Formal Wear Question For My 94-95 Friends

Haha sorry this is a hilarious thread. Anyway, $65 is a bangin deal for what looks like a decent suit. I paid like $200 for mine a year or so back at Macy's because it's so hard to find my size (36 jacket, 31x32 pants). As for shirts, there are always good deals at Macy's when things are on sale. I recently got 2 shirts for $40 total on a half off sale. As for ties, there's a store at the Bergen Mall called Century 21 that my mom raved about, and I went in and got like 4 Izod and Chaps ties and 3 Polo button downs for like $75. Not sure how far you are from there, but that place has some sick deals.

I will be doing the same as you pretty soon and getting some more nicer clothes. I have a ton, but as a designer you don't really wear many dressy button downs and dress pants. It's more dark jeans, loafers, and casual button downs or Polos.

most of my work clothes are from mens warehouse. They have fitted shirts in my size(36/37) for about $50. My suits were about $350 each. Price doesn't matter as long as it looks good and fits you properly. I usually buy bigger sizes and have everything tailored to fit. For an interview, I would say white shirt and solid color tie. For a presentation, other color shirts/ties should be fine. I personally wouldn't wear a black shirt(too pdiddy for me lol)

Also if you want your clothes to last, dry clean them. Its pretty cheap and you dont have to iron! I have a dry cleaning service that picks up everything at my house and drops its off the next day. Can't beat that.

$65 for a suit is a good deal. In fact, that is beyond good. Keep it. It is sharp.

For the presentation, I would stick to a white shirt unless everyone there already knows you. I would match it with either the silver striped tie or the silver checkerboard patterned one. Personally, the checkerboard one looks better. To me, this color combination is the "most conservative" and as such unlikely to irritate anyone. Everyone will think you look good in the suit, regardless. Some, however, will probably be looking for anything to criticize, and a too-flashy tie is an easy target.

I don't see one in your pics, but a red-striped tie says "I mean business" and you should be able to pull it off given your darker hair color (I can't wear red, it makes me look like a zombie). CEOs wear red ties

It depends on what you're interviewing for. You have to know your audience. I've been wearing a shirt tie and jacket to work every day since I finished school in 2005. (Providing I'm not on a construction site.) I work in engineering, which is an extremely conservative field. That being said, you can still buy conservative clothes that have a classy flair to them.

So... my advice for the interview is:

1 - Ditch the earing. It's fine for people our age, but the people interviewing you most likely aren't our age. Unless you happen to know the place is "hip."
2 - You have three pieces, suit, shirt, and tie. Stick to patterns on 2 out of 3 pieces. So if your suit is pinstriped, and your tie has a pattern, you want a plain shirt. You can pull off three patterns but be careful with that. Its trendy in the UK right now but hasn't caught on here.
3 - When you get your suit tailored (not if) don't got to a big chain, go to a local mom and pop place. they actually want your business again.
4 - I have a hard time finding clothes, like you. I'm 5'7", but have a 42" chest, 16" neck, and 32" waste. If I can't find fitted shirts I will get my dress shirts darted at the tailor so they're not ballooned out over my belt. As rule of them, clothing manufacturers make clothes for a 4-6" drop. Meaning, your chest to your waste measurement should be 4-6." So if you are athletic, it will be more and you have to find fitted shirts, which are more like 6-8" drop.
5 - Your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pics look alright. When I interview, I wear a charcoal grey suit, white shirt, and a striped tie.
6 - The purple shirt combo looks good but thats something you'd wear to a night on the town. And skip on the loud ties until you're hired.
7 - Again, your hair cut is fine for people our age, but tone it down a little for the interview. Once you get hired I'd go back to normal but for the first impression, I personally would style it down a bit.

Sorry for the novel, but as part of my job I interview people so I know what I look for. Oh, and if you're profile picture on facebook / my space involves beer, a burnout, or something else immature, forget it. Your employer won't be able to view your pics / wall, but they can and will check your profile picture. I know I do. We interviewed a guy a couple years ago. Checked face book, he's doing a keg stand... see ya later.

Adam

Listen to this guy right above me ^^^ He knows what he's talking about.

Just remember there's a difference between "night on the town" suit and an "interview" suit.

I buy my suits and stuff from Burlington coat factory. They have the cheapest new clothes. I don't know if there is one near you though

keep it simple. all black looks cool but is not professional unless your interviewing for a mortician. keep it subtle and simple for interviews and large presentations.