Dressing better for a guy

**Inkstain82** · 06-29-2010, 03:57 PM

Anyone have any good web sites or tips on how to dress better as a guy?

I've been getting the itch lately to look more professional, especially at work. I've always gone with the "sports reporter" attitude toward dressing, which is that if I'm not wearing jeans or shorts at work, then I'm dressed nice enough for work, and almost everything has a sports logo of some sort on it.

But I spend half my time doing news reporting as well, having meetings with politicians and business leaders and such. Plus, I've lost some weight and am just plain getting older, so appearances are on my mind more than I used to.

I dropped about $100 at Wal-Mart adding some extra button-down shirts, a pair of black pants, a belt, a pair of black "dress" shoes (as dressy as Wal-Mart shoes get) and some black socks. I've already gotten a lot of positive feedback at work, and I'd like to maybe kick it up even one more notch.

But I have absolutely no clue or experience about this sort of thing, so like I said, I was wondering if anyone had any advice or web sites for this sort of thing?

**2ndGenGranola** · 06-29-2010, 04:23 PM

My DH has to look nice at work and all we buy is Walmart. His George pants outlast Dockers and the like by years. He is always getting complements. If you have a Men's Warehouse, they were kind of nice for getting proper measurements but they were $$$ and the shirts were no better than the WM.

**pollypurebred39** · 06-29-2010, 04:37 PM

Well, I find that we can find great dress pants and shirts at Goodwill and thrift stores. Right after Father's Day and Christmas is a good time to get brand new things, a lot of time expensive things, with tags still on them. GW is great for ties and belts.

I also find that yard sales are a great place to find really great finds. I seek out yard sales in higher income areas and I almost always find clothing. Good clothing, for just about nothing! I bought a brand new dress shirt that my DS2 wore to a funeral for 25 cents.

Shoes are another story. The best way I have found to get good men's shoes is to go to Men's warehouse when they have a sale, end of season too. They often times will have clearanced styles. I got my DS1 a $200 pair of dress shoes for $22. We also hit department stores for there shoe clearances. You have to do a bit of research, but the shoe department employees know when the clearance will begin. I bought my DS1 a pair of TH dress shoes for less then $20 once at Boscovs. You've just got to willing to ask the sales people when it's going to happen and shop early.

FYI- both my boys are in mens sizes.

**mek42** · 06-29-2010, 04:48 PM

It might be woth the cost to pay tuition by buying a good suit at a good haberdashery. If they seem very willing to answer questions, maybe reward them with a sale and milk all the knowledge you can. It is usually better to go to the older salesperson for this.

**TigerGirl1226** · 06-29-2010, 05:08 PM

DH is starting his new job on Thursday so we have been faced with this issue here recently. He is going from a production/plant job to a lab job within a technology center. He needs to be able to take a meeting and then go work in the lab. We used to downgrade his casual wear to work clothes because at least once or twice a month he would completely ruin something, i.e. chemicals burn whole in fabric or resin hardened on fabric.

This what we've done. Added a pair of dressy khakis. Make sure that he had a nice pair of shoes with matching/coordinating belt. Iron his clothes. Sometimes, it's just a matter of having clothes ironed. Make sure that you collar is straight stuff like that. I see guys all the time in really nice clothes, but they are wrinkled and it totally ruins the look. Also, maybe consider a sport coat. It takes your everyday khaki and button down look and kicks it up a notch.

**McD** · 06-29-2010, 05:17 PM

For the hubby, we tend to buy nicer/dressier clothes at Kohls or Younkers. We almost always wait for a sale and try to combine the sale with coupons.

Zac doesn't have to wear a lot of dress clothes. He is requried to wear his uniform, but when he has a subpoena on one of his days off, he has to wear a nice suit to court. We purchased his suit at Target and it actually looks quite spiffy. It has held up very well and looks very stylish.

My personal experience with clothes is that it's better to pay a bit more for higher quality clothes that will hold up over time. It makes no sense to buy 9 pair of 10 dollar shoes because they fall apart, when you could have worn 1 pair of 60$ shoes for a few years, kwim?

**mek42** · 06-29-2010, 05:24 PM

Being from a land of ice and snow, you may want to consider two sportcoats. Heavy wool for winter and light something else for summer.

Could you also seek advice from older gentlemen in your local press association?

