What one (1) item would you suggest that a Service Member add to their Civilian Wardrobe?

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:22:52 -0500

Per the subject.

I had a pretty decent wardrobe when I got out, but over the next 12 years I have constantly added to it. It would have been a heck of a lot easier had I slowly and surely built it up while I was in.

Assuming that the Veteran has a few good Suits, Slacks, & Shirts to get through the work week. What other item would you add to their "Gear List."

Don't forget to say why.

Go!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 9:24 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:24:04 -0500

Khakis (jk), actually a solid colored (blue or black) suit of good quality is a must for interviews, and if properly cared for will last for many years of regular workplace wear. If it is a conservative business cut and tailored well, it will serve a number of purposes and functions. Other items to add to the gear list could be a good sweater (depends on climate of course), overcoat (also depends on climate), and a quality belt (reversible if available). I hope this helps, best of luck!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 11 at 2015 9:31 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:31:06 -0500

1 item: good shoes. Just like when you were in, don't skimp on these. For outdoor work maybe your boots can still serve. For athletics your sneakers will do. But dear goodness do not wear your choraframs or even your super shined leathers to an interview. Check out some nice Cole Haans. (I just learned this year from Capt Private RallyPoint Member )

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 9:36 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:36:39 -0500

For the gentlemen, I'd recommend a pair of golf slacks, they can double as office slacks but also look sharp while on casual/professional outings and still be comfortable in the heat (things like actual golf, barbecues, etc).

For ladies, a classic, neutral colored, and well fitted blazer. Several studies indicate that professional women are regarded as more important/influential if they wear jackets or blazers over their office attire.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 11 at 2015 9:48 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:48:57 -0500

A decent civilian-friendly watch. That means:

- Not black
- Not digital
- Not crazy waterproof
- Not shock proof

When you see somebody in a suit wearing a G-shock watch, you know it's a military person going through transition.

Response by A1C Brian Sprick made Feb 11 at 2015 10:02 PM

A1C Brian Sprick — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 22:02:08 -0500

A concealed weapon license. Too many idiots with guns, not enough who know how to use them.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 1:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 01:01:34 -0500

Loafers. Good ones.

They're multipurpose, can match anything, and if you have a couple sets then you can differentiate function based on how worn they are and what color they are. (the faded and worn ones for casual eveyday use, the still preserved ones for "business casual" or semi formal wear)

And they are comfortable!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 7:11 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 07:11:57 -0500

Nice leather semi-dress shoes. Sneakers don't cut it when you want to look your casual best

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 12 at 2015 7:29 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 07:29:27 -0500

Everyone touched on some good items, but I have to go back to the gentle reminder that although you may have a suit...make sure it fits well. I've been through too many job fairs (on both sides of the table) where it's pretty obvious the suits/civilian attire came right off the rack at the Exchange.
Also, please, please, please remember to match the color of your belt to the color of your shoes.

Response by SSG John M. made Feb 12 at 2015 7:34 AM

SSG John M. — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 07:34:51 -0500

A good Navy Blazer
http://anaffordablewardrobe.blogspot.com/2013/03/all-in-details.html

An Affordable Wardrobe: All In The Details

Another lovely ensemble! And I envy you both eh jacket and pants. I've recently been watching a bunch of old Leave It to Beaver episodes from the late 50s and early 60s on Netflix, and the older son 'Wally' frequently has on button-down shirts but worn with the collar buttons undone. Anyway, a good look you've got happening there.Best Regards,Heinz-Ulrich von B.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 12 at 2015 9:04 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:04:02 -0500

I'm going to buck the trend a little here and suggest comfortable, and semi-formal, shoes. The wingtips and other traditional shoes are great investments for interviews and few other specific occasions, but most civilian work environments are not as formal, nor do they require you to sit at your desk all day. Even in an office setting, a lot of jobs require you to be on your feet a lot. I would suggest finding something that looks a little less formal but feels more like an athletic shoe. I'm a teacher, so I rarely sit down during the day. Being comfortable on my feet takes a little more priority than having a formally fashionable look.

Response by PO1 Alex Chavarria made Aug 26 at 2015 10:41 AM

PO1 Alex Chavarria — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:41:51 -0400

Through my experience: Ties, maybe I just like ties, but this will allow more versatility when rotating your shirts and slacks:
- Shoes: Black are always welcome, think about adding brown, burgundy, and well cushioned dress shoes.
- Belts (brown/black)
- Brass collar stays (these can be purchased at Men's Wearhouse, they also have free plastic ones at request).
- Metal Collar Extenders (This are great in case your favorite shirt neck size shrunk a bit or your neck grew a bit).
- Handkerchief for suit pockets (Variables, kits are sold at Men's Wearhouse)
- 2 Black suits
- 1 Navy Blue Suit
- 1 Grey Pin stripe suit, grey goes well in rotation
- 1 good wrist watch
Always make sure you have a look that is well put together and you look on point. You are your own brand, and 1st impressions are important.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 11:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 11:05:29 -0500

Burn all of the affliction tshirts if you were in the 82nd

Response by TSgt Mike Pastelok made Mar 26 at 2019 8:14 AM

TSgt Mike Pastelok — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 08:14:04 -0400

How about some nice dockers shirt and shoes. foe relax time jeans and a t shirt

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2019 7:35 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 19:35:29 -0400

Of course suits, nice shoes, etc... but the biggest thing that affects all of those - the knowledge of how to wear it.
Know how to tie a tie in something BESIDES a 4 in hand
Know how to tie a bowtie - don't wear a clipon (bow or neck) unless you're a cop
Know what French cuffs are and what you need for them
Know which buttons on your suit get buttoned, and which don't (hint don't button the bottom one)
Know how to add flair or "personalize" a plain blue or grey suit - ie socks, pocket square, tie clip, etc...
Know that the front pockets of your suit coat ARE SEWN SHUT and are probably functional if you remove 1 thread
Some vests are better with a neck tie, some are better with a bowtie, know when to wear each
Too many sets of stripes is a thing. ie shirt, tie, and suit shouldn't all be striped
Know when to wear a bright red "power" tie, and more importantly, when not to
There are fashion suits, and business suits (and most importantly, leisure suits!! lol) - don't mix em up
There are coats, jackets, parkas, windbreakers, etc..they are different things. Don't wear a jacket with a suit, suits get an overcoat
Once you leave the military you don't just change a couple things and now your suit equals a tuxedo.

Females the same applies, know your stuff, but you usually get more freedom with clothing.

Knowledge is what you need for wear, just like following the regs for putting you uniform together. An uneducated person in his first suit stands out big time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 2:14 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 02:14:03 -0400

At least one pair each of black, brown, and cordovan leather (upper and sole) shoes with leather belts to match. Your belt should match your shoes, and your feet will thank you for quality leather soles on your shoes.
Wool winter overcoat and quality rain overcoat, if suits will be regular wear. Large, telescoping umbrella with wind vent.
A copy of "Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 27 at 2019 2:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 14:48:54 -0400

A nice suit.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2019 9:34 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 09:34:44 -0400

Business suit.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Sep 10 at 2021 2:59 PM

PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:59:15 -0400

I know this feed is a year old, but I always thought that a good pocket knife is essential.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 10 at 2021 3:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:53:44 -0400

I like cruises but will refrain because of COVID. On formal night I wore dress blues to represent veterans and military folks.