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Originally Posted by Sliver

Nordstrom Rack in Deerfoot Meadows sells suits? I'll check that out, too. Hopefully they have an onsite tailor

Tailoring will be mandatory, I'm pretty sure. Don't really have a standard body. Quite tall with giant bulging muscles.

I will need a dress shirt as well so I'll be sure to mention that to the salesperson. Wool is totally counter intuitive, but I'm sold on it.

I have a feeling I'll be attending more funerals coming up here than weddings, but I am leaning toward the charcoal grey.

Good news that $350 isn't a too-low budget. I don't want to look like I'm in a cheap suit. Guess I'll start at Nordstrom since they're close to me.

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate the condolences - this is somebody I don't know well, but my wife was close to her growing up and she sounds special so it's definitely a loss.

A few recommendations:

1. Let me re-iterate... don't buy a black suit (unless you are working as a waiter). Not only is it generally tacky, but black actually doesn't look all that complementary to most complexions.
   
   
   I'd suggest colour: navy (ie really dark blue) or charcoal; style: single breasted 2-button; pattern: 'nailhead,' 'pinhead' or 'birds-eye' as your most versatile option. A faint pin-stripe would also be acceptable but avoid checks, plaids or chalk-stripes for your first/only suit.
   These recommended patterns will give you the most flexibility - with solid white shirt for funerals etc. but also a great base for a more bold shirt, tie or shoe when you want to look more relaxed.
   
   
2. Be careful at Rack and other 'fashion' oriented stores right now - they will likely have selection and/availability for the trendy 'short' pant & jacket fashion currently running a muck. Avoid this if at all possible otherwise you'll have something that will look silly in 5 years time (some would say currently too lol)
   
   Try and find a cut that you could picture your dad wearing. Slim and a softer shoulder is fine but avoid the shrunk-in-the-wash look.
   
   
3. $350 will get you a cheap suit - that can't be changed... however by investing in superb tailoring you can still have something you'll look good in and be proud to wear. Plus it will be comfortable enough that you won't mind putting in on.
   
4. Avoid black shoes while you are at it too... a dark brown will look better and can be paired with more outfits (Let me know your size - I've got over 30 pairs on-hand right now)