You don’t have to break the bank to have great style! We’ve got ten tips to keep you looking your best without overspending:
1. Start with neutrals.
Build a versatile classic wardrobe that looks high-end on a small budget. Modern/warm neutrals like cream, taupe, olive, and khaki look clean and elevated, even if they are not designer. They also look good with all complexions. Traditional neutrals like black, white, gray, beige, brown, and navy offer a more varied palette. As you expand your wardrobe, bring in more colors for more variation.
2. Keep your shoes clean!
Dirty shoes are the quickest way to drag down an outfit. It’s simple, easy, and inexpensive to clean your shoes. And the impact is enormous! Check out this Men’s Health article on how to clean white sneakers.
3. Be your own barber.
Keeping your body, neck, and face free of strays shows you care about good grooming and a clean, classic style. The MicroTouch Titanium Trim is a cordless, handheld grooming tool for hair trimming, shaping, and detailing. It is an easy-to-use, at-home solution for haircuts, beard trims, and body grooming - with zero burn and irritation. With the right tools, you can save money on the barber and invest in your style!
4. Build a foundation.
You don’t need a ton of clothes to be stylish; just invest in versatile, high-quality basics that you can mix and match. This is also called a capsule wardrobe - just a few essential pieces that don’t go out of style and can be worn in various combinations. A short list of go-to items include: a good pair of well-fitted jeans - usually dark wash denim, a classic white shirt, tee shirts in white, gray and black, a versatile blazer, and a good pair of chinos. Neutral colored sneakers in white or gray will work with most looks. For stylish yet budget-friendly basics, check out Gap, Zara, and H&M—great places to build a wardrobe without overspending.
5. Shop smart; know where to look.
Thrift and consignment stores are great options for finding quality items for a fraction of the price. You need a lot of patience to sift through clothes and may have to make multiple visits until you find items you can get excited about. Look for treasures like a J.Crew jacket, a quality leather belt, or even gently used dress shoes. Take style to the next level, and find unique pieces that provide character and make your wardrobe a little more fun.
6. Get it tailored.
Fit matters! That discount or thrifted blazer will instantly elevate when tailored to your body. Hemming pants so they don’t drag or taking in the waist usually costs as little as $10–$20 and makes all the difference in the world. Well-fitting clothes are more important than expensive designer clothes. It helps to know your body measurements and identify your body type while shopping. Every shape has a different fit - slim fit for lean builds, regular fit for most body types, and a relaxed fit for larger frames or a looser fit. Shop for your body, and find a tailor to make any item look like it was made just for you.
7. Take advantage of sales, discounts, and outlet stores. There are tremendous savings in shopping the sales. Always check the clearance sections and be aware of the return policy, whether shopping online or in person. Look for off-season sales; shopping for clothes out of season will bring big discounts—like winter clothes in the spring and swimwear in the fall.
8. Make the most out of the clothes you have with layers and the Sandwich Method. Layering elevates your wardrobe. Try something as simple as a nice white tee under a patterned shirt or a vest over a long-sleeve tee. Another way to maximize your wardrobe is to focus on the Sandwich Method. Work off your capsule wardrobe to get the most out of your clothes. You create a sandwich of colors and textures from top to bottom:
- The top layer, or the bread, is the jacket, coat, hat, and blazer, which should complement the footwear.
- The middle layer, or filling, is the shirt, sweater, or tee shirt. This is the focal point, and it is a contrasting color.
- The bottom layer, or bread, consists of pants, jeans, chinos, and shoes. The colors of these pants or shoes should complement the top layer. They don’t have to match, but they should work together.
Combining colors and understanding color combinations sets your style apart as more elevated and cohesive, but if color is not your thing, check out this YouTube video for advice: Full Guide: How To Combine Colors In Your Outfits.
9. Accessories can transform an outfit from basic to stylish. You don’t need many accessories—just a good statement piece or two. A good watch is a classic accessory and doesn’t have to be expensive; stick to simple and sleek, like a classic Timex watch. Other accessories that elevate an outfit include a quality leather belt, a pair of current sunglasses that fit your face shape well, or a great beanie that suits your wardrobe.
10. Remember, the most important element of style is confidence. Wear what makes you feel your best, and you'll always look great. Embrace your unique look and own it - that's the key to true style.
With these tips, you don’t have to spend a lot to look polished, put together, and confident. Grooming is a key component, so look to MicroTouch for all your grooming needs. From trimmed hair to a beautiful bald head kept tidy with our Titanium Head Shaver, we’ve got you covered!