From the Mailbag: Shopping on an entry level job budget
I’m 23, recently employed, and want to stop looking like a boy pretending to be a man. I’ve been reading Dappered for a while and have learned a lot, but I’m struggling a bit on where to look for new clothes. Especially places that wont break my entry level salary.
– Andrew
First, congrats to Andrew. Welcome to the real world, and no matter how frustrating the minutia of real adulthood gets, always remember that those who say: “College/High School was the best time of my life” are doing it wrong.
Outfitting yourself in your early 20s has just as much to do with when you shop and how it fits as to where you spend that hard earned money. It’s a bit of a game and the idea here is to help you play it well. With that in mind, here’s five locations to consider spending what little hard earned money you have.
1. Thrift Stores, Savers, and Value Village
Thrifting is like golf. You can go six times and have crap results, yet all it takes is one good outing and you’re hooked once again. It takes patience but thrift stores, especially upgraded versions like Savers, can be a solid bet.
Look for: Blazers, t-shirts, merino sweaters, and button downs. Keep an eye out for good labels.
2. Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and Ross “Dress for Less”
These so called “Off-Price” retailers are sort of like the unworn/unused garage sales of retail. The stuff is all new, but it’s overstock and leftovers. Don’t expect to leave with something great every time. Marshalls store photo credit
Look for: Accessories like belts & solid ties, dress shirts which will need tailoring, and basics like underwear.
3. Target. No, really. Target.
Maybe not for a suit or blazer, but if you’re looking for any kind of casual stuff or even dressed up basics, try Target. Specifically their Mossimo line for your dressed down gear, and their Merona brand for ties and pocket squares.
Look for: The Timex Weekender, ties, dress shirts, trim polos and solid athletic t-shirts.
4. GAP, Banana Republic and J. Crew FACTORY during sales
You’ll have to be disciplined, but wait for 30% off sales. It’s worth it if you’re on a budget since you could score a suit for under $200, and blazers in the low $100s or double digits. Get lucky with a fit and you could skip tailoring.
Look for: Well fitting off the rack blazers, button downs, v-necks, and outerwear.
5. Macy’s during a One Day Sale
These happen about once a month. They also happen over two days (kinda like the Big 10 conference having a dozen teams.) Regular price items could easily be half off during these things. Lots to pick from, not all of it’s good.
Look for: Hilfiger Trim Fit suits for $225, INC blazers for cheap, Levi’s & Dockers D1s for $30-$40, CK shirts for $30.
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Some Final Tips
- Get a tailor and make fit a priority. Clothes that fit well look 10x more expensive.
- That said, you can skip dress shirt tailoring (for now) if your jackets are tailored and you wear one all the time.
- Don’t forget about outlet malls.
- Ebay is risky, but can pay off.
- Always keep in mind the reasons why you SHOULDN’T buy something.
- Flipping through the $1500 wardrobe might not be a bad idea.
What else? We’ve all been here. Suggestions go below. More here in this piece written for Primer. Top Photo Credit
I’ve been hoping for this article since I started reading Dappered. I’m a college undergrad with a very limited budget. Goodwill is a great resource for ties and target is really underrated. Also- H&M has a lot of really good prices if you’re the right build. Great post, thanks Joe!
Great advice Joe. The only thing I can add is to watch the Dockers’ & Levi’s websites for sales; they have many more sizes than I’ve ever found in stores & generally lower prices. Plus, if you sign up for their mailing lists each site will send you ~20% off + FS code to use on your next purchase (still valid as of a few weeks ago at any rate).
Thanks again.
Joe – it’s criminal to leave Old Navy off the list. Every time I go there I see VERY nice basics and casual stuff for dirt cheap. Button downs, v-necks, socks, jeans, blazers… you name and they’re selling an affordable version. Wait for a sale and they practically give the stuff away.
Depending where you are, I would also recommended Steinmart.It’s like a slightly more upscale TJ Max. They have an Alan Flusser line which is pretty cool, and an abundance of decent dress shirts, ties, and slacks.
Oh yeah, Van Heusen stores are filled with affordable gems. I used to work at one, and we pretty much went out of business because the stuff was being sold so low ($3 dress shirts – true story). It’s also worth noting I worked there about 8 years ago and the stuff I bought with my employee discount is still holding up nicely, so the quality should be no concern.
