It’s that time again, when students and parents alike consider assembling that all-important back to school/off to college wardrobe.
Of course, you want to fit in, but not too much. You want to stand out, but not too much. You want to spend money, but not too much. You want to buy style and quality, very much. You want durable and versatile garments, very much. You want to make a good impression, very much.
So what’s an OMG (Old Money Gal/Old Money Guy) to do? Just follow my suggestions as well as the tribe’s sage wisdom…and avoid fashion like the plague.
This year, I’m going to provide my top shelf, highest quality (and probably highest price) suggestions for The Old Money Book Blog’s Annual Back To School Wardrobe List. A title that probably doesn’t roll right off your tongue, but hopefully the suggestions will resonate, and the result will be that you invest in durable, timeless, and stylish garments that work for you, year after year.
What I’ll ask of The Tribe is to contribute with their suggestions on brands and garments that they’re familiar with, some of which may be at a lower price point and of comparable quality.
Between us, you’ll be able to craft a simple, solid wardrobe that supports your academic endeavors and engenders respect (and even quiet admiration) from your peers on campus. (Apology: I am listing vendors primarily for men’s garments. Some may also work for our Old Money Gals, but I do need insight and assistance on that front. Thank you.)
So without further delay, here are my top shelf suggestions for the fundamentals of a great Back To School Wardrobe…
The Dress Shirt: Mercer and Sons blue oxford cloth button down. 100% cotton. Well-made, classic, versatile, and durable, this shirt will survive late nights at the library and early mornings returning from a pub crawl. It will look just as good with casual khakis as with a dressier jacket and rep tie. Mercers are not cheap, but they do last…and only feel better with wear. And who gives a damn if you iron them or not. That’s what pullover sweaters are for, but more on that in a moment.
The Polo Shirt: Ralph Lauren navy blue, purple, dark green pullover. 100% cotton. A classic, and a definite upgrade from the pedestrian T-shirt. Solid dark colors camouflage stains and fare well at the campus laundromat.
The Wool Sweater: J Press Shaggy Dog in any color you fancy, the mid grey model being the most iconic. 100% wool. Layered with a Mercer and a tweed jacket, this sweater will keep you warm in almost any weather. For a lighter weight option, consider a merino wool pullover from Banana Republic.
The Chino Pants: Jack Donnelly in original khaki and navy blue. 100% cotton. Never look dressed up, but always appear dressed. So it is with chinos, a cut above denim jeans. Easy with a Mercer, a polo, or a sweater, and elegant enough with the blue blazer or tweed jacket, the well-constructed chino is a true friend.
The Tweed Jacket: Harris Tweed in earth tone. 100% wool. Warm, water resistant, durable, and stylish. It’s a go-to garment for colder climates. Once again, layer it with the Mercer and the Shaggy Dog, and you’re surprisingly warm and dry.
The Casual Shoe: LL Bean Rubber Mocsd (above). An odd choice, you might say initially. Until you think about how many mornings you’ll shuffle off in the rain to classes that always seem to be located all the way across campus. In these moments, function will trump fashion, and you will favor the warm and dry to the cool and trendy. A respectable option to the ubiquitous sneaker. Fine with the Mercer, chinos, Shaggy Dog, and tweed. Also consider the LL Bean ankle boots.
The Dress Shoe: Allen Edmonds Newman Penny Loafer (above). I own a half dozen pair of AEs, and all of them have worn well through the years. I’ve had them resoled and re-crafted numerous times. They are straightforward and even a little fuddy-duddy style wise to some, but they wear like iron and never go out of style. The penny loafer is probably as dressy as you’ll want to get before your senior year. After that, with job interviews and weddings on the horizon, lace-ups will be an option.
The Blue Blazer: Honestly, I am at a loss. All of the current models don’t begin to cover a man’s behind, which is just awful. The single breasted Ralph Lauren model I own was purchased a couple of decades ago (I think) and the double breasted is a hand-me-down from the widow of a local aristocrat. Both are 100% gabardine wool and classic in design. I’m open to suggestions on this essential piece that now seems so hard to find. (David…?)
As I noted, none of the above are what you’d call a bargain. In my opinion, they are all well made and their price reflects the craftsmanship. If you choose not to purchase the name brand that I’ve recommended, at least you’ll have a template to follow as you curate a workable wardrobe for school.
Of course I need and welcome the input from The Tribe. Overcoats? Socks? Purveyors of fine women’s wear?
I look forward to hearing from you all.
Thank you.
- BGT