It extends the life of your "dress" shirts and you have to spend less on replacing, it eliminates pit stains and you don't have to worry about someone seeing your chest hair matted under your shirt
Undershirts are so key, make sure they are long enough to stay tucked in, otherwise they will untuck, but your shirt will stay tucked and you will look fat and dumb.
This may be an unpopular opinion but I think undershirts generally look terrible and feel worse. They end up getting all frumpy as they slowly untuck themselves throughout the day. It's an annoyance and I find it uncomfortable. I much prefer just wearing a tailored/fitted/slim shirt.
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The 405s. Also, I love the Alden All Weather Walkers. I had the crepe sole taken off and resoled with double leather soles. They are big clunky bastards that go well with jeans, chinos, and casual suits.
This may be an unpopular opinion but I think undershirts generally look terrible and feel worse. They end up getting all frumpy as they slowly untuck themselves throughout the day. It's an annoyance and I find it uncomfortable. I much prefer just wearing a tailored/fitted/slim shirt.
You are right it is unpopular and incorrect.....IMO
Even with a tailored shirt I still wear an undershirt, it honestly extends the life of your shirts so much for a cheap price point.
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No, you don't want a closed vamp (or Oxford) for your first shoe, especially if you are going to combine them with casual outfits. Get something like Corsi said - a boot, or you should get a big clunky Blucher shoe (open vamp).
I just bought those Alden Dovers. Like, Corsi, I own a lot of Alden. Best shoes. Great fit. I've had some pairs for over ten years and they are still going strong.
For a first pair, I'd suggest the regular strand not the weave. Much simpler.
Can wear that with anything from jeans to a suit and not look out of place. But for those fancier/dressier occasions, AE Park Ave:
You'd get a ton of mileage just with those two.
The thing about the AE Park Ave is that, well, yes - it's a staple office shoe that no one could possibly complain about, and it's well made enough that if you take care of it it'll last a decade or longer. But it's just so boring. Nothing about it is interesting. It's the quintessence of "I am taking no chances whatsoever about the shoes I am wearing". If that's what you're after, it's fine, but I wouldn't spend $400 or whatever they charge now for that. I'd want something better than just "universally acceptable and unoffensive".
The non-weave Strand is definitely better but kind of along the same lines, it's a perf cap oxford. It's fine, but there are nicer versions of that same shoe out there for about the same money. And I'd rather a blucher in a casual style like that, frankly.
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The thing about the AE Park Ave is that, well, yes - it's a staple office shoe that no one could possibly complain about, and it's well made enough that if you take care of it it'll last a decade or longer. But it's just so boring. Nothing about it is interesting. It's the quintessence of "I am taking no chances whatsoever about the shoes I am wearing". If that's what you're after, it's fine, but I wouldn't spend $400 or whatever they charge now for that. I'd want something better than just "universally acceptable and unoffensive".
The non-weave Strand is definitely better but kind of along the same lines, it's a perf cap oxford. It's fine, but there are nicer versions of that same shoe out there for about the same money. And I'd rather a blucher in a casual style like that, frankly.
But that's the thing about these shoes. If you want something that is classic, that will give you bang for your buck and will last you forever, you don't want something that will look out of place or too "out there" or will be out of style in 5 years. If you've got the basics down, then by all means, branch out a bit.
If you're not looking to go super cheap, but not willing to completely break the bank either, go to espy in Inglewood and let their stylists help you there. I did this back in November and got a bunch of work stuff including fitted dress shirts (Desoto shirts from Italy are just outstanding), ties, vests, pants, belts, socks and shoes. They have great variety and stuff you wouldn't see in a lot of other stores. Plus, their stylists are really good at making suggestions.
I've now gone back a couple more times for styling appointments for other items and as a young professional like yourself in their 30's, I'm wondering why I didn't do this sooner. It really does help to have someone there who lives and breathes fashion to help you pick out the right wear for your body type, as well as personality. It's not cheap, but neither is the quality of the stuff you get there - which saves you money in the long run anyways.
