I will soon be a first year associate for JP Morgan. However, I have to look the part. I need some advice on what brand and color suits I should wear and how often should I rotate as well as how many suits I need in general. Also, I would appreciate some dos and do nots of accessories such as: pocket squares, watches, bracelets, etc.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
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Kiton MTO or bust.
Jk. I'd imagine there's no set rule for looking the part. Just a conservative suit with a decent tie & black cap toes. Having observed how associates dress, I'd say you can rock Ferragamo whimsical ties, or Zegna for more conservative ties. You can also start wearing higher-grade shoes, like Alden or Crockett & Jones, as opposed to Allen Edmonds, although these are still fine, even at the MD level. No jewelry other than a watch / wedding ring - this never changes throughout the totem pole, really. The watch is up to you, really. Some people don't wear watches, other people wear Rolexes.
As far suit brands, the fit is the key. I've read Mr. Ned makes great suits MTM for $950 (lowest price range). You can go with nicer fabrics, but as an associate, I'd imagine you'd still be sitting a fair amount of time in the desk, which means you'll wear through the elbows as you go with finer wools.
Honestly, when in Rome, do as Romans - go in there & observe what other associates are wearing. Some groups may be more conservative or bold.
In my opinion, the best way to get suits is to try on a few brands at a high-end department store and then look for your size in whatever brand fits you the best on eBay. It will obviously be gently used, but you will be getting a high-end brand for a fraction of what it would have cost you new. Once you get the suit, take it to a tailor. Some brands to look for are Canali, Brioni, Zegna, Hickey Freeman, and Oxxford.
I would skip the pocket squares and bracelets. Just get a simple watch. You are judged by the quality of your work, not your outfit. Good luck.
Bluefly also often carries these brands, but obviously not as cheaply as a used suit on eBay.
I think getting a made to measure or a made to order suit is your best bet. You can stick around $750-1200.
Oliver Wicks, Knot Standard, Indochino, Thick as Thieves, Black Lapel, Suit Supply are all fine. I think even Mens Warehouse does MTM ever since they acquired Joseph Abboud but I haven't tried it. I don't like Indochino and Thick as Thieves because I don't like the quality and the styling isn't conservative enough. Those of you who are just starting out can spend between $450-750 from some of those places and get something that actually fits and won't fall apart before your first bonus.
If you want off the rack my choices by lowest price to highest would be Brooks Brothers, Hickey Freeman, Canali and Corneliani. If this is your price range get some good shoes too. I like Crockett and Jones, Vass, and Carmina but mostly I just wear Allen Edmonds that I bought when I was in college.
Big fan of brooks brothers 1818 and Hugo boss has a similar suit in that same price range. Rock Milano fit if you can
For Associate suits, I would look at a slimmer fit Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss (usually on sale at department stores), or Suit supply. A lot of the bankers are buying from suit supply for reasonable price and slim fit cut. Additionally, there are a lot of custom tailors that come around where you can get MTM package of shirts / suits for very reasonable prices (talk to friends for this). Stick with Navy / Charcoal - avoid super blue suits, windowpane, pinstripes.
For shirts, Charles Tyrwhitt shirts are so cheap on sale and fit reasonably well (Can get as cheap as $30 on sale). Avoid the dreaded short-sleeve button down! For shoes, I see a lot of cole haan, Allen Edmonds, and some associates end up buying a pair or two of Gucci / Ferragamo loafers. Ties - Brooks brothers, Hermes, Ferragamo is pretty standard. Some kids go the Tie Bar route as well Watch is fine (and the brands others mentioned are typical - rolex, IWC, DW, Shinola, some Panerai. Avoid other jewelry / pocket squares other than wedding ring.
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