Proper Clothes and attire for men

[60fps]

I've been doing jobs that don't require any formal buisness attire for a while. I'm in my early 20s now and want to look like and adult and not a hood stereotype since most people think I'm an actual rapper when I'm not.

I also want to look like an adult even when I'm not working so what kind of clothing should I be looking for? I went looking for a affordable leather Jacket thinking I could wear it to most places but I need to know if it would look right over a suit if I decide to apply for work. So what are a good pair of shoes to wear?

Maybe somebody who went through this can help me out? Thanks.

 

[Lick]

What up Dawg!
Man… I’m almost 50 and you may want to hear from some fam that is a bit younger than I. As far as business just think “straight lace white boy” with solid dark colors or pin stripes and leave the Steve Harvey line for when you are going out. The shoes you can get away with when sporting your suite. As far as when you are not working it more about how you wear your close as to what you wear.
I don’t think I am the best guy for this one due to I don’t care what I look like as much as I care about my finance.
Stay up!

 

[Jcashpana]

I relate to you fam, I went from chilin on the block to switching up the gare because of my job.You might need a couple leather jackets at lease one black and a brown one,couple button ups shirts you dont need to go all name brand and shit,some nice plain sweaters, the big jeans have to go, I switch up to guess they fit more straight gives you a relax feel, not to tight not to big.
Shoes you can get some official Ralph Lauren casual shoes and dress shoes if you dont want to wear Pradas. Stacy Adams,Diesel you know you want to feel some type of comfort.

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

Dont be afraid to purchase shoes, and not those sneaker shoes.


Some decent shoes that you need to have shined up. I dont know where you live, but in NYC we have a stores like century 21 and syms, which is an awesome place for young heads to get their start.


The main thing to keep in line is, baggy blazers look hood, tried to get your blazers fitted, not tooo fitted where you can see your nipples

but fitted enough so there is not too much space between you and your jacket when its button up......


invest in some button downs, you dont have to get the polo joints, just nice cotton button down, read lables and stay away from cheap materials.


I dont care what they do to polyester now and days, the shyt is still polyester....and even though you thinking a million bucks.

chicks who do know quality clothes will be screaming broke fool!


stay away from loud color suits, like royal blue, red, purple...white unless your on a romatic vacation/cruise, near a beach, getting married or a friggen jehovahs witness.

Suits and blazers should be dark blue, grey, black, you can get away some green..not that easter bright green but a nice olive...

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

What up Dawg!
Man… I’m almost 50 and you may want to hear from some fam that is a bit younger than I. As far as business just think “straight lace white boy” with solid dark colors or pin stripes and leave the Steve Harvey line for when you are going out. The shoes you can get away with when sporting your suite. As far as when you are not working it more about how you wear your close as to what you wear.
I don’t think I am the best guy for this one due to I don’t care what I look like as much as I care about my finance.
Stay up!

Damn lick didnt read your post, you put him up on the solid colors....thats for sure...

The main thing really is to find out the basics, and where what makes you look good.

what the next man may look good in you may not...know thyself my brother!!


I hear you about your finances...

but my finances didnt start picking up, untill my wardrobe picked up...

Man in nYc these krakkers are very much into image....

you can be a dick, but you rock that brooks brother shyt, and no when to keep you mouth closed....sheeeeeeet folks will have you around just to be around...


and then you get all the info just being around...


so yeah checking finances is great, but if your in the job market.....


according to krakkerhood 101

image is everything!!

 

[Lick]

Damn lick didnt read your post, you put him up on the solid colors....thats for sure...

The main thing really is to find out the basics, and where what makes you look good.

what the next man may look good in you may not...know thyself my brother!!


I hear you about your finances...

but my finances didnt start picking up, untill my wardrobe picked up...

Man in nYc these krakkers are very much into image....

you can be a dick, but you rock that brooks brother shyt, and no when to keep you mouth closed....sheeeeeeet folks will have you around just to be around...


and then you get all the info just being around...


so yeah checking finances is great, but if your in the job market.....


according to krakkerhood 101

image is everything!!

