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, so each one goes 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, you’ll ultimately buy fewer clothes, 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 your body shape 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.
Check out designer consignment stores specialising in high-quality clothing, or just get yourself on Vinted and search for brands you like.
Repair Where Possible
OK, so the crotch has blown on your favourite jeans. But wait – that doesn’t mean you have to condemn them to the scrapheap and buy another pair. The thrifty and environmentally friendly thing to do is to get them fixed. And that goes for basically any garment you can think of.
In an effort to be more sustainable, many brands are now offering in-house repair services, which makes things easier. Change the way you think about it. Stitches, darning and patches give clothes character. They tell a story, and they can look great.
So save yourself some money and consider fixing things before replacing them.
Strike While The Iron’s Hot
Crumpled clothing could be ruining your outfits, and it’s an extremely easy and completely free fix. Just get the iron or steamer out and you’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes.
A crisp T-shirt and trousers show that you’ve made an effort and immediately give you the sartorial upper hand among a sea of men who’ve never touched an iron.
Know Your Colours
Ever found that a certain shirt washes you out or makes you look flushed? That’s to do with your skin tone. Not every colour will work with it, and that’s fine. The key is finding which ones do and sticking with them.
This costs absolutely nothing and it’s very easy to do, thanks in no small part to the fact that we’ve written an entire article guiding you through what colours work best with what complexions.
Wear Texture Instead Of Logos
It’s easy to assume that expensive clothes look expensive because of the name stitched onto the label. In reality, it’s usually the fabric doing the heavy lifting.
Instead of chasing big logos and obvious branding, focus on texture. A knitted polo, a linen overshirt, a suede loafer or a heavyweight cotton T-shirt will almost always look more refined than a plain garment with a designer logo splashed across the chest. Texture adds depth and visual interest, making even the simplest outfit feel more considered.
The best part is that it doesn’t have to cost more. Plenty of affordable brands now offer pieces in linen, seersucker, brushed cotton and textured knits. Build your wardrobe around fabrics rather than branding and your outfits will naturally look richer, without anyone needing to know what’s on the label.
Build Around Neutral Colours
One of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe work harder is to stop buying clothes in colours that only go with one outfit.
Building around timeless neutrals like navy, olive, ecru, stone, grey, white and various shades of brown means almost everything you own will work together. Getting dressed becomes easier, you’ll create far more outfit combinations from fewer pieces, and you’ll be far less tempted to buy something simply because it’s different.
That doesn’t mean avoiding colour altogether. It simply means treating brighter shades as accents rather than the foundation of your wardrobe. Get the neutral basics right first and you’ll spend less money, wear more of what you already own and always have something that works together.
Take Care Of What You Own
Even the most expensive clothes will look cheap if they’re creased, faded or covered in bobbles. Equally, affordable garments can look surprisingly premium if they’re properly looked after.
A little maintenance goes a long way. Fold knitwear instead of hanging it; use a fabric shaver to remove pilling; clean suede shoes regularly; and invest in decent wooden hangers for jackets and shirts. Washing clothes less frequently and always following the care label will also help colours stay richer and fabrics hold their shape for longer.
Looking after your wardrobe costs very little, but it can dramatically extend the life of your clothes. It also means everything you own looks newer, sharper and better cared for every time you put it on.