Creating a versatile, sharp wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. By far, the best course of action is to go slow. But for argument’s sake, let’s say you have to start from scratch, today. Over the next 5 days we’ll see how far a strict budget of $1500 can go. It won’t be easy and some corners will have to be cut, but the goal is to end with a setup of clothes that can have someone looking great in almost any situation. Remember, we’re playing with a total of $1500 here. So there will be an obvious focus on real affordable stuff, which can last with reasonable care. Also, remember that 90% of looking good is fit, so a well tailored $200 suit will look better than an ill fitting $1000 suit every single time.
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As much as some of us love our 501s, they don’t get under $40 that often (if at all.) But a pair of Levi’s 514s in their dark, “Tumbled Rigid” wash are almost always available for under $40 on Amazon and ship free & fast if you have their Prime service. They are a little bit slimmer than the 501, but they’re not quite to the level of skinny yet. Unless you’ve got soccer/skier thighs, you should be comfortable in these jeans which skim but don’t cling for most. Pics via Levis.com, where with a well timed code they might get even cheaper.
Yes they lean casual and the pockets dip a little low… but if you’re headed somewhere that you need to be dressed up, just wear one of your suits. These hit all of the right points on fit, looks, and price. A nice way to break out of the jeans habit for dirt cheap. They do fit a little slim through the lower legs, so be aware of that. Also worth a look: The mossimo cords and tailored washed chinos.
Remember all that cash we blew on Monday? Right. Use those pants when you need wool trousers. Honestly it’s not a great idea to make a habit out of wearing your suit pants separately. You want both pieces of your suit to wear at the same rate, but if you’re using the suit jackets as blazers on occasion, then at least each piece is getting some work away from the other. There’s also a case to be made that you don’t really need separate wool dress pants. If it’s dressy enough for wool trousers, then wear a suit. Dress it down by going tieless and maybe layer a sweater underneath for a poor man’s 3-piece.
TOTAL COST: $64.98
CASH REMAINING: $103.96
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