Confidence, Shifts, and Looking Better for My age + Mobility and Utility
What's up MFAD folks!
I am going through a bit of a redefinition of myself. I injured my back, and this has taken a couple years to resolve. I'm back on the train get in better shape and see no stopping it. I'm a new dad, I have the goals of wanting to carry my daughter until I can't, look a bit better for my wife and for myself when I look at myself in the mirror and look back at these photos in life.
I'm seeking a functional wardrobe recommendations/update - 5 - 6 daily shirts for work from home. My wife looks great, and it is my turn to put effort into how I look for myself. Budget is 20 - 40$. Luxury brands for when a date or special night does eventually come up. Budget for these would be 80 - 180$.
I felt safe in 'large' shirts that do not taper, baggier, and generally some stuff that let me hide with my lanky figure. I've never had the arms that fill out sleeve, or other elements for a more fitted shirt I felt I needed to 'look appropriate in that attire.' I'm approximately 6ft and grew up in the polo/cargo shorts era former soccer athlete.
I have a couple better fitting shirts (v neck), but finding the "European Slim/Fitted" style in short sleeve shirts that gives an appropriate age (30s) would be highly appreciated, especially something consistent as I've found in the USA I'll get a "Medium" in one brand, a "Large" in another and they're all over the place. A little flexibility in the shirt so its not so taut goes a long way with a little one.
The TLDR:
Help me elevate my day to day warddrobe first and foremost. I have a kid I chase as they crawl, and while I'm embracing the dad look, I want to look sophisticated and match my wife's elevated look.
4 - 6 daily shirts (20-40$ short sleeve based on where I live)
- Fitted but flexible and breathable
- Short sleeved
- I own a v-neck that's fitted that gets compliments. I don't mind a polo, I'm open and colors/patterns/etc are all on the table.
2 upper brands - also for special nights.
9 Replies
Reference images I felt I should add:
V-neck blue/green stripe gets compliments. (LG) (brand doesn't exist anymore)
Old navy - White polo gives compliments (Med)
Blue Van Heusuen Polo - Eh... that 'baggier larger hiding shirt I mentioned' (LG) (edit: and makes up a lot of my wardrobe, those 'golf baggier polo style shirts... this is the donate and replace I'm looking for help with)
Are you looking for more shirts similar to the references?
I think a good start would be looking into a couple nice knitted sweaters and oxford shirts. I personally have a Ralph Lauren garment dyed oxford that has lasted me five years of moderate wear as I take care of it. It’s a relaxed fit which works better in my opinion for non-business settings that require buttoned shirts(like dates
Not entirely, and thank you for asking. I think I would be open to anything that may give the european style feel from the shirt level but available in the USA. I liked the styles overseas when I lived there, and really fell into the kinda 'generic bargain brand USA look' that helped me hide insecurities. I'm ready to put myself out there if you will.
Colors, Patterns, Bright, different cuts, etc.
Things that go with shorts/jeans. I currently have a set of shorts from REI (DUER) that finally fit nicely in terms on in-seam, and look decent per the folks around me. "A bit more elevated then basketball shorts and cargo shorts"
Sounds great - I may not quite go for the sweater, temperatures locally are upwards of 90+ for 7 months of the year but definitely can look into some Oxford items!
For higher temps, look for linen oxfords! I find long sleeve shirts tend to look more refined and you can always roll the sleeves. In higher temps it would be nice to have looser fitting oxfords and they go well with shorts in my opinion
You can also look at the wayft channel to see if anyone has something similar to what you’re looking for in terms of style
With a budget of $20-40 the best thing you can do is go to your nearest mall and try on a bunch of stuff and buy what makes you feel happiest.
This is the content I was hoping to receive. I'm over here about to just go to the mall and try to find something. I have one date night hugo boss shirt (white) that when the sleeves roll has a blue cuff. Absolutely fantastic, but a bit warm. I'll check what it was for fabric, but I like the idea of rolling a sleeve further to get that look.
Thank you - this gives me a start. Happy for anyone else to chime in also with a few more recommendations.
For Ralph Lauren stuff since I googled it, "Classic Fit" or maybe another term? Just want to be sure it gives that ever so slightly tucked feel.
Appreciate it, knowing this may be where to go with that budget.
The last time I 'bought shirts for my wardrobe' was around 2010s... I know... embarassing. If the shirt/style works I can easily up this. I just don't know the 'cost' of these things. Any guidance what I may expect to pay for some nicely refined shirts just so I'm not sticker shocked?
You can buy shirts at Uniqlo and other cheaper retailers for about your budget, mid range stuff is probably closer to $100 to $200, beyond that the sky is the limit.
Dang - Fashion is fashion though. I suck at cultural references, but I feel like the lady who is brought on in the devil wears prada in the first stuff.
Alright - but thank you! Great info and I'll take both of these into consideration as I look for items.
Anyone picking this up and reading over lunch or after work day, reasonably resolved but if you have something else to toss in there, I'm all ears. Finding time as a new dad has posed a bit of a challenge, so I want my trip out to the stores to be laser focused.
Thanks Chopper and LowBow 🔥