I feel ya Dawg... I'm a big guy and have to make sure I don't look like a fucking billboard! LOL! You right... I said I am not the guy for this one!
Stay up my brother!

 

[60fps]

Thanks this is the information I needed.

I live in Philly so I can relate to the NYC issue about image. I just want to be able to walk around looking like I have somewhere important to go instead of looking like I'm chillin' everywhere.

I had to ask here because when you walk up to a cat on the street asking this they might think I'm trying to rob. lol.

I feel you Lick about the billboard thing. I never wore that stuff but I do have like a hundred white T-shirts.

I'm gonna go with with the button ups and shoes yaw mentioned then work my way up into what I feel comfortable with.

 

[Chase Bannon]

Here is my drop for you. DON'T WEAR LOUD SUITS. That shit kills me when I see cats with loud suits. It's a sign of ignorance. Trust me on that comment. Don't wear a double-breasted suit. It's sort of played out. Some are ok, but if I were you I would try my hardest to stay away from them. Don't buy a suit with more than 3 buttons. 4 buttons maybe ok. Cats kill me with those suits with 6 and 7 buttons on their suits. Straight COUNTRY. You should only buy 2 colors of shoes, brown or black. DON'T get any other colors. You get any other color outside of brown and black, you are straight bama. You can get different shades of brown though.

Suits can be expensive, so I would say start out in S&K or Mens Wearhouse. I buy a lot of my suits from BlueFly.com. They have designer suits at discount prices, but they are still a little expensive. Make sure you get your suit cut to fit you. A lot of people don't cut their suits to fit them. Sloppy. I go for the European cut on my suits.

Anymore questions, holla back.

 

[Lick]

Here is my drop for you. DON'T WEAR LOUD SUITS. That shit kills me when I see cats with loud suits. It's a sign of ignorance. Trust me on that comment. Don't wear a double-breasted suit. It's sort of played out. Some are ok, but if I were you I would try my hardest to stay away from them. Don't buy a suit with more than 3 buttons. 4 buttons maybe ok. Cats kill me with those suits with 6 and 7 buttons on their suits. Straight COUNTRY. You should only buy 2 colors of shoes, brown or black. DON'T get any other colors. You get any other color outside of brown and black, you are straight bama. You can get different shades of brown though.

Suits can be expensive, so I would say start out in S&K or Mens Wearhouse. I buy a lot of my suits from BlueFly.com. They have designer suits at discount prices, but they are still a little expensive. Make sure you get your suit cut to fit you. A lot of people don't cut their suits to fit them. Sloppy. I go for the European cut on my suits.

Anymore questions, holla back.

What up Dawg?
Hey… I like what you have posted here… A bit crude with some of your statements. However, you have made a very good point. If we stay conservative with the colors and style we should be Okay. So no Steve Harvey or Magic Johnson lines unless a guy is going out on the town! LOL!
Stay up Dawg!

 

[geist]

The first thing you should've done is peep out what the guys were wearing when you interviewed. See if they have a "dress down Friday" where you can wear a polo shirt and some khakis. Like kats said already, you're stepping into a new world and you'll be kicking out $$$ at first. The kats pretty much mentioned all of the important things. Start by copping a blue and black SUIT. It's the simplest and you can mix and match it. Then branch out to grey, tan and pinstripes. The shirt and tie is really where you differentiate yourself. Start with the basic colors: white, blue, black, and white with stripes. Now it's time to get some shoes, Kenneth Cole sells decent cheaper shoes. Get a pair of black lace ups and brown lace ups. Don't forget SOCKS, black, brown and tan socks. Get a couple of pair of each.

Like I said, you just need enough shit for the week. Keep it simple to start out, but buy things you can mix and match. I wouldn't go with a leather jacket just yet, I'd go with a black or tan trench or overcoat, because it will go with anything. Then branch out with the leather and the browns. Just add on as you go. Just find and outlet store and buy from there to start out. Most dry cleaner places will tailor it for you. Just the starter clothes will cost you.

