You are not logged in.
#1 2009-03-15 21:57:53
- inq89
- Member
- Posts: 23
Cheap suit Help
Some assistance please!
Professional school interview in less than two weeks and a sorority formal in a month. Looking to purchase my first suit in solid navy or charcoal, but on a modest college budget. Unfortunately, I do not have a H&M, Zara, or Uniqlo near me but I hope to get a suit with the Mad Men "60s" style- slim cut, slim lapels, 2 or 2/3 button. (I am envious of the young men seen in Take Ivy and hope to recreate that academic style.)
The best online choices I've seen are J.Crew, with their all-season suits on sale for $365 and Land's End "Tailored" suits for $272. Both are decently priced but I would rather spend less than ~$200 if possible. Also tried thrifting at Goodwill and Ebay, but found nothing that fits my sartorial desires or my size.
Anyone have any recommendations or good places to look?
College Trad Blogspot
#2 2009-03-16 02:30:08
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: Cheap suit Help
A bump for you, Chum.
Can't help you, but if I put you up at the top of the forum then hopefully some Cat can.
Best -
Jim
#3 2009-03-16 05:57:55
- Patrick
- Member
- Posts: 2653
Re: Cheap suit Help
I had a couple of Lands End suits at one point. Decent quality for the price and the ability to buy separates and get the pants straight from the git-go (in terms of style, waist, length and cuffing) was a plus. The jackets are very plain and somber; they are darted.
The minus was the suits have incredibly wide shoulders - a 42 R had a 20.5" shoulder-to-shoulder.
The customer service people are good, I would call before buying.
Otter : Take it easy, I'm pre-law.
Boon : I thought you were pre-med.
Otter : What's the difference?
#4 2009-03-16 15:39:18
- inq89
- Member
- Posts: 23
Re: Cheap suit Help
Thanks for the input I'll look into Lands End then.
College Trad Blogspot
#5 2009-03-17 01:11:27
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: Cheap suit Help
I can't offer any concrete advice I'm afraid, but I have noticed the 'slim-fit' suits of the last couple of years being sold off at huge discounts here in Europe, so you might find a great deal in just about any suit place. It took me about three (cheap) suits to get a feel for the fit I wanted; I think you're right not to drop too much cash on a plain suit to start with.
#6 2009-03-17 08:20:51
- inq89
- Member
- Posts: 23
Re: Cheap suit Help
Thanks for the advice.
I went ahead and bought a suit from Target online on sale for $110. Quality probably won't last me for a long time, but its probably on par with H&M and I've heard good things from the crowd at StyleForum. The cut looks good and the lapels are smaller than most OTR suits. It should arrive in 3-4 business days and that should give me enough time to go to the tailors if needed right before the interview. Wish me luck...and if I get in, there is a required dress code. This may be my excuse to wear tweed jackets and OCBDs everyday... 
College Trad Blogspot