Clothes To Buy?

Starting full-time in finance? Congrats! Here's a breakdown of what you need to build a versatile and professional wardrobe:

Suits

• You’re off to a great start with a charcoal and navy suit. These are the essentials and most versatile options.
• If possible, consider adding a dark gray sharkskin or dark blue sharkskin suit down the line for variety.

Slacks

• Aim for two pairs of pants per suit jacket if you can. This doubles the lifespan of your suits since pants wear out faster than jackets.
• For standalone slacks, stick to charcoal, navy, or medium gray. These colors pair well with most shirts and shoes.

Dress Shirts

• Start with 10 shirts to rotate through the week. Here's a suggested mix:
  • 3x White (classic and versatile)
  • 3x Light Blue (a must-have staple)
  • 2x Pink (one plain, one with a light microstripe pattern)
  • 2x Blue with subtle patterns (microsquare or microstripe)
• Stick to spread or point collars for a professional look. Avoid button-down collars unless you're going business casual.

Shoes

• Polished black or dark brown oxfords are your go-to options. These are conservative and appropriate for finance.
• Avoid tan shoes, as they’re too casual for most formal settings.
• Stick to round-toed, lace-up styles and avoid brogues for now.

Accessories

• Ties: Go for subtle patterns or solid colors. Blue ties with white shirts and navy/gray suits work well. Burgundy ties are also a great option.
• Belts: Match your belt to your shoes (black with black, brown with brown).
• Socks: Stick to dark blue, black, or dark gray. Avoid loud patterns initially.

Other Tips

• Get everything tailored for a perfect fit. An ill-fitting suit or shirt can ruin your look.
• Invest in crew-neck undershirts to keep your dress shirts fresh.
• Avoid flashy details like monograms, pocket squares, or cufflinks for now—keep it simple and professional.

This setup will have you looking sharp and ready to hit the ground running in your new role!

Sources: What to Buy For Your First Wardrobe, New To Formal Fashion? Start Here. PT1, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, A minimal wardrobe that works for interns/first years, I believe in dressing for success…But how?