**pollypurebred39** · 06-29-2010, 05:27 PM

I totally agree with the being well turned out. Nothing worse then being all wrinkled up, or not having hair cut, facial hair trimmed (lets not forget ear and nose hairs! Ewww) A can of spray starch and an iron can make or break ya.

Got to say MrsMcDowell is right about the shoes too. The better quality shoe you get the better off you'll be. Better for your back too!

My DH has a sportscoat and it does dress up his wardrobe quite a bit!

Oh, and I forgot...Crazy bushy eyebrows or one giant eyebrow. Trimming eyebrows, a few plucks, not too many or you run the risk of LOOKING like you pluck your eyebrows. LOL, not a good look I assure you.

**Inkstain82** · 06-29-2010, 05:36 PM

lol, I forgot that everything I post on here is connected to my Facebook. My mom got very excited by this thread

**frugalwarrior2** · 06-29-2010, 05:44 PM

The rule w/ DH is when in Rome..
If the boss is dressed nice in a meeting you should be too. If you need to 1 one the locker room guys dress that way. It may mean you change in the middle of the day,so be it.

2nd-keep an extra dress shirt at the ready. No stains or wrinkles ever,good shoes always shined.
3rd-Know how to tie a tie not a clip on. Use a tie pin or clip.
4th-yes,be well groomed and wear a SUBTLE not too cheap after shave.
5th-Don't even think about white socks w/ dress clothes.lol
6th-wear v-neck undershirts w/ a dress shirt thats open(thats a fav. fight w/ us)
Any improvements a good one esp. if your getting positive comments. It's so important to stand out in this economy as the guy that on the ready. Good Luck.

OOOh my little Inkstain,you made me ssooo happy. Bonus. lol.

**TigerGirl1226** · 06-29-2010, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior2

5th-Don't even think about white socks w/ dress clothes.lol

ITA!! I forgot about that one. We picked some up for DH this weekend.

BTW, if you have a Clark's store near you they had really nice bamboo socks on clearance for $3!

**Inkstain82** · 06-29-2010, 06:36 PM

I would love to maybe add a nice, simple tie to the mix.

Can I wear a plain, button-down shirt and a simple tie? Or do I need some sort of coat/jacket thingie to wear over it?

(when I said I have no idea what I'm doing, I meant it)

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-29-2010, 07:01 PM

It sounds to me as if you are off to a nice start. I agree that you should add a pair of khaki slacks into the mix. Also, what Polly touched on regarding keeping your hair and beard neat. Don't forget fingernails and teeth. Nothing says 'slob' like poor personal grooming.

You might want to add a few polo shirts into the mix. Look for neutral colors. They come in long and short sleeve, light and heavy weight, and can be layered over an undershirt if needed. They are the "dressed" mans t-shirt, and standard office wear these days.

If you are comfortable with them, add a few pull-over sweaters for fall. Look for subtle, traditional patterns, nothing bright.

Some tips: Professional Dress Guidelines for Men: Dressing Well
SoYouWanna dress better? (for men)? | SoYouWanna.com
How To Dress Like a Man by Jeffrey A. Tucker
Men's Business Casual Clothing - Men's Suits, Dress Shirts, Shoes & Ties Combos - Men's Wearhouse

**Inkstain82** · 06-29-2010, 10:39 PM

Thanks to everyone for their replies, all very helpful. I especially like some of the links that very patiently lay (lie out? My copy editing teachers would kill me, but I can never remember how to use those right anymore. Another sign of getting old) the different pieces of clothing and the options and rules for each.

I did get a few pairs of nice khakis as well, but those still feel pretty casual to me.

**ladykemma2** · 06-30-2010, 07:12 AM

my exhusband used to like these shirts with khaki and olive pants for work. he bought them by the dozen every year. must wear an undershirt under or it looks bad.

Jefferson Work Shirt

the sleeves are normal sleeves. that picture makes them look odd.

also these:
Murphy of Ireland Shop

Grandfather Shirts | Mens Grandfather Shirt | Linen Grandfather Shirt | Lee Valley Ireland

also, my ex used to get these shirts in irish linen which must be ironed and cannot go in the dryer. i can't find where he got them.
i'm still looking. we used to prefer linen because it lasts longer than cotton.

here it is. he used to get grandfather shirts in linen from this shop. http://www.mageeireland.com/business-men.html they don't seem to make them anymore.

one year target had the mother lode of heavy linen dress shirts with a collar. i would look at target.