London Fashion
I'm an American moving to London to work with a large magic circle law firm (working in capital markets with bankers), and I'm preparing to build a new wardrobe (suits, shirts, ties, etc.).
I'm planning on having several made-to-measure suits (looking at propersuit,com) tailored before I head over, but I'm completely unfamiliar with the style. Should be looking at skinny peaked lapels? Or are those out of style now? Do I want to try and get the suits to be as fitted as possible, with a short jacket? Or would it really just be smarter to look for suits once I head over there?
Also, what type of shirts should I be looking at? Is the wide english/london spread too much? Or is this still common? Is it standard to go for the french cuffs or is that too much for an entry level/analyst type position?
Thanks!
Well, i'd say skinny lapels
Well, i'd say skinny lapels have never really been "in style" but lets say: accepted.
I would wait until you get to London because you can get very good quality off the rack. Both shirts and suits.
For now, Jermyn Street is your friend.
For suits I would definitely get them off the rack. If adjustments are needed, the in house tailors will do a great job at fixing that. Keep it classic.
Hackett makes a good suit for 500-600 pounds. But always remember to look for deals at places like John Lewis etc. There you can easily find one for 350 if you're lucky.
At Charles Tyrwhitt there is always a sale... The suits are pretty good value for money especially if they're on sale.
Thomas Pink makes suits as well, but not too sure if the quality is that great.
For shirts please stay on Jermyn Street... Forget about TM Lewin and Hawes & Curtis. Their offers may be very tempting, but the quality is just terrible.
Do yourself a favor and buy a couple of shirts at Charles Tyrwhitt (4 for 100 or whatever it is) to get the basics covered. Then head over to Hilditch & Key (they have two shops on Jermyn Street) and Emmett (pretty much next to Hackett). These two are the best when it comes to shirts under 100 pounds a pop.
The best on the street are Turnbull & Asser but since the shirts start at 145 pounds each that may be a bit too steep. Great quality though. Have had mine for a year and a half now and they still look new.
If you want to get some colorful socks -> New & Lingwood.
Ties = Charles Tyrwhitt, New & Lingwood, Hilditch & Key
There is an outlet outside London (not far away I think) where you can find all the big names from ferragamo to zegna (http://www.bicestervillage.com/)
That should do for now
I don't understand this
I don't understand this fascination with Charles Tyrwhitt. Has anyone actually been in their stores? Nothing redeeming about that place - not its clothes, not its people, not even its prices if you actually give it some thought.
"There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."
There is absolutely nothing
There is absolutely nothing fascinating but it does the job... better than most.
Paul Smith/ Richard James/
Paul Smith/ Richard James/ Dunhill suit
Thomas Pink shirts also T&Asser
Church's/ Loake/ Grenson shoes
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
streetwannabe: Paul Smith/
Paul Smith/ Richard James/ Dunhill suit
Thomas Pink shirts also T&Asser
Church's/ Loake/ Grenson shoes
Paul Smith...really? You're better than that, don't get hypnotised by the fancy lining.
Oreos: streetwannabe: Paul
Paul Smith/ Richard James/ Dunhill suit
Thomas Pink shirts also T&Asser
Church's/ Loake/ Grenson shoes
Paul Smith...really? You're better than that, don't get hypnotised by the fancy lining.
Personally never been able to afford them, but I think they look awesome! And I mean you could go for Hawkes and Gieves, Anderson and Sheppard, Saville Row, but that is a little astronomical for even big earners depending on where your priorities are. And what's wrong with Paul Smith?
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
streetwannabe: Oreos: str
Paul Smith/ Richard James/ Dunhill suit
Thomas Pink shirts also T&Asser
Church's/ Loake/ Grenson shoes
Paul Smith...really? You're better than that, don't get hypnotised by the fancy lining.
Personally never been able to afford them, but I think they look awesome! And I mean you could go for Hawkes and Gieves, Anderson and Sheppard, Saville Row, but that is a little astronomical for even big earners depending on where your priorities are. And what's wrong with Paul Smith?
You mean Gieves and Hawkes.
PS is just over priced for what it is. I've always had trouble finding suits which fit (need a drop 8 rather than the standard 6) and since people from PS will happily let you walk out without alterations it's just not worth it.
Places like Mark Marango are cheap, material is good, craftsmanship isn't out of this world but they'll adjust it 'til your heart's content.