For casual wear, you can still wear jeans. Just don't buy a size 40 when you wear a 32 anymore. The good thing about clothes for men is the styles don't change much, so if you take care of it, you'll have it for a long time. I like merino wool long sleeve polos for the fall and winter. They are usually not that expensive and they look good. Some nice wool sweaters will work too (I don't know where you live, but it gets cold in the winter where I live). In the summer, I wear silk and linen button-ups, with an occaisonal guyabera thrown in there. I still wear Timbs with the jeans and sweater, but I have shoes to go with those outfits too. Sneakers are pretty much only used for ballin', jogging or the gym. You'll look different when you go out, but women will notice.

Good luck in the corporate world.

 

[histick]

Bluefly.com is the shit. Zappos is cool for shoes.

For pants I wear non-pleated khakis aka chino(s). I like non-pleated so I can wear them for work and just chilling. Pleated just isn't my style. Old Navy usually has some for $20/pair. You can also find some designer names for about $40-60. Collared sweaters work really well. For shoes, go with leather or something like Timberlands or Sketchers.

For suits, blue, grey, and black are the tried and true triad. I have two blue suits, a grey, and a dark brown. The brown is a bit too stylish for normal business wear. Browns, light grey, and cream colored suits look really good but think twice about wearing them in a professional environment.

Remember that it's how you wear it that counts so don't sweat the brand too much if you are on a budget.

 

[DiamondDeuce]

I've been doing jobs that don't require any formal buisness attire for a while. I'm in my early 20s now and want to look like and adult and not a hood stereotype since most people think I'm an actual rapper when I'm not.

I also want to look like an adult even when I'm not working so what kind of clothing should I be looking for? I went looking for a affordable leather Jacket thinking I could wear it to most places but I need to know if it would look right over a suit if I decide to apply for work. So what are a good pair of shoes to wear?

Maybe somebody who went through this can help me out? Thanks.

Yeh man I feel you I am "almost 30" and I got a job where I have to dress up. I feel you image is everything so let me school you on how to dress on a budget.

suits:
Man like other brothers have said stick with the solid colors. Blue, Black, and Grey. You can go to Men' wharehouse, or S&K man try even JC PENNY or SEARS (you will be surprised a basic suit is a basic suit anywhere)to get a good suit a low price. Hell for the "basic" suits ONLY buy a single breasted 3 button. No 4 or 5 button Deion Sanders suits homey.
You should be able to get a standard suit for right at $100
Hell if you have a K&G by you you can pick them up 2 for $150 !

Shoes:
Look man stay away from the GATORS!! lol. They cool if you want to go out.. but not for dealing with Whitey. Look at Kenneth Cole online and peep their dressier collection. Then go to any type of OUTLET or SHOE wharehouse store and by a knockoff. They should cost you around $50/ a pair


slacks/blazers
Man again if you stick with the basics.. you don't have to come out of pocket too much. Stick with the basic colors tan, grey, black, blue. DO NOT BY WIDE LEGGED slacks man. Leave that for going out! If you are on a budget go to TARGET and buy some basic slacks for about $20 a pop.

Shirts
Man like brothers have said before stick with solid colors. IF you are going to do a stripe make sure it is a THIN PINSTRIPE.

Actually you can REALLY COME UP by going to THRIFT STORES!! trying going to the most affluent area of your city and checking out their GOODWILL. Check your pride at the door and you can find a deal. Especially if you funds are low and you need EVERYTHING.

Neckties
This is where you can shine and show style! You can give the most mundane suit flare with a hot azz tie!! Check out TJ MAX or Marshalls and you can find some really hot ties for $10 - $15 a pop.


In the end JUST remember to stick with the traditional styles and basics until you get your paper up to get higher end stuff. Don't worry about the brand names for now. Go to your discount stores and stock up!

 

[Chase Bannon]

What up Dawg?
Hey… I like what you have posted here… A bit crude with some of your statements. However, you have made a very good point. If we stay conservative with the colors and style we should be Okay. So no Steve Harvey or Magic Johnson lines unless a guy is going out on the town! LOL!
Stay up Dawg!