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No, you don't want a closed vamp (or Oxford) for your first shoe, especially if you are going to combine them with casual outfits. Get something like Corsi said - a boot, or you should get a big clunky Blucher shoe (open vamp).
Disagree. The strand looks great dressed all the way up or down. I've got a pair of Strands that I've owned since 2012-ish and at this rate, they will last me forever.
But that's the thing about these shoes. If you want something that is classic, that will give you bang for your buck and will last you forever, you don't want something that will look out of place or too "out there" or will be out of style in 5 years.
I get what you're saying, but there is a whole lot of room between the AE Park Ave and a show that's "too far out there" in the way you describe. Like, miles of space.
You don't have to go totally nuts. All the stuff Peter posted is good in that regard, though personally I would stick to leather as anything snuff suede or chamois or the like can be a bit of a pain to keep looking good if you're wearing it all the time.
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I get what you're saying, but there is a whole lot of room between the AE Park Ave and a show that's "too far out there" in the way you describe. Like, miles of space.
You don't have to go totally nuts. All the stuff Peter posted is good in that regard, though personally I would stick to leather as anything snuff suede or chamois or the like can be a bit of a pain to keep looking good if you're wearing it all the time.
Maybe it's just my generally decaying vibe, but I like a bit of scuffed suede.
Yes, this is me. I look old and lame because I wear dress shirts because I don't know what else to buy for work clothes.
Do you have any recommendations for casual button down long sleeved shirts?
Also, someone else mentioned Allen Edmonds shoes that look more casual than wingtips. Do you think those are acceptable with the look your suggesting here?
Great stuff fellas, keep it coming.
EDIT: I should add that I only wear a suit 3-4 times a year professionally, and I'm more worried about daily driver outfits.
Not knowing your body type (long, short, big arms/shoulders, whatever) or price point, it's hard to recommend any specific place, but this is a good example of the type of shirt I would look for: https://www.jcrew.com/ca/p/AA264?color_name=smoky-slate
Cotton, a nice textured weave to it, chest pocket. It's nice enough that you're going to fit into most professional environments but casual enough that you're never going to look overdressed (and most importantly, you'll feel comfortable).
As far as places to look, Simons is fantastic for all price points and has a HUGE selection. Nordstrom is great, Kit and Ace, J Crew, etc.
I think for you, I would explore a trendier spot with a lot of different brands so you can see what fits you best and have some selection in price point. I generally don't believe in getting a bunch of shirts from the same brand.
Personally, I have shirts from more established business-casual spots, but I also have some great finds from some skate brands, Levis, and places like Old Navy (where I paid $7 for one of my favourite shirts). Once you have an eye for what you want, you can find really nice pieces in the most random of places for cheap. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend starting with somewhere like Old Navy, there's way too much crap to sort through, but I get more joy finding something great for cheap.
As far as the Allen Edmonds go, this is strictly my opinion, but I would either go for a nicer casual shoe (something with all the makings of a dress shoe but a little more fun, like this, or I would go with a more dedicated sneaker (Adidas Stan Smiths, Converse, HUF slip ons, etc). I personally hate sneakers made by companies that specialize in dress shoes primarily, I think they look lazy. I don't know what would compel someone to buy something like this when they could buy these for 1/3 of the price and arguably look better.
As far as shoes that are closer to a sneaker, go with a brand that makes sneakers and find their nicest shoes. They're far better than going with a brand that makes dress shoes and finding their take on a sneaker.
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Since my layoff over a year ago I've put some time into reselling men's clothes and shoes... I'm half-tempted to open a consignment shop as I've been doing really well with it considering how little time i put into it. I sell mainly through poshmark and ebay but can put together some pretty good deals for in-person pickup/purchase (if you are willing to consider 'previously loved').
Check out my offerings on poshmark here and let me know if you have any questions as I definitely have some opinions on how to dress...
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