Aloha Fashion?

So I am starting an internship next week with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Honolulu, Hawaii. During my interview process, I noticed that everyone working in the office was much more casual than I was, all wearing aloha shirts (the floral print Hawaiian shirts). It wasn't what I expected and had purchased a new suit and several dress shirts, ties, and other things. I am wondering whether I should scrap or return the clothes I already have and go find some aloha shirts to fit in with the rest of the office, or if it would be acceptable to wear the dress shirts still. Is it better to match the fashion of the rest of the office or does it really matter?

14 Comments
 

used to work at a regional bank in Honolulu, great times (not great pay), was actually the place they shot LOST, so that was cool I guess. Anyway, I never bought any Aloha apparel, didn't see much long term benefit in it for me. No once cared that I wore polos or button downs.

 

I'll say what I said the last time you posted about your internship

You lucky fuck.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
happypantsmcgeeI'll say what I said the last time you posted about your internship

You lucky fuck.

Yeah dude. It's not my focus, but if I can come work there, I'll gladly take a pay cut to live in paradise. NYC is cold as balls today.
Get busy living
 
UFOinsider
happypantsmcgeeI'll say what I said the last time you posted about your internship

You lucky fuck.

Yeah dude. It's not my focus, but if I can come work there, I'll gladly take a pay cut to live in paradise. NYC is cold as balls today.

Not sure if you know what kinda pay cuts we're talking about here. A recent PE-ish position wanted a post-Ivy MBA, 2+ year associate position and they were offering $70k with no bonus. Cost of living here is high but less than NY/SF.

 

it won't be a big deal to them if isn't to you....it's Hawaii brah....btw, I'd be interested to hear what pay is like for the entry level people in the office, a pm would be much appreciated

 
Best Response

For fuck sake do not wear flashy Aloha shirts, then you just look like some kind of tour director douche.

If you insist on wearing a suit, go lighter color (light grey, khaki if acceptable) in a lighter fabric (cotton/linen). You can probably get away with a simple lightly colored dress shirt (white or light blue), and khaki pants, with brown shoes, watch etc. This demonstrates that you recognize you are in an amazing tropical climate, but still have respect for your clients and superiors.

If you need further inspiration think "what would James Bond wear in the Bahamas?" Hint: he wore some tropical clothing in Casino Royale. He sure as shit would not wear an Aloha shirt.

Calm down, this shit isn't rocket science.
 

I'd probably choose Paradise Island in Nassau over Hawaii given the fact that a volcano could give the islands a fresh coat of paint, and kill off everyone who can't swim.

 

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