Post: #1

I am set on nice form fitting v-neck t-shirts, picked up a few today.

This may be crazy, I don't think it was covered in Roosh's buying a first suit thread. Since I am on a completely whack budget right now while looking for work, is there any possibility of finding a really cheap yet fashionable suit, obviously an off-brand, and having it tailored to look custom? I think I even saw someone mention finding a suit at a thrift store and having that tailored. I'm 6'2 with a somewhat cut figure and broad shoulders, so even if it is cheap as hell brand wise, I feel like that look might kill it on certain occasions. I mean, I'm in Wisconsin, these girls won't know the difference between brands as long as it fits right. My target audience is 18-24 year old girls and then 30-40 year olds. Something to help me blow out those schlubs wearing flip flops at clubs and athletic shorts at bars. Whenever I wear just a dress shirt with pants w/wo tie I get mad compliments so I feel if I can step it up a notch here it's game over.

I also know I need some casual type looking dress shoes. Maybe loafers that are all purpose to wear with a v-neck tee and dressier pants or jeans? Obviously I can't rock Gucci loafers like G. I suppose I'm thinking something more casual than black dress shoes yet would still go with this hypothetical broke ass tailored suit.

In my experience the girls in Milwaukee and Madison don't inspect the brand you're wearing, I feel one of my main hindrances in being able to pull girls is not being able to cater to the type who's looking for a mature looking dude. I'm dying to branch out here. How I dress has been by far the biggest factor in that hindrance.

If there's anything missing you think is a must let me know.

Post: #2

I try to choose quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. However, since you have under $200, you might not be able to purchase too many high-end pieces of clothing and thus wouldn't go too far with new outfits/changing your look. So, in your case, I think it boils down to whether you think having a few very nice outfits versus many pseudo-casual outfits will get you farther with the girls in your environment. After all, if your competition is only flip flops and athletic shorts, it might be better to have a weeks worth of semi-casual outfits you can cycle through, rather than have only two or three-days worth of nice outfits before you have to wash those nice clothes and resort to the stuff you're stuck with now until they're clean again. However, even if you think the girls can't tell the difference between brands, they can still pick up on whether or not you're wearing well fitting/good material clothing. Here are the staples I would choose between if I were you given your budget:

V-necks/t-shirts: you already have them, but I usually go j-crew, target, or uniqlo on the cheap (just make sure they're not undershirts). Solid colors only, staying with navy, light grey, dark grey, black, white, beige

Dark blue jeans, preferably raw selvidge: very versatile item, though authentic raw selvidge will cost around $100-150 a pair. If you can reach a uniqlo sometime in the near future, they have good non-raw pairs for around $50

Trousers, in khaki or grey and not shiney: more versatile than you would think and if you pair them with a well-fitting tee or casual button-down you've got a nice outfit you can sport for daygame and work. I would look at either Banana Republic or Zara.


As for shoes, check out these two links:
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-10-best-...under-100/
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-best-loo...der-200-2/

and I also think Zara has a double monk-strap for under $100, which is unusual and might be more casual than these
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...538/828458

They aren't ideal shoes but if you take care of them well they'll look alot more expensive.

You might also want to consider a pocket square, a scarf, or some scoop-neck tees in addition to v-necks, as you can usually find these for decent quality with your budget. Plus, if you look at high-end and low-end versions of these items in an outfit the difference in quality isn't that noticeable compared to say leather shoes or jeans.



And whatever you decide to buy, try as hard as you can to try it on before you buy, and make sure its fits perfectly or you can get it tailored to fit perfectly.

Post: #3

(06-09-2012 11:23 PM)YoungGunner Wrote:  I try to choose quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. However, since you have under $200, you might not be able to purchase too many high-end pieces of clothing and thus wouldn't go too far with new outfits/changing your look. So, in your case, I think it boils down to whether you think having a few very nice outfits versus many pseudo-casual outfits will get you farther with the girls in your environment. After all, if your competition is only flip flops and athletic shorts, it might be better to have a weeks worth of semi-casual outfits you can cycle through, rather than have only two or three-days worth of nice outfits before you have to wash those nice clothes and resort to the stuff you're stuck with now until they're clean again. However, even if you think the girls can't tell the difference between brands, they can still pick up on whether or not you're wearing well fitting/good material clothing. Here are the staples I would choose between if I were you given your budget:

V-necks/t-shirts: you already have them, but I usually go j-crew, target, or uniqlo on the cheap (just make sure they're not undershirts). Solid colors only, staying with navy, light grey, dark grey, black, white, beige

Dark blue jeans, preferably raw selvidge: very versatile item, though authentic raw selvidge will cost around $100-150 a pair. If you can reach a uniqlo sometime in the near future, they have good non-raw pairs for around $50

Trousers, in khaki or grey and not shiney: more versatile than you would think and if you pair them with a well-fitting tee or casual button-down you've got a nice outfit you can sport for daygame and work. I would look at either Banana Republic or Zara.