Great article Joe! Just a few additions, IMO:
+1 for H&M, as contributor Timothy just pointed out. At least in the midwest, they are putting out their fall items and have a few nice cardigans…both traditional and shawl collar for cheap.
Also +1 for Ebay, especially for shoes. I’ve purchased all of my Allen Edmonds off of Ebay for fractions of what they originally cost, and I still get the timeless, well-manufactured (and resole-able) AE quality.
I would add to this list thetiebar.com for ties and pocket squares. By far the largest selection of inexpensive ties that I’ve seen yet. Plus, relatively cheap pocket squares and tie bars.
Every one in a while I can find something cool at Burlington Coat Factory. I’ve picked up shoes and a coat or two. Never bought a suit there, but they have some awesome suits and jackets that can be had for seriously low.
Kohl’s also has gems on a regular basis. I’ve gotten some really nice button down shirts – the Sonoma line is great, Levi’s jeans, a $40 blazer (that fit perfectly without tailoring and is made from this ridiculously soft, cozy fabric), slim ties, etc.
It’s actually harder for me to not find something I like there.
I got my best fitting suit at a thrift store. Sadly, after 15 years, I have to take the pants in for some repairs. Hopefully they survive!
Waiting for sales at Express can also make the MX1s and polos worth it.
Lands End Canvas sales items should be added to this list too. J.Crew Factory is nice but more expensive generally.
Lands End Canvas is really thrifty place to shop to find some great clothes at rock-bottom prices. Just bought a pair of slim fit jeans for 14.99 w/free shipping.
Supporting LEC here too. I spent probably a little over a hundred there this summer, and came away with two pairs of jeans, four shirts, shoes, and red chinos.
+1 on ebay, although be wary of brand name stuff – counterfeits are in abundance. Also overstock.com has some good finds.
I would also add Lands’ End and L.L. Bean in the mix. Some solid choices for basics (ocbd and slacks) especially when you catch them on sale. For example, Lands’ End tailored fit no-iron oxfords are $25 right now.
Another tip: Try stuff on in-store and then search for it online. If it’s a brand that’s offered at multiple retailers, you can almost always find better prices online than you can in stores.
I’ll also add that H&M is a great place to get staples for cheap – but unfortunately, they don’t sell online in the US (yet) and they have a pretty limited number of brick-and-mortar stores. If you don’t live on one of the coasts or the Great Lakes, you are pretty much SOL.
I just scored a load of Merona shirts from Target for $10 each on clearance. They fit perfect on my thicker trunk with the light tapering.
I just scored a load of Merona shirts from Target for $10 each on clearance. They fit perfect on my thicker trunk with the light tapering.
Two places this has forgotten. For suits, Mens Wearhouse and Jos A Bank are two phenomenal choices. Their prices are horribly high, but they still have not managed to plan for the market. As such, they run ridiculous sales that tend to span half of the year. Right now, all suits on Mens Wearhouse online are buy one get one free.
I scored a load of Meronas as well – at $4.98 😉 need to get them taken in just a bit, but their fit off the rack is pretty great.
I managed to score some great condition AE Park Aves and Sanfords on eBay for a pittance ($60 for both pairs). After some polish, they now look just like their $300 brethren.
Some areas have Sym’s, which is like TJ Maxx.
Burlington Coat Factory was the first thing that I thought of. They are pretty much Ross or Marshalls but a little more upscale. It certainly is the first place that I will check for cheap suits. I picked up a really nice Calvin Klein suit there for $125, earlier this year.
Should also mention that H&M runs pretty small. If you are big man,either husky or tall, then you are pretty much screwed.
Meh. Jos. A Bank is actually the store that made me find Dappered and other internet resources. As in, “why does this suit from a respected retailer look so baggy on me.” I do have a non-pleated suit from them that fits decently, but I think that was luck on my part and is the exception rather than the rule.
As for other things like shirts and accessories, they tend not to go on sale and can be had at most other places for cheaper and/or better fitting.
I would go as far to say I would not recommend Jos. A. Bank. Just too risky for someone who isn’t experienced in knowing what they want or how a suit should fit.
Not gonna lie, got home from work, checked Dappered like I always do, saw this, and started grinning like an idiot. Pretty awesome.
