[CuffDaddy]

Shirts- Long sleeve, point collar, most likely Van Huesen brand

Why are you choosing a point collar over a traditional spread collar? There are reasons one might do that, but a spread collar certainly looks better on more men, particularly if it's ever going to be worn with a jacket (collar points hidden under the lapels, rather than making a messy-looking W shape...).

As far as the brand, the dollar/pound exchange rate is quite favorable right now, which means you can order nice shirts from UK retailers such as Harvie & Hudson that are vastly superior to what Van Huessen has become for some very reasonable prices (around $50-60 a shirt).

Regarding the ties, stick with simple solids, stripes, or dots. That way, you'll at least have a prayer of getting some use out of them in 5 or 10 years. Inexpensive "fancies" reveal their cheapness more than cheap "simples." Plus, the simple ones are never out of style, and go with far more shirts/jackets.

 

[CuffDaddy]

I was going to go with the traditional collar. I thought the spread collar was for more formal occasions?

I'm not talking about a wing collar, nor a cutaway. Just a normal spread, which is every bit as "traditional" as a point collar (or more so - you'd be hard pressed to find a British shirt maker who even offers a point collar). The only difference is whether the points of the collar are angled more downward or at something like a 45° angle.

You can see a wide selection of them at (that page will open up to the solid-colored shirts, and you can get at the stripes, checks, etc. with the menu on the left).

 

[CuffDaddy]

I am going to be a chiropractor. I will be wearing a lab coat but will remove it most of the time during treatment. I do not want my tie swinging every which way and touching the patients at all. I thought about just tucking it into my shirt, but was afraid that would cut the life of the tie short, and that I would forget to remove it and walk around with my tie in my shirt for some time. Hence my desire for a tie tack of some kind.

I think you'll find that even a barred or tacked long tie will still leave 6-10" of tie flapping around below the point of attachment and touching your patient. There's a reason that the doctor in a bow tie is something of a stereotype: it's a practical answer to the needs you articulate. It has the added benefit of being a good deal cheaper than long ties of equivalent quality, since it takes less silk. And, after a few tries, they aren't hard to tie.... it's the same knot as your shoelaces! Just a suggestion.