Starting a job in formal/traditional/hierarchical (suit and tie required) PE

Couple of questions:

Wool ties - ok? Only seasonal? (I am thinking of one that is brown and one that is a mossy, but muted green. They are clearly wool but solid colored).

Colorful socks - designs I am assuming are not ok? (e.g., happy socks). What about solid colors? I have some bright blue, some green like the above, and some orange socks, but they are really nice kind of silk/cashmere socks (e.g., think mens boutique like Sid Mashburn, Billy Reid, etc.)? Or do I need to go with navy/gray (depending on suit)

Tie colors - what tie colors and patterns are ok?

Shirt - what types of cloth are ok for shirt? Is Oxford cloth ok or does it need to be broadcloth?

What about suit fabrics? Are there any common pitfalls I can't do?

What about shoe types - are deal sleds ok? I have never worked in a formal setting before, what types of shoes should I be wearing? I was told they have to be black shoes.

What about belt buckle - I have an initial engraved belt buckle (very subtle) that was a gift from my late grandfather I wear every day. I'd like to keep wearing it but is that ok? It's silver, small (not much wider than the belt itself, about an inch long).

 

Buy a navy suit. Doesn’t matter the material. Solid, dull-coloured silk tie. Material variable but the point is it’s a boring tie. Black leather shoes, Oxford’s; not brogues. White shirt, nobody cares about the material. Black socks.

It’s really that simple. Once you get there you can identify what others wears and then fit in from there, but that as a starting point can never go wrong in a professional environment.

You want to be remembered for the quality of your input, not because you were “that guy with the rainbow socks”.

 

In terms of socks have them match your trousers please. Avoid other - and in particular bright -colors. Now is a great time to get rid of ‘happy socks’...

Regarding shirt cloth I’d probably stay away from Oxford, it’s a lovely cloth just a tad on the casual side... find a nice twill or poplin, white, light blue or light pink.

Shoes, if it’s your first pair choose black oxfords. Also, don’t be cheap on shoes - it’s not worth it.

Tie. Silk. I’d suggest solid dark blue and/or dark burgundy.

Suit. Solid color. Navy, charcoal or dark grey. Wool, classic to slightly tailored fit with (non slim) notch lapels.

Your belt is probably fine as long as it’s black.

 
Most Helpful

If you want to take no fashion risks whatsoever and don't want to stick out because of potentially risky fashion choices, then I recommend:

  1. Wool suits, in grey or navy
  2. Silk understated ties (look at the colours and patterns of Hermes and Ferragamo - I am guessing that's what most of your colleagues will be wearing).
  3. Match socks to trousers, at least until you complete a few deals
  4. Cotton shirt, blue or white
  5. Loafers are ok as long as they are understated, with no loud hardware. Oxford shoes are a safer choice for an ultra conservative place.
  6. Your belt should not draw any attention

Look at your corporate website and observe what people are wearing. Adapt and don't stand out.

Good luck with your start!

 

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