<p>Enough with earth-shattering topics, here’s my question:</p>
<p>Is it time to buy the blue blazer? </p>
<p>S has has a tweed or similar wool jacket to wear over the years when being somewhat dressed up was required, but he recently wore his latest one and I discovered that the sleeves are now too short.</p>
<p>Because he is a musician, he has had to wear a “tux”–or something that would pass for one when sitting in an orchestra–two or three times per year for quite a while. Like many other youth symphony parents, we opted to buy an inexpensive black suit and an inexpensive tux shirt that came with shirt studs (black plastic, ick), cufflinks, and black bow tie. (This is much cheaper than spending $150-250 per year on tux rentals.) This suit is not an object of beauty, though, and not something that I would encourage him to wear at social events. Too funereal, for one thing.</p>
<p>I’m wondering if people have found that their college-age sons need to be able to present themselves in the classic slacks-or-khakis/buttondown oxford shirt/tie/blazer garb periodically? (I’m also not sure how much he is likely to grow and/or bulk up in the next four years. He’s not one of those “big hairy men” kind of HS kids. Still somewhat boyish.)</p>
<p>Well, my kid is also a musician - owns 3 tuxes: basic penguin, tails, and white. But he has owned a blue blazer since HS. Just bought a new one (his 3rd) this summer. There are many times when he has to perform where a tux is not appropriate - recitals, soloist/chamber groups, and auditions. Blue blazer and khakis was his uniform for all his college auditions. It also comes in handy for weddings, funerals, and fancy dinners.</p>
Yes. Fraternities have socials and cocktails, some schools have formal dances, friends have fancy brithday parties, groups go out for nice dinners or to shows, etc. He’ll also probably need clothes to wear to interviews, particularly if he’ll be looking for summer internships.</p>
<p>First - he should NEVER have to rent a tux - not at these prices - [Buy</a> Tuxedos, tuxedo shirts and Mens formalwear at Cheap Tuxedos](<a href=“http://www.cheaptux.com/]Buy”>http://www.cheaptux.com/) - I have used them for years, and always been more than satisfied (I currently own SP3). </p>
<p>Blue blazer, tan and/or grey trousers, dress shirt and tie will hold him in good stead for many situations. Don’t forget presentable shoes, if his black orchestra shoes won’t cut it (my son’s orchestra shoes wouldn’t have).</p>
<p>Some of this, of course, will vary with his situation. Certainly, if he is interested in fraternities, he will need this. If not, on some more casual campuses, he may never wear the outfit. If he will be interviewing for internships or scholarships, he will need it.</p>
<p>My S, no longer a performing musician and not in a frat, has had absolutley no need of any kind of blazer or suit in his 3 years in college. He has attended 3 different schools due to Katrina. </p>
<p>He did buy a suit this summer, in preparation for job interivews (rising senior) which he wore to a cousin’s wedding, and we are planning that he buy a blazer (hs one no longer fits) because we’re given to believe a suit might be too much for job interviews at some companies.</p>
<p>I’m just chiming in to say that, depending on a kid’s social life, it is more than possible that nothing more dressy than jeans will be required.</p>
<p>Different schools have their own cultures and traditions. My Son’s school required him to wear a suit when making presentations in certain classes. He’s also attended functions at school which a blazer or coat was required.</p>
<p>We have just purchased rising Jr son a suit. He has survived with the classic navy blazer/khaki pants, dark grey pants up to this point. However, we felt that at this time, he has hopefully stopped growing and since interviews for (hopefully) internships next summer will be looming during the coming year, we decided to bite the bullet. He has begun to mention that several of his friends were wearing suits to presentations/social events. So, it was time. He is not a musician so I can’t comment on that aspect.</p>
<p>Perhaps you should ask your S if he wants one? </p>
<p>My S just finished his first year at a school I thought would require them to sleep in a suit. He managed the entire year with only khakis and a button down shirt - he refused to bring a dress jacket of anykind. He did however get his 15 minute of fame on the front of the college newpaper in shorts and sandals while all around him were in suites and wing-tips. Thank god he wasn’t identified by name. </p>
<p>Maybe your son is different, but mine is long past the age I can dress him up.</p>
<p>While most kids won’t need it for college, surely a blazer (or even a suit) might be necessary for family functions and the like, such as a wedding?</p>
<p>My son wore suits and blazers to a number of functions freshman year. I would recommend nice gray slacks and a classic blazer. White and blue dress shirts.</p>
<p>Way too dressy for son’s campus- it would depend on where yours is. Son will wear a dress shirt and tie with khaki or black pants for a dress up occasion, such as a wedding, graduation, prom when in HS…never at college.</p>
<p>I think it’s a good idea for any guy to have a blue blazer, few dressy pants and white shirts. My daughter asked a boy to her sorority formal. It was a shame he didn’t have a suit or a blazer.</p>
<p>My daughter didn’t think she needed any business attire for her first year of school last year. I insisted on her getting a black knit dress, a blazer and dress pants. It was a good thing because very unexpectedly she had an interview for internship, and she also had to host faculty parties for her on campus job.</p>
<p>Obviously it depends on the college, the student, and his activities. Son wore his blue blazer, purchased after freshman year, on a gazillion occasions from banquets to travel (athletes at his school travel in suits/ties or blazer/khakis to away games, when on planes) to job interviews. </p>
<p>BTW, if he does need one, go ahead and splurge on a high quality one if he has stopped growing. The classic ones (per my friend who knows about such things) apparently stay in style and last forever, making the purchase ultimately more economical than a cheap one.</p>
<p>Exactly, oldfort. Two years ago when D was heading off to college as a freshman I suggested she take a pair of black dress pants and a nice skirt, along with tops and shoes to go with them. She used them more than once, and now makes sure she has such outfits with her each year. She’s been invited to dinner with campus guest speakers, etc., and those clothes have definitely come in handy!</p>
<p>Navy blazers can be bought for next to nothing on ebay (if your son is still growing). I was going to pick one up there when we realized son could take over an old navy blazer of my husband’s, for the four to six months or so that he is slightly smaller than my husband’s. </p>
<p>Then we will have four to six months when he can wear husband’s blazers, and then we will need to buy larger blazers for the kid than the dad. At least, this was what happened with dress shoes…</p>
<p>Yes, a blazer is a staple for many men these days. I prefer the European cuts as they aren’t so bulky. And it doesn’t always have to be formal, he can pair up the blazer with a nice dark jean and either a solid or print t-shirt for those informal occasions or maybe a date. Dolce & Gabbana has this look almost every season and it’s incredibly hot. :)</p>
<p>Oh…and please do NOT get one with gold buttons.</p>
<p>Also, a well-tailored dark suit is also a must.</p>