This discussion was created from comments split from: The Ultimate Supply List for Boarding School.
Hi Im going to Kent school next year and they have a really formal dress code. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on places to buy? Also, the school hasn’t really given me much information about it such as dorm life so if you know anything about the school please tell me both good and bad. Thank you!
This is tough question to answer without knowing where you live, your family’s socio economic status, and gender.
For example, if you live in a suburb of NYC and have a relatively high household income, there are a ton of options you could visit in person. (But in thinking about it, if this were the case, you probably would not be asking.)
On the other hand, if you live in a remote area and usually spend no more than $19 on any individual piece of clothing, then recommendations would be quite different.
If you are a boy, a general recommendation without knowing your location or budget is to get a few nicer pieces from a place like J. Crew or Brooks Brothers (like a blazer), and then get shirts and khakis/dress code pants from a less expensive place like the Gap or Target (which is more hit or miss when it comes to men’s choices than women’s, IMO).
After years at a day school that had uniforms, my daughters have assembled their BS wardrobes (SAS is more formal than Masters) mostly at J. Crew (including the outlet), Target, Zara, the Gap, Uniqlo, Lands End (Canvas), and LL Bean, among others high and low. We are not a Tory Burch/Lily Pulitzer/Vineyard Vines/Ralph Lauren sort of family (not even my wife or I) but the kids do have some nicer pieces from various places. A J. Crew blazer and a Barbour jacket will serve you well, as will either Bean Boots or Hunters (rain boots)…the thing about these brands is that even though they are more expensive, the goods are generally well made and last. 7D1’s J Crew blazer (sale at outlet) that we bought for her before her 8th grade year (for BS interviewing) still fits and while I can find some areas of wear it is still serviceable. And another more seasonal J Crew blazer that we bought at the same time is now being used (proudly, I should add) by her younger sister.
Honestly, what I think is most important when it comes to BS clothes is that A) They comply with school’s dress code and B ) You are comfortable and like the way you look in them. The brands don’t matter all that much, and I’ve listed a few above just to give you a place to start.
I believe you can wear jeans as long as they’re not blue jeans, so I plan on getting a bunch and you can find jeans anywhere. Blazers are a little bit more difficult to find, but I have one from Target that I got for $15. I saw a variety of clothing and you should wear what you can afford and is comfortable for you.
I cannot believe that ellaanarctica hasn’t circled back to like my thoroughly detailed post! Sheesh, kids these days… 
@SevenDad You’re a better man than I; that’s why I rarely answer posters with a post count of 1.
Solid recap, though 
@SevenDad - I’m impressed you even know half that stuff!
@Randomdare You cannot wear jeans at Kent as part of the dress code. You can wear jeans on the weekends when you are not in class or in chapel, but jeans are not allowed for classes.