Intern with Expensive Suits/Shoes/Coats

I was always told to never dress better than your higher ups which I agree. I have a different suit per day at 1k each, two shoes at $300-500 each and an expensive coat. All of this designer business wear is lowkey (No labels showing, no bright stupid colors) but if you know you know. I will be first time intern at an investment bank. Does this come off as too much? Im a humble dude and I know 100% less than those I will be working with and I want to learn a lot.

I personally enjoy dressing nice and I used to be very into fashion in my teens. This passion has carried over into my business attire if you were wondering why I wear clothing like this.

What do you guys think? Should I wear it and own it while being humble? Or should I wear cheaper clothing?

21 Comments
 

"I'm a humble dude" - every cocky guy you've ever met in your life

.......

Honestly no one cares, and if they do they clearly have too much free time on their hands. Just put your head down, focus on doing a good job and you'll be recognized for that above all else.

 

Not sure if everyone is trying to put me down but appreciate the comments. Glad no one gives a f*ck.

 

You’ll be fine. If anything, shoes and watches stick out far more than suits. I haven’t given a single thought to how much any banker’s suit cost. Certain brands will stick out (obvious ones like Gucci loafers and Rolex), but I wouldn’t worry about it from the sound of your description. Focus more on doing a good job rather than what you’re wearing

 

Simply wearing Hugo Boss/Ermenegildo Zegna/Ferragamo (Nothing flashy/tacky, just nice items) which I bought most of on sale. Appreciate the comment... Just don't want that to be a reason that I am less liked or what ever.

 

People are busting your balls but you should be fine. I am the same way, and went into my last SA with basically the same wardrobe as you. Unless you're showing off with something super flashy (doesn't just mean gold, a subtle patek obviously would still be kind of sus), nobody cared in my experience.

It's really only the watch that will stand out so keep it $5,000. Don't wear gucci loafers.

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I understand that posts like these are usually just trolling, but in the off chance that you are serious I would be careful with this attitude as it comes off as entitled (and also means you are missing out on some great shoes under $300).

You are an intern, maybe you have been lucky in life that you can afford $300+ shoes, that is great and I would never hold that against someone. What you shouldn’t do is label someone as “cheap” if they cannot afford these things (even the first few years of ibanking $300+ is a stretch for some) and the way you phrase your comment (again if serious) makes me think you would be pretty difficult to work with and have a skewed view on the world that wouldn’t translate well to the “real world”.

To the OP while wearing expensive clothing, watches, etc. is always a bit of a risk (mostly because there are difficult people to work with anywhere), sensible people won’t care. People come from different walks of life and choose to spend their money in different ways, I don’t judge that. As an example, I love watches, if I saw an intern or new hire with an interesting watch I’d be asking about it and not judging someone for it. Your attitude around that stuff (as the poster above me shows) is the much bigger deal.

 

I 100% agree with everything you said. To be clear, I never called anyone cheap for not wearing clothing above $x. I think you are referring to the anonymous comment above yours but you mentioned that my attitude is the problem...

 

Had a watch more expensive than a rolex (important family gift) and wore it to work - was subtule, no one gave a shit, except one intern and one associate that were into watches that complimented me and said it was a nice watch, just don’t speak of the price tag and you’ll be fine (people over estimate the value of Rolex) and under estimate the price of nice, little known watchmakers

 

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