Fashion Choices - 2025 IB SA

Hi guys,

Incoming 2025 SA at a MM bank in NYC for the summer, I was curious to know what I should plan on buying for clothes. 

  1. I do need a new navy suit, so more than likely I'll be getting one. Would I need any extra suits, or is just 1 navy one fine?
  2. As well as shirts, how many should I have ideally, and what colors should I be getting? Pants as well? I've heard Charles Tyrwhitt and Lulu pants are the norm? Any other alternatives for Lulus since they're like $140 lol?
  3. What color ties should I be looking to get?
  4. Should two pairs of brown + black oxfords suffice? Any brand suggestions for those as well?
  5. Finally, do you guys recommend a backpack or a laptop bag? Again, any brand recommendations would be great. 

Apologies for all the questions or if I seem very lost; I just want to make sure I'm hitting on everything and not needing to go shopping in the middle of my internship. 

11 Comments
 
Most Helpful
  1. Can't go wrong with Suit Supply. For an SA role you'll honestly be fine going to a Macy's and getting something cheap and just tailor it. You're not going to be meeting clients so don't blow money on something until you actually need it. Would suck to spend a few hundred on a nice suit and then have it not fit right a year or two later. Just get navy blue or dark grey.
  2. Have at least 5-7 shirts. white and business blue. No patterns and no front pocket. Charles Tyrwhitt is fine for an SA role. Nice to find brands that are machine washable and non-iron.
    Try to avoid workout material dress clothes. Charles Tyrwhitt has decent dress pants. I like the Bonobos Weekday Warriors too. Try to find sales or discounts. Greys and blues, no tan or khaki.
  3. You probably won't be wearing ties that often but just get simple patters. Blues, greys, etc. Make sure they're not too skinny or too fat.
  4. Black cap-toe oxfords. Maybe get a brown loafer. Allen Edmonds are a staple. can find discounts all the time. Carminas are nice if you want to splurge. I have a pair of Meermins but they're pretty uncomfortable. Thursday Boots makes dress shoes now. don't know about their quality but the prices are great, and I like they're other stuff.
  5. A briefcase/messenger bag will look nicer than a backpack and won't mess up the shoulders of your jacket/shirts. Just go on Facebook marketplace and try to find a used Tumi.

A lot of the time it can be worth investing in things that you can use for years, like goodyear welted shoes or a nice suit, or a nice belt or wallet. The Charles Tyrwhitt shirts and pants and Bonobos stuff will last enough to get you by, and I think they look nice if they fit you right. There's just no need to spend a lot of money on name brand things for an SA role. When you get the return offer then treat yourself to a little shopping spree. 

 

For your 2025 Summer Analyst role at a MM bank in NYC, here's a breakdown of what you should consider for your wardrobe based on the most helpful WSO content:

Suits:

  • Navy Suit: A navy suit is a great choice and a must-have. However, having two suits is recommended for rotation. Consider adding a charcoal grey suit as your second option. Both should be single-breasted with notch lapels, and ensure they are tailored for a perfect fit.
  • Brands: Suit Supply is a solid option for quality and affordability. If you're on a tighter budget, Express or Zara can work, but tailoring is crucial.

Shirts:

  • Quantity: Aim for 10 shirts to avoid scrambling for clean ones. A mix of 3 white, 3 light blue, and 4 other subtle patterns (e.g., stripes or checks) is ideal.
  • Fabric: Stick to cotton poplin with barrel cuffs. Avoid overly dark or brash patterns.
  • Brands: Charles Tyrwhitt is a great option with frequent sales. TM Lewin and Proper Cloth are also solid choices.

Pants:

  • Quantity: You’ll need 4 pairs of trousers (2 for each suit). This allows for rotation and ensures you always have a matching jacket.
  • Alternatives to Lulus: For more affordable options, check out Express, Banana Republic, or even H&M for slim-fit trousers.

Ties:

  • Colors: Stick to 5 ties: dark blue, dark red, a diagonal stripe, and two others that complement your shirts. Silk woven ties are recommended for quality.
  • Brands: Avoid flashy logos like Hermes. Look for subtle, professional designs.

Shoes:

  • Quantity: Two pairs of oxfords (one black, one brown) are sufficient. Rotate them to prevent wear and tear.
  • Brands: Aldo is a budget-friendly option, but consider investing in slightly higher-quality brands like Allen Edmonds or Cole Haan for durability. Use shoe trees and shine them regularly.

Accessories:

  • Belt: Match your belt to your shoe color. Avoid flashy designs or big logos.
  • Bag: A laptop bag is more professional than a backpack. Brands like Tumi or Samsonite are reliable and sleek.

Additional Tips:

  • Undershirts: V-neck undershirts are recommended to prevent sweat stains and maintain a clean look.
  • Casual Fridays: Ease into it. Avoid jeans initially and observe what others wear.

By planning ahead with these essentials, you’ll avoid mid-internship shopping and ensure you’re always dressed to impress. Good luck with your internship!

Sources: S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide, girls internship attire, A minimal wardrobe that works for interns/first years, Need Help- Budget Wardrobe for Summer Analyst Internship!!!, Female intern clothes

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Haggar pants are really great for the price in my opinion. They’re all I wear because they’re affordable, but material, fit, comfort, and price are all great. Have had multiple people ask me where I got my pants.

 

Wear a nice suit and tie day one, then adjust from there based on what you see analysts and associates wearing. You should be fine with one tailored suit for your internship, maybe get a second for full time only if people actually wear suits every day. Most likely you’re gonna be wearing slacks and a shirt at the avg bank. Get 3 pairs of slacks in dark grey, navy, and another dark color. Get 4-6 shirts from Charles tyrwhitt using their ridiculous bundle discounts. It’s like $50 a shirt at most. Get 2-3 white, 1 blue, and 2 in a chill pattern like white + blue stripes. Wear black oxfords + black belt or brown penny loafers + brown belt. J Crew has some cheap stuff. Allen Edmonds factory seconds is decent if you don’t want to shell out full price for oxfords. They don’t last as long but by the time you need to replace them you’ll have more cash for a good pair. Best of luck man. Personally wear bonobos weekday warriors + bit loafers and a white shirt almost every day. In the winter chelsea boots.

 

any recs for female summer interns? What would business casual consist of? 

 

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