As for shoes, check out these two links:
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-10-best-...under-100/
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-best-loo...der-200-2/

and I also think Zara has a double monk-strap for under $100, which is unusual and might be more casual than these
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...538/828458

They aren't ideal shoes but if you take care of them well they'll look alot more expensive.

You might also want to consider a pocket square, a scarf, or some scoop-neck tees in addition to v-necks, as you can usually find these for decent quality with your budget. Plus, if you look at high-end and low-end versions of these items in an outfit the difference in quality isn't that noticeable compared to say leather shoes or jeans.



And whatever you decide to buy, try as hard as you can to try it on before you buy, and make sure its fits perfectly or you can get it tailored to fit perfectly.

Stafford Wingtip Oxfords – $50.00 were exactly the type of shoe I was thinking and they just happened to be the cheapest.

I'm so broke right now, haha, is there a cheaper place to look for the trousers other than Banana Republic or Zara?

Do you think trying to find a cheap suit and have it tailored to make it come off fly looking is a non-starter on this budget?

Post: #4

(06-09-2012 11:32 PM)ImWaitingForTheMan Wrote:  Do you think trying to find a cheap suit and have it tailored to make it come off fly looking is a non-starter on this budget?

If you are broke but have plenty of time, then go to Good Will or Salvation Army stores. There are tons of rich guys who gain weight or retire and donate expensive suits. I doubt the poor customers need that many suits. So they probably sell for nothing. You will just need to try several stores and try on suits for hours. Get a good fit in the jacket and then get a good tailor.

Post: #5

(06-09-2012 11:32 PM)ImWaitingForTheMan Wrote:  

(06-09-2012 11:23 PM)YoungGunner Wrote:  I try to choose quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. However, since you have under $200, you might not be able to purchase too many high-end pieces of clothing and thus wouldn't go too far with new outfits/changing your look. So, in your case, I think it boils down to whether you think having a few very nice outfits versus many pseudo-casual outfits will get you farther with the girls in your environment. After all, if your competition is only flip flops and athletic shorts, it might be better to have a weeks worth of semi-casual outfits you can cycle through, rather than have only two or three-days worth of nice outfits before you have to wash those nice clothes and resort to the stuff you're stuck with now until they're clean again. However, even if you think the girls can't tell the difference between brands, they can still pick up on whether or not you're wearing well fitting/good material clothing. Here are the staples I would choose between if I were you given your budget:

V-necks/t-shirts: you already have them, but I usually go j-crew, target, or uniqlo on the cheap (just make sure they're not undershirts). Solid colors only, staying with navy, light grey, dark grey, black, white, beige

Dark blue jeans, preferably raw selvidge: very versatile item, though authentic raw selvidge will cost around $100-150 a pair. If you can reach a uniqlo sometime in the near future, they have good non-raw pairs for around $50

Trousers, in khaki or grey and not shiney: more versatile than you would think and if you pair them with a well-fitting tee or casual button-down you've got a nice outfit you can sport for daygame and work. I would look at either Banana Republic or Zara.


As for shoes, check out these two links:
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-10-best-...under-100/
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-best-loo...der-200-2/

and I also think Zara has a double monk-strap for under $100, which is unusual and might be more casual than these
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...538/828458

They aren't ideal shoes but if you take care of them well they'll look alot more expensive.

You might also want to consider a pocket square, a scarf, or some scoop-neck tees in addition to v-necks, as you can usually find these for decent quality with your budget. Plus, if you look at high-end and low-end versions of these items in an outfit the difference in quality isn't that noticeable compared to say leather shoes or jeans.



And whatever you decide to buy, try as hard as you can to try it on before you buy, and make sure its fits perfectly or you can get it tailored to fit perfectly.

Stafford Wingtip Oxfords – $50.00 were exactly the type of shoe I was thinking and they just happened to be the cheapest.

I'm so broke right now, haha, is there a cheaper place to look for the trousers other than Banana Republic or Zara?

Do you think trying to find a cheap suit and have it tailored to make it come off fly looking is a non-starter on this budget?

Glad you found the shoes. If you get them try lacing them a few ways to see which looks best to you. I prefer straight bar and over under:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/overunderlacing.htm
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straighteasylacing.htm

Can't tell from the photo if the shoe has an even number of eyeholes, but you need an even number to do bar lacing.

