Style advice - new role (UK)
Hi Folks, first post here so apologies in advance if the formatting is incorrect.
First things first, I'm 30, 6 foot, 200lbs (182cm, 90KG), quite broad, not athletic (maybe one day).
I have recently started a new role in a professional services firm in the City of London and I'm struggling to 'find my style' as it were. My office is, rather frustratingly, very flexible, and my colleagues range from jeans/OCBDs to suits (albeit, never with ties), and this is reflected at the senior level as well.
For client events and meetings, I've got a couple of suits and feel confident in those (Charcoal MTM, Navy OTR which has been tailored, both contemporary British style).
However it's the regular days in the office that I'm not sure about. I have sort of defaulted to trousers (wool or cotton), Oxford shirt, merino wool jumper (navy or charcoal depending on the trousers), and white trainers. I don't think I look bad per se, but it's more that it doesn't feel particularly considered, and maybe a bit bland.
I have gotten a lot more into classic menswear recently, like pleated trousers, and I recently picked up some 80s US made Florsheim wingtip derbies for £20. Having said that, I'm not sure I have the cajones to go for the full-on 60s look, and I think I would appear quite out of place (I don't mind wearing interesting clothes but there's a limit). I think what I'm looking for is clothes that are inspired by those classic fits, with a more modern twist, such as pleated trousers with a slight taper.
With all this in mind, can anyone point me towards some brands or style albums that might be helpful? I love buying second hand where I can, but also my new role has decent remuneration so happy to buy new, I suppose I wouldn't baulk at, say, trousers that were around £100.
Anyways, thanks for reading, looking forward to any discussion and suggestions you have and as ever, apologies for any faux pas I may have committed.
16 Replies
As a bonus, I am also looking for a bag for my commute. My Eastpak backpack feels a little juvenile, but I'm struggling to find something that fits my requirements.
I like the idea of a modern briefcase with a strap, but not something overly formal that's got decent compartments. From my searching so far, the Filson Tin Cloth Compact Briefcase in Navy (https://www.filson.com/bags-luggage/briefcases/tin-cloth-compact-briefcase.html#sku=20263587-fco-000000074) is really up my street, however I'm not sure how easy it is to get in the UK so would be grateful for similar alternatives.
Zeometer here shared some nice collected "business casual" outfits (a lot from users in this server) recently, do any of these capture the sort of thing you're looking for? https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1240355583538761901/1240360792809934999
As for brands in the UK; some maybe slightly over your budget but great for browsing 2nd hand might be Reiss (also check their outlet section on the website) and Sunspel (nice shirts and polos etc), old St Michaels stuff in the UK and of course Ralph Lauren always a good bet 2nd hand, and then maybe: COS (probably in your budget and does some nice classic inspired simple items), oh it might surprise you but actually check out Abercrombie as well for shirts and knit polos they are really drawing from that riviera type classic style at the moment.
Thinking of other brands you might like / are good to search 2nd hand here:
Arket (h&m 's more 'upmarket' simplified basics label)
Asket (all about sustainability and transparency if that's a plus for you)
Portuguese Flannel (nice shirts)
Drake's (pretty much the pinnacle of the style you've described, but ££££££. Occasionally good deals to be had on Vinted or eBay)
Folk (maybe slightly more workwear influenced?)
Kestin (again probs 2nd hand for your budget, but a cool small Scottish brand)
Percival (they pretty much tick your boxes for the style described I think)
TOAST (I don't know much of this brand but I see them advertised a lot..)
if you're going for clothes that fit your existing wardrobe but wont appear out of place, i'd start with variations of things you already own. you'll be able to stay mostly within your comfort zone but experiment a little without glooking out of place
https://www.beams.co.jp/special/mr_beams/article/7057/
your budget would be a lil difficult to work with as tailoring my pants usually costs $50 by itself, but im sure if you shop vintage for that old school look there'll be plenty of gently worn items that could work on you
Adding to this, even if you don't buy from those brands, the likes of Drake's and Ralph Lauren will have brand look books you can browse through for inspo. Drakesdiary for certain worth checking out on Instagram just for their styling
Toast is decent, the womens wear is very well regarded. Its very middled aged lady who lives in Bath, but its decent enough.
I would also check out second hand universal works, they do two pleat trousers. Marrkt is a good place to look for second hand stuff
Scott Fraser does very 60s inspired stuff, out of your budget but worth looking at for styling
I see Percival I brick react. Sorry I don't make the rules.
I hesitated to include them cause I knew youd be watching in disappointment :xd:
In fairness, they have some good pieces sometimes.
if Op wants vintage inspired pleated trousers in a more tapered cut for sub £100, despite the cringe advertising they are exactly that
UK mid range brand uncanny valley is so weird.
Hi all, just to check in to say thanks for the responses, I'll have a proper look through after work and get back to you!
big fan of this look actually, shared on the business casual thread
I might need a slightly more conservative jacket, or perhaps a jumper/cardigan instead?
Thanks, this is an epic list which I'll have to work through properly, but off the bat, I like (despite my best intentions) quite a lot of the Abercrombie looks recently.
I've not really looked at much of Cos' stuff, I think I got put off them a bit when I was younger due to cost and my desire not to depart from slim tapered jeans.
Yeah my thinking is to add to my wardrobe piece by piece, I've got a lot of fairly neutral dress shirts and OCBDs that I think would work well with more classicly tailored trousers and potentially jackets.
Great look! Yeah you could easily switch that out for a grey or navy blazer, or a cardigan or some other simple jacket! Maybe a white or light blue shirt if going darker with the outer layer, just to give a bit more contrast
This is my (awful, blurry) outfit today, captured in a rush, for a bit of added context
But may give an idea of what I'm working with
Already a solid look! I get the feeling that you're just looking for 'the next step' to gradually elevate it into something that feels more expressive to you - which it seems like you're on the right track!
Thanks very much, that's very kind.
I think you are probably right, so I've started looking at some of the brands recommended above and will do an eBay/vinted deep dive this weekend