Magic Johnson dress pretty good. Steve Harvey is the Bama.

 

[Chase Bannon]

Bluefly.com is the shit. Zappos is cool for shoes.

For pants I wear non-pleated khakis aka chino(s). I like non-pleated so I can wear them for work and just chilling. Pleated just isn't my style. Old Navy usually has some for $20/pair. You can also find some designer names for about $40-60. Collared sweaters work really well. For shoes, go with leather or something like Timberlands or Sketchers.

For suits, blue, grey, and black are the tried and true triad. I have two blue suits, a grey, and a dark brown. The brown is a bit too stylish for normal business wear. Browns, light grey, and cream colored suits look really good but think twice about wearing them in a professional environment.

Remember that it's how you wear it that counts so don't sweat the brand too much if you are on a budget.

Non pleated is for casual wear. Pleated is for the work environment or casual.

 

[hiphopchaos]

man...i know what you going through. i been workin retail for about four years now and my whole style changed. but to look clean...the basic look i go for is a nice pair of jeans...not too baggy (hard to find) and a nice sweater. i wear 1/4 zip sweaters to pull off the casual look. even some that are full zip look cool. JUST DONT WEAR HOODIES IF U TRYIN TO GO DRESSY/CASUAL! im 6'3'' and 240 pounds so i always look for the tall sizes and stuff. (by the way does anyone know a site for good tall sizes?) it never hurts to own a few good pairs of slacks and get the best shoes u can! i prefer dockers or even stacey adams. KOHLS has good shit for starters! go to www.kohls.com its fun changin up your wardrobe

 

[jblaque]

bump

 

[BigATLslim]

I would like to add a few do's and dont's to this post as well. The information you have gotten is great and on point. Once you have these clothes you need guidlines. Make sure your belt is the same color as your shoes. Trust me, I have seen it. Never wear a button down collar...NEVER. On an interview, do not wear a red tie. It represents power and when whitey sees it, he won't tell you, but you are not hired. Make sure when you tie your tie, it hangs at least to your beltline. No matter what color your shoes are, your socks should match your pants when wearing a suit.

I do not want to offend anybody on this board. If you ever go to an interview with any Stacy Adams or any Giorgio Brutini, chances get slim for being hired. If you do well to not wear that but wear it after you get the job, your days have a high chance of being numbered. They see that as "pimp" wear and that sh!t is for the block, not the boardroom. I am just telling you what I know.

 

[Pharaoh]

Very interesting topic... good post gents.

 

[SuperGenius]

I haven't read everyones post, but check this, this link would be right for you.....

http://www.mybrotha.com/style-fashion.asp

also, it's good to subscribe to magazines like GQ and Blackmen magazines

 

[jblaque]

<center>

<font size=3 color=blue> I rock theze joints .. For my casual look. </font>
<img src="http://images.barneys.com/images/barneys/product/PG_10221.6556_ZM1.jpg">

<font size=3 color=blue> I rock theze joints .. For my professional look. </font>
<img src="http://www.zappos.com/images/728/7280066/6219-332885-3.jpg">
I like to shop at Barney's New York for my footwear, especially during their
spring warehouse sale. I know some sisters who work at their flagship store, and I do take full advantage of their discounts..


Yo! you'll have to navigate through their website to locate what you're looking for. They got some of that gay (Metrosexual Shit) that I don't fuck with!

<iframe name="bgol" style="border:0px red" width=700 height=1000 src="http://gonyc.about.com/od/shopping/p/barneys.htm"></iframe>

<iframe name="bgol" style="border:0px red" width=700 height=1000 src="http://www.nextag.com/Clothing-Accessories--zzbally+men+s+shoesz2700200z1zBmz5---html"></iframe>

So! Caveat Emptor!
I'm out!
</center>

 

[NAWDOG]

if your suit is on the cheap side, you should accessorize it by wearing a higher price tie (i.e. brooks brothers, jones ny). since the first thing people notice when they look at you is your tie, if you're tie is expensive they'll assume the suit is as well. also, when you buy a tie it should only have at most 2 colors on it. preferably you want a solid, but you can rock 2 colors with stripes. dont bother with buying ties with other patterns or designs because when they go out of style it makes you look dated. just my 2cents.