Anyway...

As for the trousers,I've heard good things about Land's End, but can't vouch personally for them since I haven't tried them. Look for these and see if you can try them on:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/mens-plain-fr...igin=index

As for the suit, it really can vary depending on where you get the suit from, and how its fits. I'd only splurge on the suit if it fits PERFECTLY. Meaning:

-No extra fabric around the armpit area, should feel snug but not tight.

-There should be no wrinkles on your back

-Should mold to your shoulderline, without any stuffing.

-The "v" formed by the lapels in the front should be wide and long enough in proportion to your torso

-The lapels should be wider/thinner depending on the width of your torso, etc.

-The seat of the suit should end halfway down your hand when you put your arms at your sides

-There should be a nice taper effect if someone looks at you from behind or the front. Your upper body silhouette should have this shape, whether the jacket is done or undone:

Post: #6

(06-09-2012 11:57 PM)YoungGunner Wrote:  

(06-09-2012 11:32 PM)ImWaitingForTheMan Wrote:  

(06-09-2012 11:23 PM)YoungGunner Wrote:  I try to choose quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. However, since you have under $200, you might not be able to purchase too many high-end pieces of clothing and thus wouldn't go too far with new outfits/changing your look. So, in your case, I think it boils down to whether you think having a few very nice outfits versus many pseudo-casual outfits will get you farther with the girls in your environment. After all, if your competition is only flip flops and athletic shorts, it might be better to have a weeks worth of semi-casual outfits you can cycle through, rather than have only two or three-days worth of nice outfits before you have to wash those nice clothes and resort to the stuff you're stuck with now until they're clean again. However, even if you think the girls can't tell the difference between brands, they can still pick up on whether or not you're wearing well fitting/good material clothing. Here are the staples I would choose between if I were you given your budget:

V-necks/t-shirts: you already have them, but I usually go j-crew, target, or uniqlo on the cheap (just make sure they're not undershirts). Solid colors only, staying with navy, light grey, dark grey, black, white, beige

Dark blue jeans, preferably raw selvidge: very versatile item, though authentic raw selvidge will cost around $100-150 a pair. If you can reach a uniqlo sometime in the near future, they have good non-raw pairs for around $50

Trousers, in khaki or grey and not shiney: more versatile than you would think and if you pair them with a well-fitting tee or casual button-down you've got a nice outfit you can sport for daygame and work. I would look at either Banana Republic or Zara.


As for shoes, check out these two links:
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-10-best-...under-100/
http://dappered.com/2012/05/the-best-loo...der-200-2/

and I also think Zara has a double monk-strap for under $100, which is unusual and might be more casual than these
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...538/828458

They aren't ideal shoes but if you take care of them well they'll look alot more expensive.

You might also want to consider a pocket square, a scarf, or some scoop-neck tees in addition to v-necks, as you can usually find these for decent quality with your budget. Plus, if you look at high-end and low-end versions of these items in an outfit the difference in quality isn't that noticeable compared to say leather shoes or jeans.



And whatever you decide to buy, try as hard as you can to try it on before you buy, and make sure its fits perfectly or you can get it tailored to fit perfectly.

Stafford Wingtip Oxfords – $50.00 were exactly the type of shoe I was thinking and they just happened to be the cheapest.

I'm so broke right now, haha, is there a cheaper place to look for the trousers other than Banana Republic or Zara?

Do you think trying to find a cheap suit and have it tailored to make it come off fly looking is a non-starter on this budget?

Glad you found the shoes. If you get them try lacing them a few ways to see which looks best to you. I prefer straight bar and over under:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/overunderlacing.htm
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straighteasylacing.htm

Can't tell from the photo if the shoe has an even number of eyeholes, but you need an even number to do bar lacing.

Anyway...

As for the trousers,I've heard good things about Land's End, but can't vouch personally for them since I haven't tried them. Look for these and see if you can try them on:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/mens-plain-fr...igin=index

As for the suit, it really can vary depending on where you get the suit from, and how its fits. I'd only splurge on the suit if it fits PERFECTLY. Meaning:

-No extra fabric around the armpit area, should feel snug but not tight.

-There should be no wrinkles on your back

-Should mold to your shoulderline, without any stuffing.

-The "v" formed by the lapels in the front should be wide and long enough in proportion to your torso

-The lapels should be wider/thinner depending on the width of your torso, etc.

-The seat of the suit should end halfway down your hand when you put your arms at your sides

-There should be a nice taper effect if someone looks at you from behind or the front. Your upper body silhouette should have this shape, whether the jacket is done or undone:

Alright forgive me here as I am definitely a suit noob. Are you saying this if I just want to buy the suit of the rack it should fit right in these proportions? (what i think you mean)

Or are you saying I need to find a suit that fits right off the rack and then take it to a tailor?

