Attire at MBB

Hey everyone, got some questions for y'all. I know that the majority of topics on this forum involve chances of getting into XYZ firm (I have done this myself), salary ranges, and other such matters. I did a quick search and didn't turn anything up in this forum, so here's my question--what sort of attire do consultants at MBB wear? I looked on the Wall Street Fashion forum and didn't see anything specific to consulting.

Do consultants at MBB wear the same sorts of suits and outfits that analysts wear in IB? Or is it generally less flashy and more conservative on the consulting side?

That is, if I get a job at an MBB firm next year (which I'm going for), would I need to significantly upgrade my wardrobe? I've got 4 mid-price suits from Jos A Bank and Men's Wearhouse, all tailored. Obviously, if push comes to shove, I have plenty of time to upgrade my wardrobe between now and then if I get the job, but would I need to upgrade to flashier outfits or are my conservative suits fine?

Thanks!

15 Comments
 

Consultants wear business casual almost 99% of the time. They typically dress one step up than the client. For instance, if the client wears blue jeans and t-shirts, you'd wear khakis and a polo. If the clients wear khakis and a polo, you'd wear slacks and a button down. Suits would be rare for most offices, unless you're in NY, but even then...

 

At MBB now, and it's as sojourner said. I generally wear slacks and a button down since I just can't bring myself to ever wear khakis again. For days in the office, jeans and a button down are fine...or even jeans and a polo. When you're on PE or FS cases, there will be a lot more suit-wearing occasions but you'll get a heads up. Usually as part of the ramp-up for a given case, someone mentions attire briefly.

 

Thanks, everybody! That is good to know. Where I work now, I wear shirt and tie, so it seems that if I get the gig, I won't have to worry too much about my wardrobe

 
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So what do you do? -I work for an investment banking firm. Oh okay; you are like my brother, he works for Edward Jones. -No, a college degree is required in my profession

Reality hits you hard, bro...
 

As a general rule, West Coast is more laid back. SF or LA?

I've never heard of a firm out there wearing anything but business casual. Within that, for ladies, I suggest front-pleated but fashionable pants or knee-length skirts (both preferably belted) with a blazer/suit jacket if you need it, Brooks Brothers tailored shirts or equivalent, tasteful accessories.

The stickler is shoes. Some firms allow open toed or slingback, but not both; some banks don't care while others are super strict. For women it can be make or break so know before you go. I would suggest black pumps or similar if you have no idea.

Pretty simple. Better a notch too formal and you can just play with accessories or get more fun shirts if you look too stodgy.

 

I worked on the west coast and while it definitely is more laid back in terms of lifestyle, the women - and it doesn't matter what industry - are actually more fashion forward. It's business casual, but with a very stylish flair.

 

From someone in a similar situation a few years back, you need nice shoes, decent silk ties, decent non-iron shirts, and 3 suits- charcoal, navy and maybe a very light pinstripe.

There are a million options, but for me, gently used Allen Edmonds shoes/belts off ebay, Brooks Brothers non-irons (pick them up at the after christmas sale) and brooks bros ties worked nicely before I expanded my wardrobe a bit. For the love of god, no non-silk ties or square toed shoes.

I don't feel as though I have good suit advice since I still don't feel like I have a good value situation in my suits, interested in responses there.

 

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