The 2015 NFL draft is merely a few days away and Chicago’s getting ready to host once again, 51 years after the last draft here. From April 30-May 2 Chicago’s Auditorium Theater will be the scene where many student athletes and some devoted team fans, will find out what NFL team holds their ticket to the big leagues. The draft has been known, over the years, to feature some outrageous outfits from prospects that have crossed the stage to take their jersey and shake the commissioner’s hand.  To be fair, over the years, these athletes have dialed back the garish and playing with their fashionable side whether that’s on their own or with the help of a stylist.  The days of the old school Steve Harvey “fifteh buttons” striped suits paired with square toe shoes are gone *praise dance*

For the athletes, agents, or NFL executives attending this week’s draft in Chicago needing a last minute outfit, here are a few of our favorite men’s suit and accessories shops in Chicago to consider.

Style tip: Though you want to show personality in your outfit choice, you want to style yourself in suitable colors, not too loud and fit is beyond key. Play with colors using accessories like a bow-tie, pocket square, tie bar. Basically everyone is watching you get your first big job offer, make mama proud. Although we can’t really help you if your style is more Brad Meester in camo blazer at last year’s draft.

Suitsupply

The men’s shop located atop the Hermes store in the Oak Street Shopping district boasts an expansive rooftop is your spot for goo suit that’s wallet or new signee friendly. You can’t go wrong with their selections whether you are pairing a blazer with pants, need a pop of color shirt or monk strap shoes. 945 N Rush St, Chicago. Phone: (312) 340-6909

Neiman Marcus Men’s store

The upscale department store unveiled their re-designed menswear department in 2013 with a more guy friendly atmosphere. Everything you may need to get GQ’d up for the big day from shirt, shoes, pocket squares and of course a complete suit, they have. Brands include Kiton, Giorgio Armani, Isais, Ralph Lauren and their men’s shoe selections will make you fin 1100 reasons you need that new pair to add to your collection. Be sure to ask for Mark Allen. 737 N Michigan Ave. Chicago. Phone: (312) 642-5900

TieBar

Looking for that right pocket square or tie that will really make your outfit really pop?! Uber down to Armitage Avenue’s shopping district and pick up some accessories at Tie Bar. 918 W Armitage Ave. Chicago. Phone: (312) 241-1299

Charles Tyrwhitt

British Menswear Charles Tyrwhitt, a favorite of executive type men and those that love them, is located right in the loop’s financial district. They carry a distinctive selections of slim fit shirts, cufflinks, ties and of course suits. 208 S Lasalle St. Chicago (312) 585-0700

 

If you’re a top prospect that’s already landed an endorsement deal(shhhh we won’t tell) or the guy behind the scenes wheeling and dealing,  these picks, though a bit pricier will definitely make a statement.

Brioni

This boutique is more the I work for IMG or right hand man of the owner and I can afford a $2,000+ kind of budget but the staff along with the wares are exceptional. 12 E Walton St.  Chicago. (312) 649-9100

Lanvin

The Lanvin store on Oak Street is more like a house that belongs on a dream pinterest board. Facade be damned, the options there will make you want to negotiate some extra zeros to your or your client’s contract. 116 E Oak St. Chicago. (312) 765-7075

 

Syd Jerome

This long standing Chicago menswear destination offers brands that include Canali, Isaia Napoli, Robert Graham, Etro to name a few. Located in the loop, their clientele ranges from lawyers, executive consultants and finance men. Their customer care and attention to detail is also a reason why they’ve been around for so long. 2 N. La Salle Street, Chicago Phone (312) 346-0333

The 2014 draft class looked like this, so you’ve got to step your game up.

This 2015 projected top 15 draft picks, according to ESPN’s most recent rankings are:
Jamies Winston(QB-FSU)
Leonard Williams (DE-USC)
Amari Cooper (WR-Alabama)
Kevin White (WR-WVU)
Dante Fowler Jr. (DE-Florida)
Marcus Mariota (QB- Oregon)
Brandon Scherff (OT-Iowa)
DeVante Parker (WR-Louisville)
Todd Gurley (RB-Georgia)
Arik Armstead (DE- Oregon)
Randy Gregory (OLB- Nebraska)
Trae Waynes (CB-Michigan State)
Andrus Peat (OT- Stanford)
Danny Shelton (DT- Washington)
Breshad Perriman (WR-UCF)