I was kind of thinking of trying the good will/salvation army thing and then taking it to a tailor. So do I need to be extra picky on fit if I do that, or just go for the style I want and then get a good tailor to fit it to my proportions?

Post: #7

It should fit all of these proportions if you want to just buy it and wear it right off the rack with no tailoring. If it fits most of these rules you can still buy it and take it to a tailor to tweak it, but if it fails alot of points on that checklist its not worth buying, even if you can take it to a tailor afterwards since you can probably find a better fitting one.

Post: #8

So if I spend a day doing it, you think the odds are alright of finding a decent style of suit at a thrift store that passes most of the checklist?

Appreciate both your guy's help by the way.

Post: #9

I know Madison is a major university town with alot of people with clothes to sell coming and going via Uni, so I'd say it's worth trying/looking since you've got nothing to lose.

Post: #10

how is your haircut?

if you don't already have a conscious hairstyle that works, you might want to check into that.

Post: #11

(06-10-2012 12:29 AM)Rurik Wrote:  how is your haircut?

if you don't already have a conscious hairstyle that works, you might want to check into that.

Just got one 12 days ago. Short on the sides. I told her to do it like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.
Was that beta?

Post: #12

Females are pretty style conscious. Your budget is mad low so I'd suggest grabbing an issue of Esquire, checking out some men's style blogs, experimenting with what looks good on you at the mall, and then replicating that look by shopping at thrift stores. But beware to avoid getting SCABIES.

Being totally clueless about style and fashion is a pretty good excuse to ask the old female opinion while lurking at the mall or wherever, don't you think. I get annoyed when directly asking someone's advice because i don't want to be awkward when i totally ignore it so I'd be like "what would you're ideal man wear, what kind of style and haircut would he have?" That way you take the personal advice out of the equation and make it just some ramble talk. Then you can take note of what women you are attracted to, like.

Post: #13

(06-10-2012 12:58 AM)hypesession Wrote:  Females are pretty style conscious. Your budget is mad low so I'd suggest grabbing an issue of Esquire, checking out some men's style blogs, experimenting with what looks good on you at the mall, and then replicating that look by shopping at thrift stores. But beware to avoid getting SCABIES.

Being totally clueless about style and fashion is a pretty good excuse to ask the old female opinion while lurking at the mall or wherever, don't you think. I get annoyed when directly asking someone's advice because i don't want to be awkward when i totally ignore it so I'd be like "what would you're ideal man wear, what kind of style and haircut would he have?" That way you take the personal advice out of the equation and make it just some ramble talk. Then you can take note of what women you are attracted to, like.

I think this is only useful if you are trying to game them. I'm not style unconscious, I'm just trying to get tips to make my low budget go farther. That's not going to go over well with some 18-19 year old chick at the mall. I agree that these girls are fun to practice on even if they are nicer than they would be normally because they are trying to make a sale. So maybe make your intentions clear from the get go and then ask advice. Shit just use it as a plausible excuse to hit on them. No actual money required.

Whatever. I basically know how I want to dress, I'm just not sure how to make this minor cash infusion go as far as it can. I don't want to dress like some girls "ideal" man. It goes back to not trusting what they say, but who they sleep with. How many girls would tell you they have been with their ideal prince charming?

Post: #14

I'm a big fan of Levi 514 jeans for cheap denim with a great cut, that should run you around $50. You can dress that up or down as much as you need. Would go well with those $50 wing-tips too. Maybe just get a blazer and wait to get a full suit until you have more cash. Troll thrift stores for blazers and chat up a local tailor.

Post: #15

(06-10-2012 12:35 AM)ImWaitingForTheMan Wrote:  

(06-10-2012 12:29 AM)Rurik Wrote:  how is your haircut?

if you don't already have a conscious hairstyle that works, you might want to check into that.

Just got one 12 days ago. Short on the sides. I told her to do it like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.
Was that beta?

do you use any product in it?

pomade based product can be used to style the hair in to various positions and it makes my hair look ten times better.

Post: #16

(06-10-2012 03:26 AM)Rurik Wrote:  

(06-10-2012 12:35 AM)ImWaitingForTheMan Wrote:  

(06-10-2012 12:29 AM)Rurik Wrote:  how is your haircut?

if you don't already have a conscious hairstyle that works, you might want to check into that.

Just got one 12 days ago. Short on the sides. I told her to do it like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.
Was that beta?

do you use any product in it?

pomade based product can be used to style the hair in to various positions and it makes my hair look ten times better.

