Co-sign.

NO short-sleeve dress shirts. They should never be worn with a suit.

I thought more about your suit. If I were starting college, and this was my only suit, I'd get a solid dark navy suit that is single breasted and vented. The reason is that there may be occasions where your fraternity requires that "everyone come to this event in a navy blazer and khakis." When that happens, you can put on your navy suit jacket and a pair of khakis.

With regard to dress shirts, I'd stick with plain, heavy weight, all cotton oxford cloth shirts with button down collars. I hate blends because they are less comfortable. Especially when it gets hot. Counterintuitively, you want a heavier weight for when it gets hot. Why? Because visible perspiration is harder to see. There is a reason why broad cloth shirts are more popular in the North, and the heavier oxford cloth shirts are more popular in the South, and perspiration is that reason. Short sleeve should be avoided, and I agree with what was already posted about it. Stay collars, including Ainsley Spread collars are classy, but probably too dressy for college. Same with the french cuffs. If you only buy one shirt, make sure it is white. If you buy two, buy one white, and one blue. If you buy three, buy two white and one blue. After that, do what you want. Also, pinpoint oxford cloth is a very nice touch, but it costs more. Its a great way for people in warmer climates to have a dressier shirt, and not have visible perspiration.

I finally got it
 

My FIRST suit!

I just wanted to thank all of you for your great advice which helped prepare me for the confusing world of SUIT BUYING.

So my mom and I finally went out and I tried on several suits. Many of them looked about the same, even those varying in prices... We really had no idea which one to get since they all looked so similar... And then finally I tried on the one I ended up buying....

It stood out from the rest because instead of dropping straight down under the arms, it was tapered (sp?)... I think it was called an athletic fit... Anyway it looked much better on me and we decided to get it... It is navy (thanks you guys!) and seems to work well with both navy pants and khakis.. Yay.

I decided to take a pic and let you guys tell me what you all think... I hope it will work for what I need it for...

Thanks again everyone, I'd be so lost without ya,...

Also -- sorry for the crappy quality of the pic... I guess I moved when I took the pic :confused:

http://bengal.missouri.edu/~mgm4g5/thesuit.jpg

-Matt

Looks good Matt! Want to come to a formal next year? ;)

Since this is somewhat relevant here: Men, if a sorority woman invites you to an event, ask what she will be wearing. At our banquets we all usually wear a floor-length dress, and at the last one some of the guys were in POLO SHIRTS and cargo pants. If I was their date, I would have been steaming. They looked so boggled that all the fraternity dates were in suits.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=35408

Look at that thread. Anyway, I don't believe in Brooks Brothers. Last week I needed a travel suit for a meeting and the dry cleaners temporarily replaced my only travel suit. I didn't want to wear a normal suit and show up wrinkled so I was forced into going to Brooks Brothers and buying something that could be tailored the same day. Is it an OK suit? Yes. Is it work 700? No. Do I feel ripped off? Yes.

Look into the brands Kiton, Brioni and whatnot. In suits, labels count a lot because Kiton does not make a crap suit. However labels sometimes don't matter if it's tailor made. I am trying to arrange a trip to Asia so I can pick the fabric and have it custom cut for me for a decent price. If you're in NY, they actually often fly into town, take your measurements, and mail it to you as well. The other thing you might want to try out if you're younger or on a budget is to go to a Saks or a Barneys outlet store. I hear there are great deals there but I wouldn't know because I haven't seen any in Chicago.

Top this all off with a Kiton, Charvet, or Ascot Chang shirt and a 7-fold Kiton tie and you'll look like you could bang a girl at any income level. If you want to be flashy, wear a hermes tie.

-Rudey
--And remember having really soft wools (140+) or silk and cashmere is nice...but it frigging wrinkles like noneother.

Matt,

If you are near KC, check out Jack Henry on the Plaza. They have the nicest stuff you'll see in town. Also, be sure to look at their ties. You'll notice that there are no "snoopy" or "christmas" or "metallica" ties, just patterns. Be sure when you buy ties to think with a shirt and pants (and jacket) in mind. Otherwise you will end up like me with lots of useless ties. Don't be afraid to take the jacket into the store when buying more clothes and be sure to get the girl at the tie counter to help you match stuff up.

SiKes, looking Good Dude!:)

Check out the site I sent you and can add to The Suit!!!!:)

These guys are accross the hall from where I have my office. They're a national chain and are VERY reasonable on custom tailored stuff.

http://www.tomjames.com/custsuits/custsuits.asp

One of the guys at work gets his clothing from there. It honestly doesn't look as impressive as it should for the price. I do think it would probably be a better buy than brooks brothers but eh.

-Rudey

Matt, you look good. I know you will have girls lining up to invite you to their semi-formals. Next you'll need to buy a Tuxedo for their formals. :) Enjoy your new suit and your sharp new look.

Not just suits but: Duckie Brown.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/co...N/review/DBMEN

-Rudey
--But not the stuff that Prince would wear....the other clothes they have.