut. They fit at the thighs (slim fit but not tight) and then break at the knees, and have a small flare that doesn't bunch up at the shoes. I need to get back to a Guess store!

As for designer jeans, I've wanted to try but haven't had the willpower to expend over $100-200.

We'll call it a difference in style, then. I tend to prefer the clean look afforded by a solid white or grey t-shirt in this application; I find particularly that if I'm wearing a patterned shirt over a t-shirt with logos or designs it looks too busy for my taste. A white t-shirt and jeans with an unbuttoned oxford is casual enough for everyday wear, while being stylish enough to allow you to stand out from the crowd a bit.

I'll have to take a look at some Guess stuff, but need to find a store somewhere around here. I will 2nd the Levis though. The last pair of jeans I had were the ones you mentioned, and they fit GREAT for a few weeks. Unfortunately, I dropped 2-3 pants sizes afterwards, and when I tried to find them again, it was to no avail.

The ones I found were Bullhead brand, and fit very similarly, if not a little bit better in the ass, and a little higher up on the waist. The jeans I have are probably as tight as I'd be willing to go for now, as I have very muscular thighs, which are proportionally much larger than my calves.

Ok, have another question for you guys.


Went shopping for some business clothing the other day. Ended up with a nice fitting charcoal grey suit with some sheen to it, that I'm planning on having taken in just a bit around the waist. With it, I also bought a plethora of dress shirts, mostly something a bit different. I realized I really needed to add some color into the mix, so I picked up some solid greens, thin red stripes, yellow stripes, etc

The problem is, I have NO clue how to pick a tie for these things. The solids are easy enough for me, but is a solid tie a must with a striped shirt? How do you pick out a tie for a shirt that has an off-shade or uncommon color choice?

This is a case by case thing. Maybe post links or pics?

stay in the color family - and usually pick a consistent color from the shirt...you might be able to pop that same color thread in with the socks as well...although with gray you can usually stick to black socks and be fine. if you go argyle, etc - you can worry about colors.

i also am aware of which colors work with my complexion and eyes.

but mostly, match through the shirt.

Here's a link to a quick picture. The colors appear slightly more washed out than they actually are.

http://gallery.barrymorrison.com/alb...4/IMG_1756.JPG

From left to right:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...252&pid=515324
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse....do?pid=515301
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...252&pid=515318

Now, someone who isn't colorblind double check. I'm pretty sure they match, but I usually have to get a second opinion to make sure I'm not combining greens with oranges or something (in a bad way).

excellent work will; i particularly like that last tie myself

chassis: personally, i refuse to wear stripped shirts with ties, and i won't wear them with a jacket/suit. unless it's pinstripped, or texturally stripped within the same color. but you can make anything work if you wear it like you own it.

for me, i would go with the solid green shirt and the tie will popped out on the third link. if i was going with the striped shirt, i go tieless.

Thanks both for the suggestions.

Is it ever appropriate to go tie-less with a suit, regardless of the shirt beneath it?

YES. I love going in a suit without a tie. I hate having things around my neck, so I'm more comfortable with the top button or two buttons undone on my shirt.

Obviously it's not good for weddings (unless casual and outdoors), funerals, and traditional church. You can pull it off if you're out for dinner, during the summer, on vacation, or even at work.

chassis: ask this guy...it seems to work for him:


http://www.sbfilmfestival.org/blog/u..._01-781858.jpg

i'm with will, i hate ties - and almost never wear them. if i'm going to be hanged, i'm not bringing the rope too.

Thanks for the replies. I too HATE them, but was unaware as to whether or not it was inappropriate to show up for an interview or business meeting without one.

My big thing is that I'd really like to show up a little more contemporary. I see a lot of people showing up for interviews and job fairs looking like they're dressed that way ONLY because they have to, or people that look like they're going out and reliving prom night.

And while I'm no George Clooney, that is the look I like to go for more or less. For that matter, I think the look exudes a little more confidence than the more traditional, uptight look, for the fact that the person across from you sees you breaking the mold a bit in your appearance while still maintaining professionalism.

Business meeting? Tie. Casual business environment, like your own office? Either way.

More or less what I had figured, which is why I was on the hunt for ties in the first place.

oh - interview probably not. unless you know the people you're interviewing with. prospective bosses can be pains. drop the tie after you've got the job and have built up some cred. mostly they want to know that you take the interview seriously and that you won't embarrass them professionally in public.

you can pull off confident with a tie as well. accessories, or lack thereof. posture, hair style, etc. most of that kind of junk is in non-verbal communication, i think.