Oreos: streetwannabe: Ore
Paul Smith/ Richard James/ Dunhill suit
Thomas Pink shirts also T&Asser
Church's/ Loake/ Grenson shoes
Paul Smith...really? You're better than that, don't get hypnotised by the fancy lining.
Personally never been able to afford them, but I think they look awesome! And I mean you could go for Hawkes and Gieves, Anderson and Sheppard, Saville Row, but that is a little astronomical for even big earners depending on where your priorities are. And what's wrong with Paul Smith?
You mean Gieves and Hawkes.
PS is just over priced for what it is. I've always had trouble finding suits which fit (need a drop 8 rather than the standard 6) and since people from PS will happily let you walk out without alterations it's just not worth it.
Places like Mark Marango are cheap, material is good, craftsmanship isn't out of this world but they'll adjust it 'til your heart's content.
Yeah sorry, it's early. And I've noticed that, so stupid how they typically make suits with only 6 drops. And maybe someday I'll know for myself. But I think generally there are a lot of labels in Britain which are much better than their American counterparts. E Tautz seems decent (expensive though) and there's always Selfridges.
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
the quality. it just isn't
the quality. it just isn't worth the bucks. also i believe that a richard james suit cost just as much as a GIEVES and HAWKES (bespoke that is).
since prada bought an 83% stake in church's the quality just doesn't cut it. spend the most money on shoes. crockett and jones are the best money can buy in the "expensive but still do-able" range. far superior to allen edmonds and church's in my opinion. a pair of cheap and horrible shoes can ruin your appearance and make you look like a clown.
don't pay the "brand" premium for a thomas pink shirt.
just saying...
nauprillion: the quality. it
the quality. it just isn't worth the bucks. also i believe that a richard james suit cost just as much as a GIEVES and HAWKES (bespoke that is).
since prada bought an 83% stake in church's the quality just doesn't cut it. spend the most money on shoes. crockett and jones are the best money can buy in the "expensive but still do-able" range. far superior to allen edmonds and church's in my opinion. a pair of cheap and horrible shoes can ruin your appearance and make you look like a clown.
don't pay the "brand" premium for a thomas pink shirt.
just saying...
I agree with the shoes, most important thing. John Lobb also has nice looking shoes. I have a pair of Alden (not British, and cost me an arm), but they're totally worth it.
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
i agree. the quality is
i agree. the quality is superb. shouldn't forget to mention edward green. but both are probably out of OP's price range. I love Alden. The only non-British shoes that are worth throwing money at. Especially the monk straps. Incredibly popular on our floor.
I have been and worked at the
I have been and worked at the Square Mile several times and for shoes you definitely want to be looking at Church's - the most superior shoe in my eyes, or maybe even a pair of Jeffery West would also be a good choice
Suits - well they vary, but the rule is, there is no rule. You could pretty much get away with anything (just short of white linen and pink polkadots) - try a few boutique stores around Leadenhall Market for nice suits (quite pricey though)
Shirts and ties - as long as they are not too out there, you will be fine - I would suggest Saville Row Co. for shirts, but all depends on your price range, they are not the most expensive shirts out there, but always found them to be more than sufficient
I think the truth is that everyone in the Square Mile is too busy rushing about to even notice what everyone is wearing anyway!
I was concerned about this,
I was concerned about this, thinking that the London crowd worried more about fashion than most Americans. But it sound like this means that I wil have more options to choose from.
Thanks for all of the input. I think that I'll do most of my shopping once I get there.
PS. I've never been or really
PS. I've never been or really experienced, but the way I understand is Europe = no undershirt. Probably won't effect your shopping, but just seeing what others think about this.
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
SquareMile: I was concerned
I was concerned about this, thinking that the London crowd worried more about fashion than most Americans. But it sound like this means that I wil have more options to choose from.
Thanks for all of the input. I think that I'll do most of my shopping once I get there.
you will have no problem with fashion, in fact I suspect if you just transfered your American wardrobe to London, people wouldnt bat an eye lid at all!
and as for the last post, I have never seen an undershirt worn in my personal experience
TheCityBoy: you will have no
Oreos: TheCityBoy: you will
TheCityBoy: Oreos: TheCit
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
TheCityBoy: SquareMile: I
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
Wow this is a Bateman
The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.