 

[BookerTee]

Also check out overstock.com for your purchasing. I can't believe I was sleeping on that site until yesterday. Thought it was just women's stuff with all their fruity "its the O" commercials. Anyway, i just copped a blazer at $50 that retails for $200 and shoes for $30 that retail at $70. Some of their stuff is over 90% off retail.
Note:
1)They will not always have your size. If you see something hot, check the available sizes, they may have a $400 suit for $70 but only for a size 42R.
2)Never buy without a coupon. There's so many damn 10% coupons floating around someone would be dumb not to use one. Just google "overstock.com coupons" and check the results for links. And if it's your first time, look for a 12% new user coupon.

FYI, many other internet sites (ebay, amazon) have coupons floating around too! Never pay full price!(even if it's already discounted

 

[greygoose]

i stay away from button down shirts with pockets on them. that's me.

i stay away from buttown down shirts with any letters on them unless they are my initials on the cuff. THAT shit is crazy (like wearing a suit with a shirt that has lettering on it) no-no

when wearing a tie i make sure the pants and jacket match (at least texture-wise)

lenth of shirt cuff and jacket sleeve has to be right.

lenth of slacks + shoes has to be right.

ties. very impotant. ties cant be too long. you'll look like a clown. make sure you get the right tie to go with the shirt. the knot has to be just right. i usually like a nice big knot on the tie with a fitted shirt and some cuff links. think banker.

shoes: not sure if kenneth cole is in your budget but its a start. as have been mentioned, black, brown. that's it. unless its a $2,000 shoe with a $4,000 suit u not going to pull it off.


i go for the European cut suits because of my frame. i dont have an athletic frame so the European suits fit me perfectly. on a friday night i can ditch the tie and go out with the fellas and i'll be fine.

if you have an atheltic build, u definately dont want a european style suit.


lots of nice advice here thus far eveyrone got some good insight

 

[bhunt]

I havne' read most of the thread, but when you are starting your suit game out start with Gray and black. You can mix and match it up and that will get you pretty far. You mentioned leather coats and thats great, but 1st off with your suit get your some pea coat looking jacking 1st from like london fog or something, then add a leather later. Also learn the differnce in differnt types of cuffs and how you get your pants himmed. Mens warehouse has all the differnet in's and outs about how to go about that. Ties and shirt can be expensive So you might be coming out 75-100 for a good shirt tie combo. And like others have said Stay away from the loud shit. I can't stand seeing niggas come in lime green suits and red. Save those shits for costume parties and the players ball.

 

[Chase Bannon]

Should this be made a sticky???

 

[deshaunNyc]

Should this be made a sticky???

Most definitely.

 

[Dwayne Wayne]

If you got a http://www.menswearhouse.com/index.jsp in your area check it out they'll set you straight

"I guarantee it"

 

[bigirl]

I've been doing jobs that don't require any formal buisness attire for a while. I'm in my early 20s now and want to look like and adult and not a hood stereotype since most people think I'm an actual rapper when I'm not.

I also want to look like an adult even when I'm not working so what kind of clothing should I be looking for? I went looking for a affordable leather Jacket thinking I could wear it to most places but I need to know if it would look right over a suit if I decide to apply for work. So what are a good pair of shoes to wear?

Maybe somebody who went through this can help me out? Thanks.

For regular non working wear if you don't want to look like a hood first wear pants that actually fit. Sure they can be a little low resting on your hipbones but don't let me see half your ass. Then don't wear shit with huge billboard names plastered accross. Those would be the big 2 IMO.

Check out Kenneth Cole. He has really nice shoes casual but nice and he has some line that costs a little less. Oh yeah Reaction.

Leather jacket over the suit is a definite negative. HTH.

 

[Chase Bannon]

Then don't wear shit with huge billboard names plastered accross. Those would be the big 2 IMO.

Amen!!!