Question:
Hi everyone this is actually my first post here but I've been reading the site heavily for the past few days, but anyway I have a huge favor I guess to ask of you all since you seem like a very helpful community.
So here's my predicament. I really and truthfully have never cared much about fashion. I'm 19, in college, and work part time at a law firm where I usually just wear some sort of decent polo shirt and khackis. I need to update my wardrobe bad.
At the firm I just need to be able to wear some sort of "casual business" clothes. I'm a runner so sometimes I am at the courthouse or going to see judges to pick up stuff or go to other law firms so I want to look nice.
I work after I finish classes in the mornings so if I could find some sort of way to blur the line between looking casual enough for classes most of the time, and looking alright for work in the afternoons. It isn't a big deal if I am dressed up at class occasionally but I don't care to look odd all the time. Not many people would care but I hope you catch my drift.
Anyway, so I've also got a problem finding clothes. I'm 6'0 or so (maybe a little over) and I weigh about 135lbs, it isn't a health problem and I eat plenty I just have a high metabolism I guess. I have a pretty narrow frame so finding stuff that fits is sort of a pain. Anything a little loose ends up looking baggy on me, and anything tight or short makes me look like a skinny anorexic person.
So, I'm budget constrained so I don't have unlimited money but I can start with about 200-300 bucks and add a piece of clothing or two every two weeks until I can replenish my wardrobe.
You guys got any suggestions? Thanks in advance
(and if you have any questions I can answer!)
Answer:
how about update your wardrobe in this order: shoes, trousers, dress shirts, suit/sportcoat. you are not going to change overnight on that budget. so rebuild from the ground up. rotate your good new shoes (allen-edmonds or better) with whatever you wear now. add shoes until you have a rotation or two or three pairs. then update your trousers until you have six or seven good pairs in different weights and grays and browns.
Answer:
You're a runner, not a lawyer on the partner track. What do you think you should wear, Armani? ;)
Jeans, t-shirt, sneakers. Save your good clothes for Sunday.
Answer:
He's obviously at the firm for a reason... A quality wardrobe will go along way - and learning about style and clothing now will be a great help down the road.
To relate, I'm a full time college student, twenty years old, and my job requires a full suit and tie and sometimes I have to go straight from class to work - I get odd stares from everyone... but I don't have a problem with it. Also, fit wise I'm tall and skinny too (6'2 160) its a pain, but not as what you might have to deal with.
Because the fit issue of clothes is going to be difficult to deal with I recommend starting with shoes as well - good quality shoe for the money, but depending on what you were to the firm now, a nice pair of leather oxfords may look out of place with the rest of your wardrobe.
What sort of stores do you have near by?
Answer:
Ebay or thrift stores and alterations can be a good approach if you are on a budget.
Answer:
^^^
+1
Answer:
Start with a good pair of wingtips, chestnut perhaps. Looks smart with business casual and smart casual, and still good with even a suit.
I know someone in your position and those are his go-to shoes, and it works.
Answer:
Thanks for the tips so far
(BTW whoever said "jeans and sneakers", those are off-limits, I still have to dress in at least something decent looking)
Answer:
What are the best-looking pieces in your wardrobe at present? In other words, what do you really need to focus on to look presentable at work? I agree that a good pair of shoes is a must (and definitely polish them regularly!). But what's next? Some well-fitting shirts and maybe a blazer to go with the khakis? Some wool or nice corduroy trousers?
What are your local shopping options? Or are you mostly going to use Ebay, STP, and the buying and selling forum here?
Answer:
You have to learn to eat more and eat regularly. Over 6'0" and 135 pounds is not healthy-looking even if you are healthy. If I were you, I'd buy shoes for a few months and work on increasing your weight so you fit into more normal sizes.
Even if you think you eat a lot, eat more. Eat something every two hours -- bananas, apples, tons of nuts, trail mix, etc -- learn to like protein shakes and have one every few hours whether it is meal time or not. Mix olive oil into your food wherever you can. If that still doesn't work, keep doing it and add one DQ blizzard as well.
Answer:
6' and only 135?? You should be more like 185!
I'm 6'1" and 183lbs and I feel too skinny :)
Anyway to each is own....
Winter is coming you might want to invest in a nice sport coat, some really comfortable shoes and a nice pair of leather gloves.
Answer:
You've gotten very good advice here, especially those people advising you to put on some weight. In addition to shoes, I think you should invest in dress shirts. They can be on the casual side, with checks, etc., but that will help polish up your image. I don't know if you'll find a good fit for you in ready to wear, so you might want to get them made. There are affordable options for going this route.
Answer:
At work you want to look sharp in front of all the big wigs and at the court house, I would go with some nice dress shirts perferably ones that require colar stays. Some nicer slcaks not kahkis and dress shoes, it is just a step above where you are now but not to drastic others will take notice, on campus you might thing of some of those polos you have or so other colar shirts and a nice pair of jeans accesories will also help to make your outfit look more kept, like a nice watch, necklace or wristband, and some nice gym shoes more for looks then for function.
