How can I get a sport coat on very short notice?
July 10, 2013 2:02 PM Subscribe
I'm on a business trip which I didn't expect to include any formal meetings, so I foolishly didn't bring any dressy clothes. I've suddenly ended up with a meeting at which I really should wear at least a blazer or sport coat.
I have several very nice ones at home, but of course that doesn't help me here. Every time I've bought one in the past it's needed alteration, which takes a couple of days. I need to get it tomorrow night at the latest. I'd rather not spend a ton of money on this, since I don't actually need another sport coat aside from not having one with me on this one trip. But I also can't be looking like I picked something off the rack at a thrift store. In other words, it needs to look nice, but just for one day! Any advice on the best way to tackle this? If I just go into a Nordstrom or Macy's will they be able to accommodate this? Is something like Jos. A Bank better?
I have several very nice ones at home, but of course that doesn't help me here. Every time I've bought one in the past it's needed alteration, which takes a couple of days. I need to get it tomorrow night at the latest. I'd rather not spend a ton of money on this, since I don't actually need another sport coat aside from not having one with me on this one trip. But I also can't be looking like I picked something off the rack at a thrift store. In other words, it needs to look nice, but just for one day! Any advice on the best way to tackle this? If I just go into a Nordstrom or Macy's will they be able to accommodate this? Is something like Jos. A Bank better?
Any chance someone at home could FedEx you a jacket?
posted by bleep at 2:10 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by bleep at 2:10 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Sorry, to clarify, my timeline is that I can shop tonight, and I need to pick it up by tomorrow evening at the absolute latest (something I could take home tonight would be vastly better, but I could make picking it up tomorrow work).
I routinely avoid Jos. A Bank (and cheap clothing in general -- I like to pay for quality), but I'm thinking this might be one situation where it's warranted, since I'm unlikely to wear this again...
posted by primethyme at 2:11 PM on July 10, 2013
I routinely avoid Jos. A Bank (and cheap clothing in general -- I like to pay for quality), but I'm thinking this might be one situation where it's warranted, since I'm unlikely to wear this again...
posted by primethyme at 2:11 PM on July 10, 2013
Best answer: Macy's will be your best bet. They have a ton of great sport jackets and shit be on sale every day of the year. Just try stuff on until you find something that works.
Ask them for a coupon. They'll always have one.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 2:12 PM on July 10, 2013 [3 favorites]
Ask them for a coupon. They'll always have one.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 2:12 PM on July 10, 2013 [3 favorites]
Ask them for a coupon. They'll always have one.
Most Macy's will also issue you a tourist's discount. Just go to customer service and show them your out-of-state ID and they'll give you a(nother) coupon for some percent off. I think it might be 15%.
posted by phunniemee at 2:37 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
Most Macy's will also issue you a tourist's discount. Just go to customer service and show them your out-of-state ID and they'll give you a(nother) coupon for some percent off. I think it might be 15%.
posted by phunniemee at 2:37 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
Secondhand stores or rental? Seems crazy to pay $200 or something for a junky coat you'll never wear again
posted by Pomo at 2:44 PM on July 10, 2013
posted by Pomo at 2:44 PM on July 10, 2013
are you close to an airport? It might be cheaper to have someone send you your jacket via one of the airlines cargo services. I"m familiar with Alaska Airlines' Gold Streak service which would cost you about $85.00 to ship from San Jose to Washington National (just the example I plugged into their calculator.) It requires someone to go to the airport on both ends, but if you're close it could be worth it. (and you pick up at the cargo terminal so it's less hassle.)
posted by vespabelle at 3:12 PM on July 10, 2013
posted by vespabelle at 3:12 PM on July 10, 2013
Best answer: Yeah, any department store should be able to find something for you that will at least - fit. Sleeves can be safety-pinned if they're too long. Everything else can just kinda - hang.
posted by randomkeystrike at 3:33 PM on July 10, 2013
posted by randomkeystrike at 3:33 PM on July 10, 2013
Banana Republic and J. Crew and their ilk can have decent suit and sport coats that sometimes fit off the rack a bit better.
posted by bitdamaged at 3:50 PM on July 10, 2013
posted by bitdamaged at 3:50 PM on July 10, 2013
Check consignment stores. Good stuff there.
posted by Knowyournuts at 3:55 PM on July 10, 2013
posted by Knowyournuts at 3:55 PM on July 10, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks for all the advice. I ended up going to the mall, and Dillard's came through. Really nice sportcoat, at a great price on clearance, and it fits well enough that it doesn't need any alterations. Win-win-win!
Having someone ship one of my existing jackets to me is definitely a great idea, but unfortunately it logistically wasn't possible in this situation.
posted by primethyme at 5:56 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
Having someone ship one of my existing jackets to me is definitely a great idea, but unfortunately it logistically wasn't possible in this situation.
posted by primethyme at 5:56 PM on July 10, 2013 [2 favorites]
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It is also possible to pay extra to have a tailor expedite the alterations, but you did not say how short your time is...
posted by entropicamericana at 2:08 PM on July 10, 2013