I Need Advice on Purchasing My First Suit

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Since this is the first time in my life I'm buying a suit, I really need some advice on buying it: what fabric should it be made of, what colour, how many front buttons, should I wear a tie or a bow-tie, what's the lapel supposed to look like, what kind of shoes...

I hope you got the point. I have no cultural education concerning suits - that's why I really need your help. My parents said they'd give 500 EUR for the whole thing (shoes, shirt, tie, suit) at most. Will it do?

Do you possibly know any website which could also help me out with some advice on buying?

Thanx A LOT!! I owe you big time!

P.S. I live in Austria (so I apologize for my English). I'm 186 cm tall (6 inch one) and 86 kg weight. (I have dark brown hair and blue eyes :-))

First of all, your English is wonderful so no apologies needed.

Your budget should be fine for purchasing the entire outfit, and you'll be able to get a pretty nice one as well. I would recommend going with a dark neutral like black, charcoal grey, or navy blue. As for how many buttons, try on a few different things and see which look you find most flattering. I'm assuming you'll want to wear this for more than this one occasion, so a more classic look will serve you better. I'm seeing a lot of two button suit jackets this spring, but I encourage you to try on two and three button looks.

As for fabric, something in a tropical wool or lightweight wool crepe will span three seasons--you'll be able to wear it in all but the hottest weather.

As for how to divide your budget, I would focus on the suit and the shoes--the shirt is less important and not much of it will show anyway. Women really notice shoes, and a higher quality suit will hang better on your frame--it just has a lot more polish.

As for what type of tie to wear, I'll have to go with the "message" different ties send here in America. Unless you're wearing a tuxedo, a bow tie sends one of two messages--it's either kind of nerdy, or intentionally rebellious. People spend too much time focused on the tie, trying to figure out which message you're trying to send. For that reason, I would go with a regular tie. But again, it depends on the culture where you live! :)

For sites that can give more advice, or at least give you some different looks to start with, try Kenneth Cole and Banana Republic. Also, search the fashion and style directory at the Open Directory Project.

I really hope this helps--I'm sure you'll look smashing.

Best Regards,
Kat