Dressing stylish and fashionable usually costs money, and not everyone can afford to shell out thousands of pounds for a tailor-made suit. But there are ways to make any modern gentleman look elegant without breaking the bank.
It’s a common misconception that in order to have that expensive, sophisticated look you need to spend lots of money. We admit that good quality clothes cost money, but being elegant doesn’t necessarily mean investing more in your wardrobe. You just need to be a little smarter.
What to consider when customizing your wardrobe
Before you go on a shopping spree, raid the nearest respectable suit atelier, or binge-buy at your local thrift shop, decide how much you’re willing to spend, and don’t forget to keep a tab of your expenses. Coming up with a budget is a good first step to having your own capsule wardrobe.
For many people, shopping is impulsive. When you have a set budget, however, you can’t afford to go wild. A smart way to keep an eye on how much you spend is to put everything in a spreadsheet. There are plenty of options out there, but we found one that can help you track your expenses and, if needed, give yourself a personal finance makeover. It also includes a budget worksheet.
The key is to spend money on the essentials; the basics can be combined and matched with other pieces and accessories. In the long run, it pays to have fewer items, but of better quality.
Lastly, it’s good to know what looks you are aiming for, and plan your budget and purchases according to that. Wearing suits all day long takes a special kind of dedication and effort. Business casual is a more versatile approach to everyday elegance. Find a style that best suits you, research what shopping options are available, and be picky. Don’t compromise with quality.
How to buy quality garments on a budget
Finding well-fitted, high-quality clothes that don’t cost an arm and a leg seems daunting at first, but with a bit of planning, it can be relatively easy. There are certain things to keep in mind here.
Go for quality – No matter what people say, good quality pays off in the long run. Invest in one well-tailored suit rather than in several that are poorly crafted. If you can’t afford custom-made suits go for a well-known off-the-rack brand and look if they offer discounts. Make sure you get the best for your money.
Have your own tailor – Buying a tailor-made suit means that it’s made to fit perfectly. But if you go for online retailers you’ll get the “one size fits all” type suits. To make it look like a properly tailored suit, you’ll most likely need to alter it in some way. That’s why having a person who can do that for you is important. It will cost extra, but in return, you’ll get a suit that fits like a glove and looks expensive.
Be creative with your wardrobe – To achieve an ‘effortlessly-looking elegant’ look you have to be picky about quality, pricing, and where you shop. Look for online and seasonal discounts. Check second hand and vintage shops. Look for well-fitted garments that require little to no alterations. The key to looking stylish is to own a few “core” pieces, and learn to properly mix and match them.
Know what’s essential – You don’t really need a lot of things, but there are few which are essential for every gentleman.
- A nice suit, trousers, and a jacket that fit you well
- Light-colored dress shirt
- Matching tie in a muted color that can be used for any occasion
- Good quality shoes and accessories
Making the best out of your budget
If you can stick to the above guidelines, you avoid lots of shopping traps, look like the best version of yourself, and save money.
Author:
Christian Antonoff
Bio: Christian is a content writer at Oliver Wicks. He has worked as a journalist and is passionate about music, concerts, and coffee. In his spare time, he loves to travel and attend art exhibitions.
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