Looking the part can be an expensive affair. But it doesn’t have to be. The likes of Musk and Bezos are living proof that even with all the money in the world, it’s still possible to dress terribly. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a limited budget is holding you back. If you want to dress better, there are plenty of ways to do so without spending a fortune.
Tom Ford suits and fancy Swiss watches are nice to have, but they’re in no way a prerequisite for looking put together. If you know how to play to your strengths and are prepared to try new things, you can elevate your style on a shoestring.
Consider the tips below as a manual for dressing better on a budget. They’re tricks and tweaks you can use to get the most out of your current wardrobe and add new pieces without casting yourself into financial ruin. From finding your perfect fit to buying in bulk, here’s what you need to know.
Off-The-Peg & Altered > Made-To-Measure
Made-to-measure clothing is a privilege few can afford, but it’s not the only way to ensure your wardrobe fits impeccably. A cheaper option is to buy off-the-peg garments and take them to a tailor to make alterations.
This doesn’t just apply to your suits, either. A good tailor can do everything from nipping in your waist to extending sleeves to reducing hemlines, meaning everything in your rotation – shirts, tailoring, jeans, tees – can benefit from a little nip or tuck.
The result is a wardrobe that looks like it was made for your body, and we all know great fit is the key to being well dressed.
Buy In Bulk
Boxers, socks, T-shirts. The true wardrobe ‘essentials’. They can all be bought in multipacks for a good discount.
Find ones you like and stock up. You’ll always need them, so buying more than one at a time makes sense. These are the foundation of every outfit you’ll ever wear, but that doesn’t mean you should be paying over the odds.
Master Sartorial Minimalism
Capsule wardrobe. It’s a term we use a lot, but that’s because it’s such a fantastic concept for streamlining your style and finances. It means having fewer garments you can do more with, making each go a little bit further.
That doesn’t have to mean wearing boring clothes – your capsule wardrobe can be made up of whatever you want – it’s simply a case of choosing things you want to wear that work together in lots of different combinations.
Start with the basics and build it up from there. If you get it right, ultimately you’ll end up buying fewer clothes, thus saving yourself money in the long run.
Find Your Fit
Fit is everything when it comes to clothing, and it costs nothing to find yours. Try things on until you find pieces that work with the shape of your body and make you look your best, then stick with them.
Having clothes that fit you properly will make a huge difference to your overall look, but it’s an aspect of style that so many men neglect. In terms of bang for buck, it’s one of the best style upgrades you can make.
Trademark Trim
In much the same way that the fit of your clothes can drastically alter how you look, so can your hair. It’s not one size fits all. Different cuts look better or worse on different people.
It has a lot to do with face shape, so the key is to determine yours and explore hairstyles that complement it. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a go-to style that will not just suit you, but become part of your visual identity.
Shop Second-Hand
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s always worth reiterating. Shopping second-hand is better for the planet, better for your wallet and, if you do it well, better for your wardrobe, too.
You’ll be able to get your hands on high-end pieces you may not otherwise be able to afford, and you might find yourself coming across garments you wouldn’t have considered if you were just scrolling some online store.