Gift A Wardrobe for Graduation

Thinking about what to get a man who'll be completing his bachelor's degree this Spring? Consider presenting him with a wardrobe for his first job.

If I ignore their sweats and tee shirts, most young men of my acquaintance enter the work force with a selection of cotton trousers, some sports shirts, casual shoes, and perhaps an odd jacket or two if they're lucky. In other words, they are completely unprepared for the competition on the next stage of their lives. A new wardrobe is a substantial but (barely) affordable gift that will put your professionally attired gift receipient half a step ahead of most of his contemporaries.

I've written elsewhere that there are few jobs for new graduates that require suits every day, however a suit is necessary to obtain most professional positions and periodically needed during a man's first years in the work force. The rest of the time a dress shirt, respectable trousers and leather shoes are all that are required for most entry level analysts, engineers or marketeers. A navy and a charcoal suit, two pair of dress shoes, ten dress shirts and three pair of dress trousers will probably do the trick for $3,000 to $4,000. Let him spend his own money on a couple of neckties.

For most of the items. mid-level clothing from a chain like Brooks Brothers (or any other whose name does not end in Wearhouse) is perfectly adequate. The suits and trousers should be medium weight wool. One pair of shoes should be black punch cap oxfords and the other dark brown casuals that are formal enough for a young man to wear with a suit. When you're done with the shoes and tailored clothing, take him to a modestly priced shirtmaker and get him some shirts that fit.

Unlike the young chaps in the drawing, he won't need a fedora.