New work wardrobe for dh questions

[tuansprincess]

Ok - my dh is starting a new job (hooray!!) in less than a month. His
current job is tech support and the dress code is - well pretty casual.
His new job is an engineering/design position.

He says that he isn't really sure what the dress code is but that the
times he has met with others who work there they have ben in "khakis and
long-sleeve button down shirts".

Soooo - I am giving him my paycheck for this month to get a work
wardrobe. I have $240 (paper route - peanuts, but every little bit helps!)
to play with. This is what he has:
1 pair of slacks (pleated at the waist - although he is petite, I would
like to ditch these and get a better style)
1 pair of dark khakis
1 nice button down long sleeved shirt
Enough ties!

Finally - anyone know how/where I can get some styling help? I don't
know a ton about men's style and clothes and fit. Do I look for a
personal stylist? What do they call themselves?

Thanks so much!

[WeasleyMum]

I like Eddie Bauer for my husband's work stuff. It's sturdy but good-looking, especially their dark-colored khaki-like pants. And yeah, no pleats...

[delphiniumpansy]

I second the Eddie Bauer idea. The sales people will be able to help you. Either take dh with you or take his measurements.


Also, do you have a nordstrom's rack near you? They are great but you would be on your own with choices.


Make sure you get some of those new pants and shirts that are wrinkle free. They are worth it because you will not have to iron them and they look great for several wearings.

[bobica]

eddie bauer and lands' end are both good for mens' work clothes. banana republic steps the syle quotient up quite a bit. black & navy slacks (flat front- no pleats) are great & versatile. if he's more daring, brown slacks.

what about shoes? do you have a DSW near you? one brown & one black pair should be serviceable!

[tuansprincess]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

DSW?

Oh - should he go for box toe or pointed?

[sadean]

DSW = Discount Shoe Wearhouse
We just got one here in town...it might be a mid-western chain, but they have stylish shoes for men and women.

I would go with a round toes shoe, not pointed. Laced or slip on. Something very basic but sturdy in brown and black leather.

Flat front slacks and oxford style shirts. I also say go wrinkle free. Ironing sucks

ETA: And don't forget dark socks that match his shoes!

[Kirsten]

I am cracking up over here - fashion questions for an office of engineers... I only say that because my dh is an engineer. As a group, they are not generally known for their high fashion. I can almost guarantee you that no one will notice box toe or point.

I think you are safe with a pair of black pants, a few pairs of darker khakis, a number of button up shirts that can be worn without a tie. Eddie Bauer is a good idea; do you have one of their outlets near you? Polo shirts are also fine at my dh's office. I agree with a pp about one pair of black shoes and one pair of brown. Penny loafer (or any slip on) or laced shoe or low boot.

Congrats on his new job!

[dubfam]

I would go to Eddie Bauer, and get help and ideas from the sales people there. I would buy a few things there (maybe 30% of the budget) and then go to a store like Nordstrom Rack and spend the rest of your money.

That way you can get help from the staff at Eddie Bauer and figure out what kinds of things you even like before you go into a discounted store. You should be able to stretch $240 and have a stylish selection if you shop carefully.

Have fun! My DH still dresses like a skateboarder :

[Throkmorton]

I am also giggling over engineer fashion advice.
DH works in an engineering office and he wears black pants or jeans, polo shirts and steel toed boots (in case he needs to do a site visit)
On days when he doesn't wear his boots, he wears regular black shoes, called warehouse shoes. more comfortable than dress shoes.
His boss doesn't care if he wears jeans, as he really only has to be presentable to clients from the desk up. Plus, there is something to be said for the eccentric, young engineering genius in the corner look anyways. (DH is 26, and everyone in his office is at least 15 years older)

[tuansprincess]

Well, he's a chemical engineer.

But seriously, I would also like him to have a nice wardrobe for future interviews if he decides to switch jobs later on as this is still a stepping stone job.

He doesn't really give a hoot about his wardrobe, but first impressions are rather important for meetings and such.

Right? :







Now I'm all paranoid!

[carmel23]

LANDS END! If he needs the pants hemmed they do it for FREE!

[MissSJ]

Don't forget a nice black belt and a nice brown belt!
If you have a Kohl's near you I'm sure you can find some nice pants and shoes for great prices. Check for outlet stores near you too.

[Jenivere]

Maria, I would check out Famous Footwear over by the bridge for dress shoes. Peter got a nice pair of black Doc Martins for a good price. Also I think Sears has a sale going on for dress pants and shirts. Either Sears or Penny's in the mall carries some Lands End stuff but I'm not sure how much.

[yarngoddess]

You can also go to Men's Warehouse. They have SPECTACULAR clothing and sales people. They can give you an idea of what to look for and how to coordinate things.

[jen in co]

Eddie Bauer is great -- I like their relaxed fit, long sleeved wrinkle free dres shirts -- sometimes you can find them at the outlet for $25-30, but full-priced they are $50. They also have some great washable, wrinkle free slacks. Men's Wearhouse is also good for having knowledgeable sales people.