please dress me

[urbpan]

I have been invited to represent my workplace at a high-end fundraiser (free food and booze).

Problem: I need to get a suit
Further problem: I am short and squat and nothing off the rack has ever fit me
Even further problem: I am cheap
Now you’re just being difficult: I hate shopping worse than almost anything

Possible solution: Order inexpensive suit online, have it altered to fit my Danny DeVito/Orang utan physique.

What do you think?

Comments

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

that seems like a decent way to go.

[sinnamongirl.livejournal.com]

It's too bad about the "cheap" thing because one solution would be to buy an AMAZING suit, have it tailored specifically to fit you, then literally never think about a suit again because you will have this one amazing suit for the rest of your life. I'm a big fan of Duchess Clothier, some day actually want them to make me a few custom lady-suits, when I can afford it. I'll have nowhere to wear them if I work at the paint store, but by god, I will go to the movie theater in style!

But, no matter what you pay for clothing, having it tailored to you will make it look much better, so yes, the online option and having it tailored is a very good one. Or, even just going to the Goodwill and getting one and having it tailored is a good idea.

basically, tailoring is a good idea :)

And congratulations on being selected for this!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

It's funny, I don't think I'm that cheap until I start shopping and get sticker shock. According to Jesse Thorn of Put This On (the menswear blog, also from the judge john hodgman podcast where I heard him say this) a really decent suit will cost around a thousand dollars. I can't see going in that deep on an object which in all likelihood I'm going to spill beer and pasta sauce on. I'm looking at the hundred dollar range, which are glorified halloween costumes.

Going to Goodwill is probably the way to go, but I hate shopping so much that goodwill counts as shopping that I hate.

[sinnamongirl.livejournal.com]

$1000? Does Mens Wearhouse not exist in his world?

I went shopping with a friend for a suit in Italy, and granted it was Italy almost 15 years ago, but it was an excellent suit for $300. I'm guessing that's about the price range?

Though that clothier place I mentioned, I'm expecting it would run about $1000 and if you found something comparable in your area, it probably would too.

Goodwill does count as shopping, and you never know what you're going to find - which can make thrifting even more exhausting shopping - but you never know?

Or, idk, get a nice dress and throw them all for a loop ;)

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

I do like the idea of a dress--a one piece unit instead of all the bits of a suit. I don't think Boston is ready for a formal men's gown yet, however.

Suits

[copperwolf.livejournal.com]

My husband and I went suit shopping two years ago in preparation for my brother's wedding. I think it was at Men's Wearhouse, and IIRC, the suits were in the $200-$300 range. We bought him two.

Then there are the shirts, ties, and socks to go with. I found cheaper ones at TJ Maxx/Marshalls, but you would probably need those off-the-rack shirts tailored, too.

As far as gowns -- yes they're one-piece clothing, but with them one usually wears jewelry, a shawl (formal gowns are almost all sleeveless, and we get cold), and often pantyhose.

While looking for fashion blogs for small women a couple weeks ago, I came across this one for small men. Maybe you'll find it of interest. http://www.themodestman.com/best-places-to-buy-clothes-for-short-men/

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the suggestions and the congratulations! I am going to go to Men's Wearhouse (see below)

[sinnamongirl.livejournal.com]

Whoot! Men's Wearhouse!

Someday perhaps you can bring in the men's formal gown ;) But I understand that day is probably not today!

[grum]

A friend whose husband likes to dress up much more than my husband recommended Jos Bank instead of men's wearhouse as you can get better fabric for nearly the same price if you can catch a sale and they do the tailoring in house.

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

How formal? What about renting a tux/suit?

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Pretty formal. Yeah that's not a bad idea. Now that I'm looking into it I think I'll go to Men's Wearhouse to figure out my size(s), and if they have something I like for $150 or so I'll get it.

[elainetyger.livejournal.com]

http://www.simon.com/mall/copley-place/stores/barneys-new-york

If you change your mind about the price... I remember when we were getting married in 1988 in NYC, my ex and I went to the "short man" section at Barney's Warehouse, and the salesman swanned up to us and said "sir, I think you need the area for the extra short man." I would have walked out, but my ex was a better sport and ended up buying his wedding suit there.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Yes I definitely need the "extra short man" section.
When I was googling "suits for short men" I found articles talking about men who were 5'8" or less. I'm WAY shorter.