Shoes – The $1500 Wardrobe Part II
Building a wardrobe is almost always a process and not a one weekend affair. But what if you had to blow up your closet and start from almost scratch? Sure you’d keep a few things. Maybe have your tailor make a few tweaks, and keep a favorite pair of beat up boots. But what about the rest? Suppose you were also on a strict budget of $1500.
Over the next five weeks we’ll explore some of the best options for remaking a budget friendly guy’s wardrobe one section at a time. A lot of these will be basics and necessities (but not underwear or socks). It probably won’t be easy, some corners will be cut, but the total budget is set at a strict $1500. Let’s see how far we can stretch it.
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The Black Laceup: Magnanni Federico Oxford – $199.00 
Going big out of the gates and we’re going to pay for it later. But look at the lines on these things. Made in Spain, not too elongated but far from stumpy… one of those “plain” shoes that should really stand out. A true oxford with closed lacing. Free two-day shipping from Endless.
The Brown Laceup: Banana Republic San Marcos Wingtip – $110 w/ BRSUMMER ($140)
NOTE: The BRSUMMER code is good for $30 off $100 with a GAP/BR/ON Card. If you don’t have one of those and you’re interested… wait on these till they run a 25-30% off sale.
And this is where we’re paying for it. Quality is sketchy and reviews are all over the map. But again, we’re trying to stick to a $1500 limit. It’s one of the few affordable yet still interesting looking warm brown shoes out there. Ships free, andn keep your receipt. Also worth a look: This new Italian Made dress oxford for $140. And speaking of…
The Brown Suede: Mike Konos Suede Oxford – $99.94
They’re that good. Suede lace-ups are favored by many for being the right option inbetween sneakers & dress shoes. But unlike most suede bucks, the toe on these made in Italy oxfords isn’t clunky. At all. Socks, sockless, jeans, chinos, whatever, they work with everything. A personal favorite. Full review with how to wear em’ here.
UPDATE: If you’re seriously looking to pick up not one but two pairs of shoes, DSW is running a one-day 20% off 2-pairs with the code BUY2. So these suedes, plus their cousin dress oxford, come out to $191 total.
The Almost White Sneaker: PF Flyers Center Lo in Natural Canvas – $44.99
(reg. $45)
Because you’ll need at least one pair of light sneakers and the PF Flyer center lo can go toe-to-toe with the J. Purcell on comfort (The P.F. does stand for Posture Foundation). It also usually costs less and has that extra texture at the toe bumper. Absolutely wearable in cooler weather. White is good, but the natural color let’s them blend in a bit.
TOTAL COST: $453.93
CASH REMAINING: $853.99
Upcoming Categories: Suits & Blazers 5/25, Pants – 6/1, The Rest – 6/8
For Previous $1500 Wardrobe Selections, click here.