5 Colors / Prints of Dress Shirts That No Banker or Trader Should Be Without

I need new dress shirts. I have a budget (college student). I will get them altered by a good (enough) tailor.

So...what are 5 colors / prints of shirts no banker or trader should be without. I have red hair so pink, orange, red, and yellow are generally out.

Thanks for the help!

42 Comments
 

white and blue shirts are the classic staple for bankers right? as for prints...stick with solids and (reasonable, tasteful) vertical stripes, i'm not sure what else you could really be considering?

 

i'm not in banking yet, but checks really? i've worked in offices and checks arent really too common. also its hard for most guys to pull it off without looking like a lumberjack half the time not to mention you'll create some sort of optical illusion if you wear the wrong tie

 

i guess depending on your particular office you may be able to be more creative and flexible with colors (i've found that it surprises some folks that slacks come in more colors than just black, gray, and navy)

 

What about green shirts? Would these be acceptable in even a conservative environment?

Also, I'm hoping I wouldn't have to necessarily purchase a "slim fit" shirt because I will have them altered.

I'm not an expert(an absolute understatement), but I know you can't alter armholes...but you can alter the width of the trunk?

I have a 41" chest and a 31 inch waste, so most off the rack shirts look like balloons.

Please correct me if I'm wrong in my suppositions.

 

Also, what are good brands to look for in dress shirts that won't break the bank? I've read all of the threads on here about dress clothes and everything generally becomes a pissing war over expensive British / Italian / American designers.

 

if you do some shopping, even on a budget you can find some well made shirts that have a slimmer cut to them (which are perfect for guys with big chests/shoulders and smaller waists) but it might be easier to talk to your tailor. google the style guy...he's answered several relevant questions about slim fit shirts (yes I read GQ...) as far as green, even in a conservative office you should be okay but use discretion in what shade of green we're talking here.

 

Thanks, ToBankOrNotToBank.

I checked out "The Style Guy" and found some topics that directly related to my question.

Also, I found some really good answers on www.styleforum.com.

this is such an irrelevant, inane thread. wow.

...if you want to look like a joke. I'm not inquiring regarding expensive / flashy clothing, but rather about looking "smart".

When I see an unkempt red-neck from Wake Forest in NY next summer, I won't be surprised by your utter lack of class. Good luck making positive first impressions.

 

oh my goodness....

You've missed the point. You have red hair. For goodness sake, get that mess fixed, ginger. Dye it brown, black...

What shirts you wear don't matter if there is a furry red ball up there.

 

seeing as you aren't working full-time as an analyst/intern you want to fit in the group as much as possible, keep your head down, and work hard. don't try to draw attraction so i'd recommend you avoid pink.

What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent feat. Nickelback.
 

Depends on where you are. Certain companies have a specific dress code. One of my jobs required I wear a business suit everyday, but that my shirt would typically have to be blue or white. Pink would have been frowned upon in that particular job.

 

Get blues and whites in a variety of patterns. Since you're entry level, don't get anything gaudy or too dark-coloured. Mix it up with some conservative, not too wild patterns. White shirt with vertical light blue stripes, light blue shirt with thin vertical navy stripes, white shirt with tight blue windowpanes, you get the idea. Just browse a place like Nordstrom / Brooks Brothers and see what you can find. Also, make sure it fits. Nothing looks worse than an oversized shirt that hangs out over your pants when tucked in.

 

First at all, go to a store where you can find a tailor (Nordstrom or any major store) and get your measurements; neck, chest, arms an a style of shirt. Usually goes from Normal/Regular (with these latest ones you will get a LOT of extra room/baggy cloth) to Slim-Fit.

Once you know your measures you can get ALMOST whatever color in almost whatever brand. Don't go for the L or XL shirts, this ones are usually make in mass production and will end up in the trash in the next season. Finally, try different brands and you can go from there. I've tried several brands before and the sizes changes from brand to brand. I personally use slim fit and I never go with a color that is too bright or too dark.

I hope this info help you. Good luck.

 

I wouldn't wear a solid white shirt w/o tie, it usually looks as if you had forgotten the tie (assuming you wear a suit or at least a jacket). Solid white is too formal. Light blue, or even better subtle patterns as mentioned above work best. And +1 for the button down collar. Make sure it's not a wimpy one.

 

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