Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

The $1500 Wardrobe – Shoes

November 12, 2013 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Shoes – The $1500 Wardrobe Part II

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, some corners will have to be cut, and not every last stitch of clothing (like underwear) will be covered. But the goal is finish with a setup of clothes that can have someone looking great in most situations.  Remember, we’re playing with a total of $1500 here.  So the  focus will be on real affordable goods which can last with reasonable care.  Also, remember that 90% of looking good is fit, and tailoring costs can vary wildly. So those haven’t been added to the final cost.

 

The Medium to Dark Brown Cap Toe Oxford: Jack Erwin – $195.00

Jack Erwin Cap

If you’re building a foundation, skip the flash of a super-detailed brogue or half-brogue (more on that next week) and instead go with a simple, true-oxford (read: closed lacing) cap toe. For the color, there will be time for cognanc and tan. Stick with dark brown. Now, before many of you wharrgabl about the pick… yes, you can hit eBay to try and find a pair of lightly used Allen Edmonds. But some have struck out on eBay, and then there’s the fact that the cork midsoles often mold to the prior owners feet. There can be trouble if your footprint doesn’t line up with the impression left behind. For new AEs, the goal is low to mid $200s for first quality. That means you’re waiting on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, a big Allen Edmonds sale, or the Nordstrom Half-Yearly clearances in June and December. For what’s available now, consider Jack Erwin. They offer modern looks without getting pointy or trendy. Blake stitch construction so they’ll be sleek. Nice and solid while being lightweight. Not quite bulletproof  feeling  like AEs, but worth it at just under $200. More here.

 

The Interesting Black Oxford: Allen Edmonds Weybridge – $197.00 ($345)

weybridge 1500

Brown shoes are currently in favor, but the style-community’s sometimes seemingly wholesale dismissal of black is just not smart. Black shoes are clean, mean, and professional. Some say black doesn’t go with navy. Not true. What would you wear with a midnight navy tux then? Tan monk straps? Black shoes CAN get dangerously boring. So since it’s more subdued and somber in shade than a merlot, brown, or cognanc shoe, get after it with some details. The punching & medallion on the Weybridge is equal parts modern, and… strange. But since they’re black, you don’t notice the odd design right away. They’re downright awesome in person. Currently a steal at under $200.

 

Clarks Original in Beeswax Leather – $72.00 w/ 2OVETRNS

Clarks Beeswax 1500

That’s an awfully nice price for a well loved classic. Leather uppers, crepe sole, and timeless style. Just one drawback: Crepe soles can get pretty dirty, pretty fast. But you’re wearing these things casually. So don’t overthink it. They also go with just about everything. Code is good for an additional 20% off select styles sold by Amazon, including the Clarks Desert, and expires tonight.

 

The Classic Sneaker: PF Flyers Center Lo in Natural – $29.98

PR Flyers 1500

With a bit more support than Chucks, the PF Flyers Center Lo is a basic canvas sneaker that won’t be murder on your back. Now, you don’t want to stand for 10 hours straight in these things, but they are an improvement over many paper thin, cheap canvas sneaks. Plus, they’re extremely affordable at thirty bucks. Nice off-white upper, metal eyelets, and that sweet Red/White/Blue heel stripe just above the green PF logo. Wear with wool socks on the weekend now (really) or, sockless in the summer.

TOTAL COST: $493.98
CASH REMAINING: $371.85

Upcoming Categories:  Shirts & Sweaters, Pants, The Rest.

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: 1500 wardrobe, Allen Edmonds, Clarks, Jack Eriwn, PF Flyers

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Idea starters including neck massages, pickleball, and a little Sherlock Holmes.

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

Why having Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT as stylists probably isn’t a great idea.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.