OK, I'll bite. I didn't read every post so if I repeat, consider it affirmation for the prior reference. -

(1) Don't Panic Buy. "I have a wedding to attend this weekend and have nothing appropriate." This scenario breeds disaster, believe me I know. (As an aside, next time you are at a wedding or other mild dress event, you can easily pick out everyone who panic bought as easily as everyone who hasn't bought anything since the last time they panic bought!) Look for complimentary clothes when you don't have anything on the line so that you have time to try them on and think about them at home. Don't be afraid to solicit advice from the the store personnel on your choices either. If you go in on a Wednesday afternoon when nothing is happening, they will act as your concierge lining items up for you to try.

(2) Buy Fitted Shirts - Even if you are overweight, make sure your shirt fits you. (And if you are overweight, nothing looks worse than a non-fitted tent. If anything it compounds the look you are trying to avoid.) A well fitted shirt will make you look sleeker and more fit. They are also more comfortable to wear especially if you are going to be in it for awhile.

(3) Buy The Best Shirts You Can Afford (and have your favorites dry-cleaned) - A well-made shirt will nearly outlast you if well cared for. Also, for the ones you wash, rather than putting them in the dryer let them air dry. Even in humid climes it is usually dry by midday.

(4) Have Yourself Measured - "Oh, I'm a large." So, you buy anything with an "L" on it unthinkingly. That's what I did until I finally got measured and discovered I am a tweener & really need to try on everything to be sure it fits me rather than me to it. Before I did this I would always end up with a number of things that I would secretly dread wearing. So it goes.....

(5) Utility Clothes Rock! - Dickies & Carhart make some great stuff that wears like iron and looks great, better if you have them tailored. (No, I'm not kidding!) They are usually stocked in the back of Sears, Penneys, Wally World or in a standalone store. Dig through what they have & see if there is something that suits you. You would be surprised at some of the great styles they have where you might expect just functionality. I found a trick black Dickies quilted Mao jacket that gets a "Wow!" everytime I wear it as well as a "Where did you get it?". Best $19 I've spent on clothes.

(6) Shoes & Boots - I work with a Russian emigre. She had some pretty hip shoes on one day and I asked her about them. They were Russian and she told me that they cost her nearly a months pay in Russia. She told me that they were nearly 10 years old (they did not look it) and were extremely well made so that they did not need to be replaced. That puzzled me a bit until her next comment which really stuck. "I was too poor to buy low quality shoes." In other words, throwaway goods were the province of the wealthy but she could not afford such a frivolity. I try to apply that across everything not just shoes.

(7) I Like Wool - Except for mild dress & up, as long as the weather is cool I am usually wearing wool socks. They are available in such a variety from thin to thick that you can get different weights depending on the weather. Buy them at well stocked outdoor/camping stores. You will be amazed at the variety and how long they last. They do not tend to pill, at least none that I've bought have, look no different from regular dress socks, and tend to have more padding in potential rub areas. Even if you are not on your feet a lot, they are more comfortable. Plus, if you ever have an impromptu where shoes come off, you will never be embarrassed by how your socks look.

Hopefully there is something useful here.

Shoes...
 

I'm looking for some suggestions regarding shoes. I'm looking for something that is not too dressy and not too casual at the same time either. But something I could wear to work or when I go out for the night. Can I find something that would work well with a nice pair of jeans as well as some nice khakis?

Sorry if that is really vague, but I'm open to any ideas. Thanks!

http://www.kennethcole.com/scripts/s...rcharg=&size=0
http://www.kennethcole.com/scripts/s...rcharg=&size=0

Thanks for reply will. I like your suggestions.

Another question though on a different topic: Untucked dress shirts. What do you think? What are the rules for getting away with this?

well i just kinda do my thing. i have a bit of an urban style..but the chicks seem to like it.

Great with dark jeans or casual khakis. Okay with shorts, as long as the shirt isn't too dressy. I wouldn't suggest doing it with slacks or more formal khakis and pants. Right now I'm sporting an un-tucked white dress shirt from Banana Republic, dark blue jeans from Armani Exchange, and black leather shoes from Kenneth Cole. It's casual, but not t-shirt and jeans casual.

Excellent combination, I must say. Key is to recognize your own strong points...and a toned down outfit allows attention to be paid to other....assets.

Right, my big goofy face. :thumbsup:

Hmm..what about with chinos? I was reading an AskMen article earlier about different types of pants because I never understood the difference between khakis and chinos (I am bad at stuff like this but thanks to this thread hopefully getting better!) and the author mentioned that chinos are considered a tad dressier than just normal khakis.

Also I was thinking if there is anything specific you should look for in a dress shirt to do this. For example, don't some dress shirts have the back longer than the front?