A little more info if anyone is curious. Recently lost a bunch of weight, and am still losing. On my way to 200 from 246, and im 215 now, and have now entered the realm of trim fit shirts.+1 to that btw. I’m a 46, unlikely to change due to broad shoulders, and a 34 waist. Cant see myself hitting a 32.I have a suit….sort of. It went from being well tailored to looking like I’m wearing 6 ponchos sewn together. So my reward for hitting my goal is a new suit, and after reading Joe’s article on it , I’m thinking the grey J Crew Factory suit.
Right now, I have a few specific items I’m looking for. I want a navy or gray blazer, a few more dress shirts( i have blue, pale blue, blue check, white and lavender check), a couple sweaters and a pair or two of chinos.
All of this is a huge help, and thanks a bunch Joe and everyone that commented.
If you are a student, believe it or not, Club Monaco is tough to beat. Mind you I’m only talking about their items on sale, but as a student you get an additional 20% off your purchase, including sale items. T shirts are regularly marked down to 9 dollars (7.20), and sweaters that once were originally going for close to 100 dollars can easily be found for 19 (15.20). There are many other options, stop in and take a look!
Also, while dappered generally focuses on professional/going out/classy attire, for the guys that hit the gym, I highly recommend marshalls. The exact same apparel I see at Nike town in Boston can be found at my local marshalls for usually 60-70% off. This includes shorts, shirts and socks.
Love thrift stores.
They are definitely a crap shoot though.
Probably best not to go in with a wish list and just see what they have in your size, so you’re less frustrated and/or disappointed if you don’t find anything.
But when you can pick up a vintage Austin Reed wool trenchcoat for $8, that’s the kind of thing that keep you going.
Love the $1500 shopping guide. I vote for one every 6 months, hehe.
There’s a sale right now on Express. Trying out their small lion polos to see how they fit. You can also combo it with their regular tiered discounted pricing.
Got 2 pairs of shorts + 5 polos for $160 shipped.
I graduated a year ago, just took me a while to get employed
I graduated a year ago, just took me a while to get employed
Over the last 6 months I have bought 10 Calvin Klein slim fit dress shirts for $20 a piece from Ross and Tj maxx. Just ask them when their shipments come in and do your weekly check of the store on that day. I
Sorry – I can’t really get behind Men’s Wearhouse. Their suits are mostly junky and ill-fitting. And most of the “sales” seem more gimmicky than they do valid attempts to save the consumer money. It’s not really feasible a suit would be worth both $400 or $150 – it’s gotta be one or the other. Their dress shirts and ties seem to be worthwhile, though.
I find Jos A. Bank less offensive. I think the Dappered crowd skews younger, so we really aren’t their key demo. They seem to be targeting middle aged businessmen, not fashion savvy 20-somethings. I have noticed their fabrics are really nice though, so I would consider buying a sized-down suit and bringing it to my tailor.
I had not bought work clothes for years and hadn’t spent the time to figure out where to buy great clothes on a budget. I went to Macy’s a couple of days after Christmas last year and found things marked down by half or more. I got a Macy’s credit card and then 30 percent was added to the 50 percent discount. The Alfani red suits fit me perfectly and each one was about $125 with all the discounts. A gorgeous $400 wool and cashmere winter coat ended up being about $150. Marino wool sweaters were about $25 with all the discounts. Now heads turn, doors are opened for me, seats are offered on the subway and I get better tables at restaurants with these great looking clothes. If you can wait for the day after Christmas, you could yield a huge bonanza. Macy’s and the big retailers often overestimate what people will buy as gifts and have much to unload than in the rest of the year.
Kelly
I would have to add Daffy’s to the list. You can find really good bargains and for those who likeEuropean styles, they usually carry a large selection.
I love the tips in this article. Only thing I have to say is that it can be really hard to pick up on the brands at thrift stores if your not familiar. Sometimes elaborate names are just a diversion from the lack in quality.
The picture in the Target section is not selling it. That shirt doesn’t look like it fits at all.
Old Navy has some amazing stuff as well. Although the best place for me is Sears. I’m not a fan of their suits just because they don’t fit my body type well but I do have one from them and the construction is amazing. I go there for a lot of my casual clothes like dress shirts, sweaters, I get my overcoats there among other stuff. It’s a bonus of you’ve got a sears outlet store in your area. 100% silk ties for $8. Also I like Kohl’s. I like their suits with some tailoring, they have an acceptable selection of shoes and ties and watches and such and they always have some amazing sail going on. I’ve never paid more than half of the original sticker price for anything I’ve bought there. Since I live