Help please... New wardrobe/ look suggestions

[Labyrinthian]

I am off to Vietnam and have the chance to get clothes tailored.

I've never been into fashion and makeup but recently had some big life changes, and I'd like to make the most of this, get stuff made that suits me, etc.

No idea where to start. My regular outfits are converse and jeans but I'd like suggestions on what essentials I should get made - and in what fabric? (Is silk very hard to clean?)

I've been reading about capsule wardrobeswardrobeut not sure where to start

Suggestions very welcome... I'm thinking

Tailored white shirt (large chest, can never get any!)
Dark colour suit with pencil skirt and trousers and blazer
Black Capri pants

And after that I've no idea! What do I need?!

Do you have time to get your colours done before you go?

Really really don't bother. Unless you have a personal recommendation or speak fluent Vietnamese and have a very clear idea of exactly what you want I can guarantee you will be sorely disappointed.

Take the money you would have spent and buy a couple of good quality pieces of the rack at home which you've had the chance to try on and no you love.

I got some awesome pieces made in vietnam - a suit that lasted and lasted and looked great. i think pick your tailor carefully and pick your fabrics very carefully. I bought quality stuff that i couldn't afford at home - wool and cashmere for example.

best advice would be to take items with you to copy - I also did this and it worked. Favourite jacket that cost ££ I now have in 3 colours rather than 1.

Recommed Hoi An.

The plan is Hoi An (have lots of time, so will get everything made from scratch, do several fittings). I've read several excellent travel blogs about which tailors to use and cross referenced with TripAdvisor recommendations so im happy that the handful I've picked for the work I'll go visit before we order anything

DH wants shirts and suits made for him

No time to get my colours done as we are already in SE Asia

I just don't know what else to have made??? I have been checking websiteslike Karen millen, stuff I love but would never pay for, and thought I can bring pictures

Thanks for the help so far

It is hard to image what you'll want to wear when its roasting hot and sweaty!

Depends whether you're going to be working when you get back and what type of profession I guess. If you are working I'd go for something fairly classic like:

Charcoal grey dress, jacket and skirt or trousers
Black dress, jacket and skirt or trousers
you can then mix and match both these together.

Or just go for a couple of jackets in good colours for you, and get a couple of pairs of tailored trousers.

The key thing is fabric in my opinion. You need something that is going to work here in the UK and always always go with naural fibres.

you could get a couple of silk shell tops made - like tshirts but a bit smarter?

I ruddy love Hoi An. Have a fantastic time.

I had some classic Chino-type trousers made for me in SE Asia. Strikes me as something you can wear in many situations.

I spent some time in an Internet cafe finding and printing example photos from European and US retailers, took the photos into the tailors.

Really pleased with the final trousers, they fit me much better than off-the-peg.

Super suggestions so far. We are moving on return so I have no idea what kind of job I'll get, previously professional but opportunities won't be the same. Love the mix and match ideas. Can always then dress up the outfits, or wear trousers on their own

I will bring photos and screen shots of stuff :)

Oh wow - we are off to Vietnam and Hoi An soon and I was thinking about getting a couple of dresses copied, plus DS really wants a suit (or two!) and I'm sure DD and DH might join in.

Travail's suggestions sound really good, and interesting that Jamie's chinos fit much better. I agree that the fabrics are all-important.

I know it's really cheeky, but I don't suppose any of you would recommend me any of the tailors you have checked out?

Of course - pm me your email and I'll send details once I'm there (5 weeks to go)

Thanks - I think I will be there before you - probably in Hoi An in about 2/3 weeks