what are you looking for in a suit?

above all, fit

the tommy hilfiger slim suits have great fit, overall. the waist runs a little narrow, though. i fit into most of my 30-waist pants comfortably, but the tommys are a little snug. banana republic makes a smart, slimmer-than-usual suit. i just got their tan chino suit from the mad men collection and it's my new favorite blazer. the j. crew ludlow style is a great slim fit suit, too.

and it can't hurt to pad one's suit collection with some alfani. not the best cut, but decent enough and affordable.

has anybody dipped their toes into the brooks brothers pond?

i have yet to clear that bar, but if there's one thing aziz ansari has taught me, it's that all men need some BB in their steez routines

is black the interview go-to color? or is a smart grey acceptable?

i think smart black will guarantee success

i've really internalized the virtues of signaling, so i'll likely save the sartorial panache for a pair of refined cufflinks and a vintage chronograph

What is your budget?

Navy or dark gray

agree- black is pretty severe for a suit jacket most of the time

Plus, with solid black and (I presume for an interview) a white shirt, it could look like you should be escorting people to the casket at the front of the funeral home.

I'd say the Ludlow line of J Crew suits is a good ballpark (~$650).

calven klein slim fit dress shirts really make your pecs pop

or, for the chuds out there, they dam the flab flood

Unless you can find a sale on something like a Canali or Zegna, I would stick with a 2-button Brooks Brothers. They're built to last. But for God's sake, just don't let Lenny convince you to get pleated pants.

check out the mad men collection at banana republic
non iron shirts are great looking and easy to maintain.

Smart and stylish posting there, Coach. The importance of good quality dress shirt can not be overstated. It is the cornerstone of a successful wardrobe.

I have impeccable taste in beach attire and casual wear. I'm otherwise useless.

Recommendations, please. This is an area - anyone will gladly tell you - that I am sorely lacking. I've been wearing the same Old Navy jeans and Peal Jam stick-figure t-shirt for the better part of the 15 years now!