As previously mentioned I'm shortly starting a consulting role with a Big 4 firm.Although I've read the excellent killer consulting blog on the subject, i'm wondering if anyone has any further advice on what people wear and what to avoid?For example in my current role the client is very traditional so it's shirt and tie at all times, sober colours and nothing fashionable. In order to fit in I avoid tie bars, pocket squares etc. However today I'm wearing a shirt with a designer logo on the left chest and I'm not entirely convinced I haven't made a faux pas. I hate black so only wear grey or navy suits and try to keep it quite plain.I'd be interested to hear other peoples' approaches.

Hi Rich,Great question! I'd be interested in getting a link to the blog you read on this subject as I'd be interested in reading it?I would find working in that sort of environment quite difficult. My preference is a 3 piece suit and I rarely deviate from this. Paired with a nice tie and shoes.

Read GQ.Buy good suit. Buy shirts without a. brands on b. pockets on.Add pocket square, or cufflinks, or tie pin from the rowing club or whatever. If meaningful so much the better. Only one of these of course.Look in mirror. Think to oneself 'Mars is a good egg. Knows b*gger all about computer tanning though'Strut.

To add to this:Get a posting to Middle East. Go to bespoke tailor ie www.parmartailors.com/ there you can get about 3 - 4 suits for the price you'd pay for one good quality bespoke in UK. Get working cuffs etc and something that actually fits you. Bespoke shirts start at 30 quid. Take about a grand and you'll be sorted for ages. Best bit if you don't over indulge on booze and big dinners in your new role when you need a suit phone them up - they have your sizes and it turns up in post.DC

floopy - let me google that for you ;)http://www.killerconsultant.com/consulting101/shopping-for-the-first-day-clothing/thanks for the suggestions. today's shirt is the only branded one i have, everything else is much more discreet. i'd say about half my shirts have a pocket though, what's wrong with pockets?

Nothing wrong with pockets per se. It's the old chestnut about blue shirts v white shirts, brown shoes in town etc etc.

Short-sleeved shirt with packet of Benson & Hedges in the breast pocket. If classy tattoo is visible under shirt, even better.

...and nipple hair.

Bear in mind the differential with the client's dress. My current client actually has a fully casual policy, lots of their staff turn up in jeans and t-shirts. Obviously still wear a suit with no tie or jumper but turning up in a 3 piece suit with monocle and pocket square would look silly!

[quote]Nothing wrong with pockets per se. It's the old chestnut about blue shirts v white shirts, brown shoes in town etc etc.[/quote]Actually Mars the thinking behind no pockets is that it shows you are technical (blue collar) type of worker - i.e. somewhere to put your pens, pencils etc. As an MC you should be above this and shows you have staff with shirt pockets to do stuff like that for you.Have to admit tho' my shirts have pockets and I had them made which might show my pedigree.DC

The thing about a shirt is that it has a collar - a device designed to stop the dirt from your neck designed to stop the dirt from your neck spoiling the main fabric of your garment - and thereby indicates a degree of graft on the part of the wearer. The truly senior management wear t-shirts, preferably ones with mottos or logos (such as a NASCAR style one) :)Or you could walk around like simon cowbell and have the shirt undone right the way down to your belly button.Are medallions frowned upon these days?

I used to go the whole hog - Hugo Boss suits, Thomas Pink shirts, Hermes ties (or even Tie Rack if I was feeling flush), nice cufflinks, Swiss watch and patent leather shoes... Now I just cannot be @rsed. Now it's comfortable trousers from M&S (ones that allow your bits to breathe) and 4 for 1 offer from TM Lewin on shirts...

Hehe, yep that's right Arby... most of the folk that we work with couldn't care less if u turn up in a C&A suit vs an armani one. Designer stuff is overpriced and not very comfy usually anyway.Jeans and t-shirts are the way forward. Cheap, durable and comfy. And u don't have to worry if u sit on chewing gum on the tube. What more could u want?

on that note, do you guys participate in client site "dress down" days?i've managed to avoid these so far but i can imagine turning up in business smart or even business casual on those days might make you look out of place.also, upon commencing my employment i have to spend some time in the London office for induction. i assume there will be some opportunities for socialising with fellow new joiners during this time - anyone have any experiences to share on this?

[quote]also, upon commencing my employment i have to spend some time in the London office for induction. i assume there will be some opportunities for socialising with fellow new joiners during this time - anyone have any experiences to share on this?[/quote]Can, of, worms.I know a few people now married to partners they've met during these inductions, others who have had "casual relations" with people they've met during inductions who are now sitting MPs.I was mostly just drunk.

[quote]upon commencing my employment i have to spend some time in the London office for induction. i assume there will be some opportunities for socialising with fellow new joiners during this time - anyone have any experiences to share on this?[/quote]Don't do it ever. They simply wont respect you when you become Partner. Start early and distance yourself from the great unwashed.

when i said "opportunities", i meant "compulsory events"when i said "socialising", i meant "networking" not "copulating"does that read better? :)

[quote]when i said "opportunities", i meant "compulsory events"when i said "socialising", i meant "networking" not "copulating"does that read better? :)[/quote]In which case do what I always do in similar circumstances.Arrive and greet everyone, remind them you are there because you have to be, you want some expedient networking and under no circumstances any copulating.Then leave with a flourish and a Swiss Tony sort of anecdote.Or...Basically don't get drunk.

heh heh, u guys :)

[quote][quote]when i said "opportunities", i meant "compulsory events"when i said "socialising", i meant "networking" not "copulating"does that read better? :)[/quote]In which case do what I always do in similar circumstances.Arrive and greet everyone, remind them you are there because you have to be, you want some expedient networking and under no circumstances any copulating.Then leave with a flourish and a Swiss Tony sort of anecdote.Or...Basically don't get drunk. [/quote]unless there are lots of fitties, in which case get the ginukas in and find a wingman like Arby - then head into the "target rich environment". Bonus points for getting the whole start group to join you in signing "she's got that lovin' feeling".

Ok has to be done...making consulting speak into innuendos...

Awww - Shucks President Bartlett - you know you're the best wingman I could ever have had in those halcyon years....

"Double Your Dating" by David DeAngelo. LOL.