Wardrobe Must-haves for Grads

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Mon May 11, 2009 9:43am EDT

Lands' End offers tips for men on how to stock a closet without breaking the
bank.

DODGEVILLE, Wis., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Flip-flops, over-sized cargo pants
and an old football sweatshirt is a pretty standard outfit for guys living on
a college campus.  But with the "real world" calling, new college grads will
have to make some adult changes in their closets.  "One of the best career
investments these young men can make is to spend $200 of their graduation
money on a few key pieces for their working wardrobe," says John Haarbauer,
Lands' End men's designer. Whether it's a profession in the boardroom or
classroom, Haarbauer says there are five wardrobe items every man should buy
after tossing a graduation cap in the air.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090511/CG14488)
(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071029/AQM053LOGO)

Carefree Chinos - "Stay away from khaki pants with large cargo pockets, like
the ones worn in college," comments Haarbauer.  "Look for pants that are
wrinkle free or no iron made from a cotton/synthetic blend, because these will
keep you looking crisp and won't need dry cleaning." A quality pair of chinos
should cost around $40 and will always be appropriate in business casual and
casual settings.

Wrinkle-free Dress Shirts - Whether it's a Pinpoint or Classic Oxford, finding
an easy-care dress shirt will save time and give that "fresh pressed" look all
day long.  "Getting one solid and one striped shirt is a good start," says
Haarbauer.  "Adding a check pattern shirt is a good way to stretch a wardrobe
because it can be worn with or without a tie."  At around $30 to $40 a piece,
buying two shirts is a great investment.

Repp Stripe Tie - There are many tie patterns and colors to choose from, so
selecting a tie that will be versatile is important when on a budget.  "I
suggest buying a solid or pattern tie or a simple two-color stripe, since it's
easy to pair with solid and stripe dress shirts, said Haarbauer. "When
building a wardrobe, select pieces that complement and share a common color,
so all the items will coordinate." Look for a hand-sewn tie that will last and
look good for years to come.  

Short Sleeve Polos - In today's corporate environment, the polo shirt isn't
just for casual Fridays ... many  guys are wearing them Monday through
Thursday too!  "Polo shirts should look crisp and neat, and not baggy,"
comments Haarbauer.  "A bright color will work well in the office and can
easily transition to the golf course."  A polo shirt can be one of the best
investment pieces in a guy's wardrobe since they are so versatile; whether
worn alone or under a navy blazer.  Purchasing two polo shirts is a great way
to stretch the dollar for a small investment.

Classic Leather Belt - "Don't forget to invest in a quality leather belt,"
said Haarbauer. Adding the right belt to a pair of chinos helps turn your look
from weekend casual into business casual.  "A good leather belt can be found
for $35, and for something you'll wear everyday, it's the best $35 you'll
spend," adds Haarbauer.

Investing in these five important wardrobe pieces will help graduates move
from a carefree college life to a professional working life.  "Building a
wardrobe is like building a house," said Haarbauer.  "Once a good foundation
is laid, college graduates should have no problem buying more add-on pieces
down the road for added versatility."   
 

About Lands' End
Lands' End(R) is one of the world's largest retailers of causal and tailored
clothing for women, men, children and infants.  In addition, Lands' End offers
an innovative collection of fine-quality goods for the home.  Lands' End
merchandise can be purchased on line at www.landsend.com, by calling 1(800)
800-5800 and by visiting the Lands' End Shops at Sears.  Lands' End is a proud
member of Sears Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD).  And, all high-quality
Lands' End merchandise is Guaranteed. Period.(R)



SOURCE  Lands' End Inc.

Adam Sodersten of Lands' End, +1-608-935-6395, adam.sodersten@landsend.com
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