<p>Hi. New to this, but I've looked for other threads to find a solution to my concern. </p>
<p>My son was accepted to Salisbury (yea!), and with a dress code of coats and ties. We live in Florida and I wonder if there's not a large number of people out there with similar cost issues of buying an entire new wardrobe. Is it possible that many of you:
a) have a sizable amount of "gently" used coat/tie clothing that no longer fit or no longer required and want to donate to my cause?
b) know from experience how to find a way to defray the cost? Are there websites for this kind of clothes exchange?
c) had the same issue, but found no answer other than to suck it up and buy it all new?</p>
<p>I think you've got a great idea brewing here! A prep school clothing exchange would be a real boon to many people.</p>
<p>I've got to say that my sons both went to schools that only required a jacket and tie for sit down dinners and/or once-a-week chapel, so this isn't something I've had to deal with as urgently as you do. Nor do I have any items to send to you that they've outgrown. But, I still have a couple of suggestions.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Check on EBay for men's jackets. You can sort by size and type, etc. and invest in a couple of good jackets (like one or 2 navy ones and one tweed - maybe even just the one or 2 navies). He really won't need more than that to start. I just did a quick search and found some Ralph Lauren blazers for 20 bucks.</p></li>
<li><p>In downtown Boston and NYC there are these street vendors who sell neckties for $5 a piece (I've also seen them in airports). There is probably something similar in the city nearest to you in Florida. The benefit of these ties is that they come in all colors and, since they aren't silk, they can be spot cleaned and goodness knows, every tie my boys have ever worn required spot cleaning!</p></li>
<li><p>From there you just need button down oxford shirts and chinos which you can get at OldNavy or an outlet for pretty cheap.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Prep School is a huge investment - it does seem that it shouldn't be made moreso by the clothing requirements! If you hear of some exchange program post the info here! I'm sure it will help many people and I would happily contribute.</p>
<p>Marshall's and TJ Maxx are great resources for school clothes, and they often have heavily discounted brands popular with the kids like Vineyard Vines corduroys and khakis, Polo blazers, etc.</p>
<p>Our local thrift stores are loaded with business dress clothes -- so many companies now are just doing the business casual, that tons get donated.</p>
<p>We picked up 4 Joseph A. Banks ties for $2 a piece, a $600 suit from Dillards (Hart, Schaffner and Marx brand) with the price tag still on it for $12 and black dress shoes for $4. My son is the best dressed student attorney at our local teen court.</p>
<p>I would see what thrift stores have -- the key to making a thrift store suit look good is to purchase a quality brand to begin with and having it professionally altered. Expect to pay about $30-$40 for the alteration. Make sure the suit fits in the shoulders and the length of the jacket when you buy it. </p>
<p>Ebay is another good place to look.</p>
<p>Go to the men's department locally and have your son try on suits to get an idea of size, colors that look good, styles (2-button, 3-button, wide/narrow lapels) and then shop thrift stores/ebay for the bargains.</p>