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I think jeans and tshirt are sometimes ok also (obv depending on firm). The only thing that matters is the money you generate.
Depends on the firm, like stated above. But in a true "business casual" environment, I would never wear khaki's. But that is just me.. Always a nice pair of slacks
Prop firms are usually pretty lax but khakis are fine. Personally don't wear them but see others doing so including our Global Head MD, even though he dresses up the least of anyone most days.
The best answer will come from your company's culture. See what the staff is wearing and blend in
make sure you get em wide in da thighs if you got monster quads. dont wanna be lookin like some chino wearin beta boy
This.
... "da" fuck are you talking about? Men who wear chinos are "beta boys"?
If you determine that they are in fact appropriate (best done simply by observing your coworkers), I would argue that Brooks Brothers supplies the best. If you have absolutely no leg muscle, go with the Milano fit, it's very slim. Less slim is the Clark fit, although that may not work well for you either if you have quads.
I started in the Milano, outgrew them, bought several pairs in the Clark in various colors, and am outgrowing all of them as well. I keep lifting.
Khakis OK at west coast IBanks? (Originally Posted: 07/31/2009)
I realize it'll depend on shop to shop, but in general are khakis acceptable at most boutiques and BB offices in california?
Any feedback much appreciated.
Khakis are fine when you need to dress up, like if the CEO is in town from the East Coast.
The rest of the time, shorts and flip-flops are the norm.
Be serious.
The WSO Guide to Understanding TARP
Well...at the previous boutique I interned at, it was not uncommon for some of the MD's to show up in shorts and flip flops once in a while. Khakis were common too.
I am assuming though that at the analyst level expectations are different. Comments from anyone who has actually worked in california?
Thanks
I actually worked in California.
Leave the khakis to the waiters at Chili's.
The WSO Guide to Understanding TARP
Boy you are unusually worked up today haha.
Anyway thanks for your advice, our branch was right on the beach so I guess that explains it. Will return my khakis today.
You're a pro, dude. You need to look like one.
That doesn't mean you can't take the monkey suit off to go surfing at lunch (which we did, most days). Also, one of the beautiful things about working the West Coast is that the market closes at 1, and things generally get more casual after lunch.
The WSO Guide to Understanding TARP
If you're in a market-based role, your hours in California will likely be approximately 4AM - 4PM from what I've heard. Some shops may do 4:30AM - 4:30PM to cut you some slack.
Dress code: All of the big banks, consulting firms, IM firms, etc. who have "branch offices" in California will adhere to the same dress and culture as their NYC HQs.
If you're at a boutique hedge fund or something, I guess it really depends on what the people running it are like. One easy way to tell is: where is the office located? If it's in a downtown financial district in LA or SF, count on a more formal dress. If it's closer to the beach - probably more casual.
^agreed When I was interning in LA dress in the downtown office was more formal. Most people wore suits. However the culture was certainly different in the smaller offices outside of LA. Khakis/slacks with a dress shirt and no tie was very common. It really all depends on your branch manager. I've never seen shorts and flip flops, but I guess some offices are much more laid back. You get used to being up at 4AM pretty quickly. No traffic at that hour.
only if they are from the gap.
If we're talking about California, it depends. Portland and Seattle are VERY laid back. Best advice that I can give is go in with a suit on the first day and just scope it out to see what other people of your rank are wearing.
Interned at a brokerage in Cali. It was business professional (shit wasn't even business casual), unless you were a V.P or higher. They got away with wearing whatever they wanted. Point is, unless you are senior level at your firm, expect to wear dress slacks and a dress shirt.
also remember fridays is hawaiian shirt day.
thanks again edmundo and others for your advice.
Have a related question, if an MD invites you to stop by their office after I emailed them asking for advice/guidance etc, should you go all out and wear a suit etc. as if it was an actual interview, or would that be going over the board and I should just stick with shirt/tie??
Thanks!
^^ any opinions on this??
also, with a charcoal suit, do u guys prefer a light blue or a white shirt?
If I am unsure, I'd usually go in with a suit but no tie.
I hate khaki colored khakis. Slacks (gray, black, brown) are much more fashionable.
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