UK Suit Advice
I'm a secondary school student hoping to get some work experience in an IB bank in London later this year. I thought I'd invest in a suit soon because I see myself wearing a lot in the next few years and plus, I really like suits. My current one is a vintage one I got from a secondhand shop but I'd like to get myself a decent one to wear in the long run.
Given the fact that my school blazer has been a dark navy, I've come to really like light grey suits but upon skimming WSO, it seems grey is looked upon as old-fashioned? Is it better if I get myself a navy or charcoal grey suit?
I'm a bit of a sucker for pinstripes as well. I heard pinstripes are semi-allowed in London but, in the US, it is frowned upon? Is this true?
Yours sincerely,
‘Nepotism Tailors’ are quite good from what I hear…
HAHAHA
Honestly hardly anyone wears full suits anymore except when seeing clients so if you come in as an intern wearing a light grey pinstriped suit, yeah you're not gonna stand out in the best way. When I was your age I liked similar things and now I look back and cringe at what I was wearing.
I would just go with safe navy and charcoal until you get a better guage on how far you can push the envelope. The most important thing is that it fits. If you have a TML or CT near you then go get measured and you can buy a suit on sale for like £200.
Thanks for your reply!
That's the impression I got. I definitely don't want to stick out in a bad way. Can you wear pinstripes when you move up the pecking order (Associate)?
Everyone wears a navy suit, from analyst to MD
If you wear a pinstripe suit, I would expect some 80s-related light jokes
You can wear whatever you want whenever you want just be prepared for whatever consequences arise as a result. Could be light ribbing, could be disdain lol.
Go navy suit. Black shoes, not brown (cannot stress this enough).
Pick one up from Next for less than a hundred quid and get it tailored. Much more important that it is specifically tailored for your shape than the brand, plus nobody is going to expect a school student to have money for a premium suit.
I was informed by a family friend that I might as well go in a clown suit if I chose brown shoes! (haha)
No pinstripes, whether London, New York, or elsewhere - seen as arrogant and quite a loud choice, especially for someone so young.
Likewise, wear black shoes (monk straps are fine, don't wear loafers).
Light grey is something I consider "Neopolitan" rather than old fashioned - stick with darker hues if you want to go grey (i.e. charcoal), however I'd say dark blue is a safer bet.
M&S are a very safe option - they fit well, have a good range, are well made, and will last.
You've also got T.M. Lewin and Moss Bros - Hackett, etc. a step above this.
How are brogued shoes viewed? I always thought Monkstraps were on the showy/confident side on the shoe spectrum.
When I was looking for budget suits, I looked to M&S and everything about them was great except for one thing. Idk what it is but the material they use on the inside of the trousers and the jackets swishes almost like a nylon tracksuit. Like pretty loudly to the point it bothered me.
What are your views on light blue suit like this one?
(https://www.moss.co.uk/moss-london-slim-fit-ice-blue-jacket-966668580?s…)
It does suit my body shape - and dusky skin colour though.
I'd advise against...
Definitely not brogues... Eurgh
Checked suits seem popular these days, both more conservative and more youthful somehow than pinstripes
What exactly is this no brown rule in lnd? I’ve got some premium Church’s in a very dark burgundy. So its rather black than brown. Is that considered OK or still no?
Go dark grey / charcoal - never black.
Don't understand the obession with navy.
Suit supply. Incredible bang for buck.
Would recommend suit supply. Good value
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