Favorite Stores/Brands For Casual Wear

KingHasReturned:

If by casual you mean hanging around with you dinky in your hand then I'd recommend Wal-Mart.

I got a good laugh out of this.

A Posse Ad Esse:

If you're FaF ... Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Polo, all Ralph Lauren brands, J. Crew, etc.

If you're more urbane ... Boss, Bonobos, Reiss, Incotex, Patrizia Pepe, etc.

If you like to shop online and are willing to take a chance on different brands' sizing (can vary widely with some of the more fashion forward labels), check out Yoox.com.

Really, Southern Tide?

Brooks Bros, Polo, thread/

[quote=madmoney15]Brooks Brothers.

The Clark Chinos don't get any better in comfort. I bought underwear, socks and undershirts from there too because the foundation got to be solid for the outward appearance to have any confidence.

Lacoste is way too loud. Polo is still a bit too European and edgy for me. Brooks Brothers sticks to the classics and the quality doesn't get much better.

I'm going to buy these kicks in white too. http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Se…]

I couldn't help but read your post with a NY accent.

Lacoste is loud, but those fucking white tennis shoes are OK?

beancounter:

They don't fit because they are an entire size too big (compared to RL) for some reason.

And I'm not exactly tall and skinny.

It really depends on your style. Based on what you listed, it seems you like more of the traditional American style - pretty much what I like as well. I lean more towards the traditional American prep style. My style philosophy, which extends to anything dealing with aesthetics, is to stick with the classics. Staying close to the classics is easier since you're not wasting money on chasing the latest trends and you won't look back at pics 10 years from now asking why you were wearing an Ed Hardy shirt.

Before I get too far from your original question, here are some of my favorites......

Sid Mashburn Billy Reid Gant Band of Outsiders Rugby by Ralph Lauren

I've really liked what J Crew has done the past few seasons. It appears that they are getting back to the classics and offering clothes that fit much more flattering - not baggy.

Anyways, here are some of the style blogs I go to for inspiration:

http://sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com/ http://streetetiquette.com/ http://www.acontinuouslean.com/

Brooks Brothers extra slim fit is good if the normal slim fit (which isn't all that slim) is too big on you. Good stuff, not too expensive especially because that place (like Ralph Lauren) is pretty much always on sale, and won't really go out of style.

Get a tailored shirt. Costs 60 bucks and is of the same or better quality than the places listed above. You can wear it for work or casual since it is made to fit you and only you.

...

Try www.Uniqlo.Com.

I feel like some of the brands mentioned are a bit too classic for a "going out" shirt. Obviously it depends on your style, age, and body type (assuming you don't tailor all your purchases) but I would recommend Zara if you dig a more Euro look, Boss Orange if you want classy without old, John Varvatos for an alternative vibe, or Vince for basics with an edge. All of those brands should have shirts under $250, and because they are designed for younger men, they are slimmer cut. Hope that helps.

Hugo Boss (night), Zegna (day)

Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Brooks Brother.

J CREW

Try CK, great quality shirts. Pretty affordable price range as well.