Impressions of Brooks Brothers?

Mac

I haven't set foot in a Brooks Brothers store for years. But I wondered, for those of you who have, what do you think of the quality, price, value and cut of the clothes? Some items I see on the internet look lovely, but it's hard to know without seeing them in person.

Thanks!

16 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Mac

garmenta

Active Member

Brooks Brothers makes high-quality stuff, but IMHO, the look is ultra conservative. Some of the sweaters and tops have charm, but the suiting is what I think of as "Federal Court appropriate"--female attorneys who need that look really like it!

Unless you need a very tailored menswear look, you can have more fun with other labels. The pricing is equivalent at J Crew (okay, it doesn't wear like iron the way it used to) and the feel is elegant and grownup but just more fun to wear.

16 years ago

Mac

Veteran

Thanks. Yeah, most of the stuff looks a bit too conservative for me, but over the past few months I've seen a few darn sexy shoes, interesting pants, shirts that looked as tho' they could be really cool if paired with hipper bottoms, etc. on their site. If the quality is indeed good, then I might have to check them out next time I'm in the US (there is a store here in Toronto, but not really in a neighbhourhood where I ever hang out).

16 years ago

Mac

Veteran

For example... I think these shoes are adorable; maybe they could be styled conservatively but I can also imagine them as part of a sleek, comfortable day look (and they have a heel at that coveted 1.5" height!):

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....size=9-1/2

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Mac, those shoes you linked to are adorable! Love them. I've been looking for a similar pair with no luck.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

The style is light years away from my own and my personal lifestyle, but the quality is outstanding. My dad used to get all his work clothes from there. I walked by recently and was surprised to see a beautiful white shirt in the window that I actually really liked.

16 years ago

medusa

Veteran

Those shoes are SWEET.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’ve just fainted opening the link to that Oxford shoe. Good grief. That’s the Oxford shoe I want – if it’s comfortable.

BB’s makes beautiful garments and their fabrications are gorgeous. That's right up my alley! It’s true that they are classic to the extreme, which is not a bad thing at all. It’s just got to be your cuppa tea AND you have to add enough "it" factor to the outfit. Also, you can make classic items look funky. I have two clients who shop half their wardrobes at BB’s and they are both funky dressers. You have to see it to believe it. The devil is in the detail.

If their garments fit me, I would absolutely shop there for the odd piece. They make brilliant costume jewelry.

16 years ago

Mac

Veteran

Thanks so much for your input, tout le monde! I am with you that the styles aren't at all "me" but a significant enough minority of what they carry looks good enough for me to really give a good scouring to their store next time I'm near one. Now that you've reassured me that the quality is better than average, I'm really curious and excited to add BB to stores I want to check out.

16 years ago

Anonymous

Holy cow, those are some gorgeous things. They look extremely well made and pretty darn boring without a bit of personality added along the way. IMO.

16 years ago

taylor

Veteran

I would love a couple off their white No-Iron shirts...monogramed on the cuff would be fun too!

16 years ago

Mac

Veteran

Well, I ordered the pair of shoes I linked to above (I'm afraid that the link no longer works, since they are sold out); I'm in the US next week and will have them shipped to my hotel. Will post a photo and my impressions once I receive them.

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

I was just in Brooks Brothers last week - with my banker shopping friend!! She was shopping for suits and other work wear. I admire the quality of the clothing but the styling is definitely very conservative. The oxfords look gorgeous - please post photos when you receive them!

16 years ago

Mac

Veteran

I will. The quality of the Oxfords looks really good from the photo. i have to see, though, if they're comfy on my super-tempermental feet and what exactly I'd wear them with. I normally wear sort of boot-cut, straight legged jeans and pants and I'm not sure if that shape would be right with these shoes...

16 years ago

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