Little off topic, but I've been browsing Banana Republic's website lately (thanks to this thread) and see they are offering 30% off on jeans. Seems like a nice deal looking at the normal prices of their jeans.

Chinos should be fine. Boot-cut would be better (they're more casual), but straight can be okay, too.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...scid=508606002
This kind of chino is perfect. It's comfortable, boot-cut, and works with anything from dress shoes to flip flops.
I personally prefer solids, but generally, vertical stripes are best for this look. If it's got a bit of a tail, that's fine, but that does make it less casual.
I don't like their jeans, but a lot of my gay friends do. And that's saying something. I'm picky about jeans, though.

Is it proper to wear tasseled loafers with a business suit or not?

Are rounded collars too dressy or too casual? Part two, which tie knot looks best with them?

A billion awesome-points to anyone who can give the right answers.

They still have tasseled loafers?

No, tassels are either very casual or tacky. Rounded collars can work if done with other 60s inspired stuff AND you have a rather triangular face. Generally, though, it's a general no no. Most current rounded collars are more for women's attire. If you're going to sport them, I would guess they were more formal because casual dress shirts should have a very sharp appearance. You might be able to pull it off with a retro suit. As for the tie: medium bow tie, dark color.

Aw, sorry, you weren't supposed to take me seriously...I just couldn't resist :p

The correct answers are:I just couldn't help but be reminded of some of the conversations in American Psycho (the book) when I looked at this thread :p I thought my last comment would have made it clear I was kidding around :(

Don't worry. I don't wear tasseled loafers! :lol:

Don't worry, I don't murder my yuppy friends! :lol:

(American Psycho is one of my favorite novels of all time)

Q: How many pairs of shoes should a guy have?

The bare minimum is three: one pair black dress shoes, one pair brown dress shoes, one pair running shoes. I complement those with two pairs of boots as well, since Canadian winters get a bit cold; I have a pair of work boots and a pair of motorcycle boots. I don't personally wear sandals, but you can get a pair of those as well, and maybe some flip flops. Crocs are popular (I know not why)... really, there's no upper limit. But definitely the three minimum, so you can be sure to have proper shoes for any occasion.

Martin has the idea. Here's what I've got:
Black Leather Dress
Brown Leather Dress
Black Leather Casual
Pumas/Converse Chuck Taylors
Flip Flops (my favorite)
Exercising cross trainers/running shoes
Working Boots

Don't ever wear Crocs. If someone holds a gun to your family's heads and tells you to wear them, respectfully decline.

Off topic slightly: I generally don't find backpacks particularly stylish. Practical, yes. Maybe even cool if it's a hippie sort of look you're going for. But not really stylish.

School:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse...847&pid=465243
Work:
http://www.kennethcole.com/scripts/s...rcharg=&size=0

Yeah, backpacks are way too 'big yellow school bus' for me. I see grown men wearing backpacks and I want to ask what they got for lunch and if they want to do tradesies. I won't bother with links, but I agree with willravel; a messenger bag offers all the same practicality and none of the dorkiness.

Please, guys. Save the backpacks for the hiking trips.

I just looked in this thread for fun, and I just thought of something:

Banana Republic.

I love this store, and willravel apparently uses this as his go-to store. Probably means he is a fan of it somewhat as well.

My problem, though, is that I moved into Irvine, California. Less than 10 miles away is South Coast Plaza(*). For those who do not know, this is one of the MAJOR all fashion/higher fashion shopping malls in Southern California, if not the United States. They have the standard mall brands (you name it, its probably there). Just so you get the idea, Express for Men is in the corner under a flight of stairs. Almost everywhere else it would probably be near the middle of the mall.

Anyway. The Banana Republic in South Coast Plaza has to be one of their flagship stores. Compared to the 7-8 other BR's I have come across in Southern California, Nor Cal, and Texas, this store alone is about 5 times bigger than the rest. I should say stores, since the womans store is on the first floor, and mens is upstairs. The Mens store alone is about two or three times the size of your average BR.

Due to this, the selection is HUGE. The stuff in the online store just does not do it justice as the selection encompasses and goes beyond the online offerings. I found an awesome jacket (BR monogram label) in the retail store, and thought I could buy it online with a coupon/discount online when I got home. Unfortunately, it does not exist online. That means I have to decide whether I want to pay the full price for it at the store ($350, which is crazy for me, but it really is a great looking and fitting jacket), or just sit and wait to see if it ever goes online.

Decisions ._.

* - Directory PDF - http://www.southcoastplaza.com/SCP_directory.pdf
* - Site > Click on directory for online directory - http://www.southcoastplaza.com/