I bought a cheap suit with the intention of making it look good through tailoring, but I don’t know how to actually get that done. The local stores don’t have websites and haven’t picked up when I called, should I just walk in with the suit? Do I need an appointment? Also, how much should I expect to pay? (California)
I live a fair drive from the local alternation/tailor shops (rural life), so I figured I’d try to ask before making the drive out just to make a fool of myself.
TBF, the shoes and the belt are simpler than you might assume, though there are aspects that you do not want to skimp on with the shoes. For the belt, just be sure to match black or brown to the tone of the suit (and the same with the shoes; belt and shoes should be the same color, traditionally).
The shoes, and this is clutch, should be comfortable and insoles are your friend there, so dropping $20+ on a pair of supportive insoles will save you hours of discomfort if you’re planning on wearing those shoes during the whole workday. Lastly, you can generally find understated-yet-fashionable formal footwear on Alibaba for super cheap — as a stop-gap until you can afford to shop around.
Feel free to reply or DM, I’m happy to help any way I can, neighbor. 🤓🤘🏽
Thanks for the advice! 👍🏻
I have a dark grey suit and planning to wear it over a colorful floral shirt, my feeling was black shoes but wondering what you’d think?
Look for reversible belts. Most are not expensive but should last a fair while, and you only need to buy one.
I used them a lot when traveling for business; it let me pack one fewer item.
Decent masculine dress shoes come through thrift stores quite a bit at least around where I live and they usually don’t sell for much.
Yeah, maybeeeee the sole will fall off if you get unlucky, but usually the dress shoes are so cheap even in that case you are still saving money by going back and getting another pair instead of buying new. Also you can get the sole replaced on a nice masculine dress shoe if you really like the shoe.
Just don’t take the first pair that kinda looks ok, look through a decent amount and when you find a dress shoe where the sole is in good condition (the heel isn’t super worn down or anything) and appears to be from a good quality brand, nab it if it is comfortable.
Love it! I enjoy similar ensembles myself, in fact! I’d say that black/dark shoes and matching belt would be the easiest start, and branching out from there into warmer tones that support/echo hues in the chosen shirt — best if similar is done with other accessories, too (eyeglasses, jewelry, pocket squares, shoe laces, belt buckle, etc ) and you’ll be turning heads & hearts in no time! 🤩✨