Anonymous asked: Hey Jake. I'm going to be interning at an investment bank in NYC and I'm looking to redo my wardrobe before work starts. Do you have any dress shoes in particular/companies that you would recommend I check out for that type of work environment? (Hoping for something between 200-300 dollars but the cheaper the better.) Also, since I'm only 5'7, is Suit Supply my best bet to find a well fitted suit at a reasonable price? Any advice would be much appreciated.
I’d get a pair of black captoes for your internship and maybe a pair of brown wingtips if you can spare the extra cash. Generally interns on the street want to be as unassuming as possible, so blending in is a good thing. I’d check out Meermin’s captoes, which are well within your budget. And Suit Supply should definitely hook you up - they have a full range of sizes.
Anonymous asked: Given your raves about Incotex pants, I decided to pick some up on Yoox -- but I'm confused about the Euro-to-U.S. size conversion. I have a 32-inch waist here in the states. Any idea what that translates to? Most of their stuff ranges from 36-50, it looks like. Thanks for any help.
I also wear a US32. In most cases you should add 16 to your US size to get your EU conversion. I typically wear a 48 or a 50 in Incotex.
Anonymous asked: Hey Jake, is there a way to make a jacket's lapels slimmer? Perhaps get a tailor to iron them in some way? Thanks for the help.
You can get your lapels cut down, but it might be pricey and you should bring your jacket to a reputable tailor, as you will likely need to trim around the collar as well as down the lapels. One thing to keep in mind is the buttonhole - if it’s cut through you may have a tough time adjusting the width.
Anonymous asked: Hey Jake, I need new pants. But, I hate shopping for pants. I have a bigger butt and smaller ankles, so finding pants with a good taper is tough. Plus, I live in a town that isn't too big or into fashion. Any suggestions for good khakis or light-wash jeans that are versatile (good with an unstructured or odd jacket) and inexpensive (preferably less than $100)? Thanks so much.
I’d go for something from Club Monaco - they’re got a variety of colors and the slim fit is pretty nice. J. Crew’s urban slim fit might work for you too or you could look into Docker’s (they have a bunch of different cuts now). Don’t be afraid to get your pants tapered by a tailor as well. That would allow you to buy slightly roomier pants in the seat and still have nice clean tapers, post-alterations.
Anonymous asked: Hey Jake, I'm looking for a either a knit or grenadine tie and a tie bar. What tie length and color do you think would be most versatile/appropriate? What tie bar length is preferable? Is The Tie Bar too poor quality? If so what is a budget-friendly alternative?
Navy grenadine in a length anywhere from 57-60” would probably be the most versatile for you. I’m not really into tie bars, but you should be fine with the Tie Bar, in terms of quality. I’d go for the one that’s least obtrusive.
