Advice on A Suit...

[adz]

Howdy,
First Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Second of all, I have a question.
I have a small computer business. I fix and service computers around NYC. I want to try to get some contracts with local businesses, so I want to look nice...

Unfortunately, I know close to nothing about looking nice. I am 17 years old, still in high school. I never really payed attention to clothing. Mom bought all of it   and it is well...not business-like...

I want to go to a few thrift stores this Black Friday and pick out $50-$80 worth of nice business clothing. Something that will make me look presentable to clients.

So far here's my list:
- White shirts
- Suit
- Black Pants
- Tie
- Shoes (this I really need help on...what do good business shoes look like?)
- Belt (will any belt do?)

Also are those hats still part of business attire?

Now I know absolutely nothing about how to dress business-like and really need some pointers. What brands should I go for, what styles, what accessories, what looks "professional"? If you were a small business owner what clothing would you look for in a tech support guy...

[DecoGuy]

Shoes - nice loafers or wingtips ( I think they are still in?) with a good polish to them.  Shoes and belt should match in color leather. 

I really don't think you need need a suit.  The jacket will just get in the way, and you will probably take it off when working anyway (I did tech support in-house for years and never wore one, unless I had a meeting with the top brass). 

A good pair of natural fiber (wool, cotton, linen) pants, natural fiber shirt, decent tie, and matching shoes and belt should get you by fine. 

One think I always did, and still do, was match my socks to my shirt, unless the shirt was white. (Never wear white socks with dress clothes!!).  If you have a white shirt, then match your socks to your pants.

One other minor tip - if you do wear a jacket, never ever wear it with a short sleeve shirt. 

Oh, and I really don't think you NEED a hat, but you may want to consider one as a 'trademark' of sorts (like I do with my socks and shirt).

Whatever you decide and find, good luck with your new enterprise!!

[DianneK]

I am adding my two cents in here.I think wing tip shoes are very dressy looking on any man.And i happen to agree with Deco Guy....NEVER wear white socks with a suit (unless you want to appear dorky).I am having mixed feelings about wearing a suit when fixing computers,but that would be your choice.I happen to think,and remember its my opinion.....suits make you look more serious if you have to go into offices especially since you live in NYC.I wish my husband would take time out to care about his appearance like you do.Just remember that this is only my two cents.
Dianne

[SplashsMom]

Yah- know I am late, but... a suit may be good to talk to business owners the first time and sell yourself and your selvices. You do NOT want to be wearing a suit when doing the tech work, unless you only do software support.  Polo shirts are fine and look professional. Depending upon the business, dress similarly to the employees there. At the hospital where I was stationed amidst the tech group (I being a non techie) the highest paid and most valued employees wore blue jeans and polo shirts. They also crawled under desks and moved around machinery.  Dark pants that do not show dirt as quickly may be appropriate. Fabric that can be washed frequently and still look fresh.
White socks or argyle with wingtips - make yourself stand out.
The FBI guy on Bones is known for his crazy socks and belt buckles.
Until you have made yourself known for your services, take you clothing cues from the people you will be working amongst.

When I worked for a printing company we had one salesman who dressed full Herb Tarlick (?) WKRP - white belt and plaid suits, whenever he was headed to small towns in the north. And it worked!