Hey everyone, got some questions for y'all. I know that the majority of topics on this forum involve chances of getting into XYZ firm (I have done this myself), salary ranges, and other such matters. I did a quick search and didn't turn anything up in this forum, so here's my question--what sort of attire do consultants at MBB wear? I looked on the Wall Street Fashion forum and didn't see anything specific to consulting.
Do consultants at MBB wear the same sorts of suits and outfits that analysts wear in IB? Or is it generally less flashy and more conservative on the consulting side?
That is, if I get a job at an MBB firm next year (which I'm going for), would I need to significantly upgrade my wardrobe? I've got 4 mid-price suits from Jos A Bank and Men's Wearhouse, all tailored. Obviously, if push comes to shove, I have plenty of time to upgrade my wardrobe between now and then if I get the job, but would I need to upgrade to flashier outfits or are my conservative suits fine?
Thanks!
Consultants wear business casual almost 99% of the time. They typically dress one step up than the client. For instance, if the client wears blue jeans and t-shirts, you'd wear khakis and a polo. If the clients wear khakis and a polo, you'd wear slacks and a button down. Suits would be rare for most offices, unless you're in NY, but even then...
patagonia fleece vests over button ups (patagonia may be too flashy, ll bean?)
When in the office, casual. When on the client site, Sojourner pretty much covered it. Obviously varies a lot by sector. E.g. in FS you're going to be wearing a suit most of the time.
I'm attending a pre-mba ("pre" as in, starting in 2 months) event at MBB in the coming days and the invitation stated business casual. I'm going slacks and button-front, maybe blazer, just to hedge to the more formal side of things. I think khaki's and polo became unsuitable for "business casual" when I graduated college.
Lol blazer.
In Europe, like BB analysts. When at the client, tie most of the time. No tie in the office.
lol at using lol
At MBB now, and it's as sojourner said. I generally wear slacks and a button down since I just can't bring myself to ever wear khakis again. For days in the office, jeans and a button down are fine...or even jeans and a polo. When you're on PE or FS cases, there will be a lot more suit-wearing occasions but you'll get a heads up. Usually as part of the ramp-up for a given case, someone mentions attire briefly.
Thanks, everybody! That is good to know. Where I work now, I wear shirt and tie, so it seems that if I get the gig, I won't have to worry too much about my wardrobe
Clothing for consulting (for a girl) (Originally Posted: 09/13/2008)
I've been reading a lot about clothing on the i-banking board. Those people are obsessed! (No offense.)
What should I buy to prepare for a summer as an associate at MBB on the West Coast of the US?
Kenneth Coles, buttoned coller, and a 4 year old blackberry
So what do you do? -I work for an investment banking firm. Oh okay; you are like my brother, he works for Edward Jones. -No, a college degree is required in my profession
As a general rule, West Coast is more laid back. SF or LA?
I've never heard of a firm out there wearing anything but business casual. Within that, for ladies, I suggest front-pleated but fashionable pants or knee-length skirts (both preferably belted) with a blazer/suit jacket if you need it, Brooks Brothers tailored shirts or equivalent, tasteful accessories.
The stickler is shoes. Some firms allow open toed or slingback, but not both; some banks don't care while others are super strict. For women it can be make or break so know before you go. I would suggest black pumps or similar if you have no idea.
Pretty simple. Better a notch too formal and you can just play with accessories or get more fun shirts if you look too stodgy.
I worked on the west coast and while it definitely is more laid back in terms of lifestyle, the women - and it doesn't matter what industry - are actually more fashion forward. It's business casual, but with a very stylish flair.
Engineer moving to MBB -- wardrobe advice (Originally Posted: 12/20/2013)
I'll be joining an MBB firm in a northeast office, in around 6 months. I've been in academia my whole life, specifically in engineering and science. Needless to say, I have to build a wardrobe from scratch.
Can I get some very basic advice on what I need, and where I should purchase it from. Specific advice on what brands to consider, etc would be great. I'm never going to win any bonus points because of my looks or what I'm wearing, and my goal is simply to fit in, and show respect for the job, client, etc.
I'll have a little free time in December and January, so I'm hoping to get a significant part of the shopping done then. Is this a good time to buy?
Also, a couple of specific question about suits. How many do I need? Do most people pack only one suit when they fly out for their ~4 day trip. And do they wear the same suit the whole week??
Thanks in advance for your help!
From someone in a similar situation a few years back, you need nice shoes, decent silk ties, decent non-iron shirts, and 3 suits- charcoal, navy and maybe a very light pinstripe.
There are a million options, but for me, gently used Allen Edmonds shoes/belts off ebay, Brooks Brothers non-irons (pick them up at the after christmas sale) and brooks bros ties worked nicely before I expanded my wardrobe a bit. For the love of god, no non-silk ties or square toed shoes.
I don't feel as though I have good suit advice since I still don't feel like I have a good value situation in my suits, interested in responses there.
Beatae et eos praesentium quo. Suscipit quis eveniet sapiente aspernatur voluptate. Fugit corrupti deleniti voluptas exercitationem eos.
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