I haven't used any product in my hair since 5th grade. When I have a short cut like this, it basically styles itself. When I have long hair I get complements and girls trying to feel it. The close cropped on the sides with a bit longer on top, blended together, seems to land me more ass though, so I'm sticking with that for now.

I have like two or three colicks (places where your hair swirls around and can't be tamed in a certain direction) depending on who's cutting my hair. If I try to put product in it, it just looks forced. I have lighter brown hair which borders on blonde in the summer time when it's been exposed to the sun. For some reason I don't like the product or any styled look with my hair. That definitely has something to do with it requiring absolutely no work besides a quick shower and putting it in place with my hands. My hair is really short so having to style it won't even be an issue for a couple weeks. Plus I am trying to project the vibe of not giving a damn. As in, wow he's dressed really good, and his hair isn't perfect, he must be some kind of a badass

I mean I'll have some pictures of this up tomorrow on my OKC profile with some of my new shirts on and stuff. Houston is going to help me evaluate them and he'll give me hell if there's something wrong with my hair. I'm trying to set this up so I can get laid on OKCupid like a boss like Gmac and kid strangelove.

Post: #17

$200 isn't that much to work with. If you have a Macy's card you can hit up some 70% off sales around any major holiday. I scored a bunch of decent collared dress shirts for $10-$15 a piece with the discount. A lot of these shirts were usually $50 and up. You can rock them easily with jeans.

Post: #18

You should check out places like Armani Exchange or Nordstroms Rack. I've picked up a couple suits for cheap. In fact I went there about a month ago and snagged a $250 blazer for 40 bucks.

Post: #19

(06-10-2012 03:15 PM)Cookie Wrote:  You should check out places like Armani Exchange or Nordstroms Rack. I've picked up a couple suits for cheap. In fact I went there about a month ago and snagged a $250 blazer for 40 bucks.

I'm guessing Armani Exchange and Nordstroms Rack are not in Wisconsin? I'll check anyway.

Post: #20

Have you heard of Ross,marshalls,tjmaxx

I don't know if they are everywhere in the states..but If you're on a budget and don't mind doing some searching..these store usually have some nice market down name brand stuff.

I would normally buy 1 decent button up when i went to expand my wardrobe. Most people 18-26 dont have that much style..
like you said..people show up at bars like they rolled out of bed.

[img] http://mondomedeusah.typepad.com/.a/6a00...28a4-800wi [/img]

In europe you need to wear something like this at the least to get into alot of places.
As long as you dont go overboard.(for me at least) i find this style is way ahead of most americans in this age range

Post: #21

Thay is a badass button up shirt Source. But what about hats and accessories? I'm tired of wearing snapbacks and fitteds like every other douche in the club.

My advice for you IWFTM is that when you do get your first check from a job, try to set aside 15 to 25 percent of it on clothes. You could always spend a lower percentage, but a wardrobe can be built quickly.

Hit up local flea markets, sometimed you'll find nice brand clothes for cheap.

Post: #22

also good to find a quality tailor in your area. a tailor can make a $20 button up look like a $100 button up if done correctly.

Post: #23

I'd say forget the suit for the moment. You won't be able to do it properly on that budget. By the time you buy shirts, ties and shoes to go with, you're well beyond your available funds.

Instead, you could easily do a jacket and jeans look.

Your jacket/blazer could be a very deep blue wool jacket with two front buttons. Pick something casual looking that combines well with jeans.

Wear this with a nice fitting basic black T-shirt underneath. Somewhat dark jeans. Nice looking shoes according to personal taste. If in doubt, go for bold, black and chunky shoes.

This makes for a nice sophisticated look. It's dark from head to toe.

It also works as a contrast. Underneath it's just jeans and T-shirt, showing off a well built, gym-toned dude. Now add the jacket and it morphs you into a stylish, well put together cat.

Post: #24

I would have no idea on the hat

Post: #25

(06-10-2012 04:09 PM)Rosca Wrote:  Thay is a badass button up shirt Source. But what about hats and accessories? I'm tired of wearing snapbacks and fitteds like every other douche in the club.

My advice for you IWFTM is that when you do get your first check from a job, try to set aside 15 to 25 percent of it on clothes. You could always spend a lower percentage, but a wardrobe can be built quickly.

Hit up local flea markets, sometimed you'll find nice brand clothes for cheap.

Jobs not coming too soon Rosca. The money I just got was $1000 from an inheritance. And you can't spend that shit in one place I think before I go get a job I want to do a clinical research study where you are a human guinea. Usually pays 2-4 grand for that. Unless an easy peasy job opens up around home.