10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Retro Stripe Sweaters, Wool Jackets, Your New Favorite Pants, & More

Seventy Five bucks. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a decent casual dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, with some of them much, much less. Expect these round-ups on a monthly basis. Got a tip on something for under $75? Send those in to joe@dappered.com.

 

J.C.F. Contrast-Ribbed Lambswool Cardigan – $53.95 w/ THISISTHEJAM

A dead ringer for the super dense, boiled wool Wallace & Barnes number from a couple winters back. Sure, the quality is gonna be a step down compared to the W&B (for instance, the buttons…) but overall? For a house sweater? The looks and execution seem to be super nice for the price point. Ships free today with the code too.

 

JCPenney Stafford Signature Wool Sportcoat – $75 – $99ish

Price will fluctuate depending on sales and codes. Get a load of that extra ticket pocket. And those deep windowpane patterns are perfect for the fall and winter. Big thanks to Scott S. for the tip! (NOTE: Looks like JCPenney is doing a “4 days, 40% off” promotion. So, they’ve jacked many desirables up to full price. Which is worth giving the side-eye too. Their goods are hardly ever at full price, and it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to deduce that they’ve goosed the prices into the stratosphere to make up for the 40% off. So, wait. Wait until they’re “on sale” for about half off, then apply one of their perpetual 20% – 25% off codes to get the $75-$99ish price point.)

 

Lands’ End Flannel 5-Pockets – $39.50 w/ HALFOFF & 9710 ($79)

Sorry, what? Lands’ End is running a 50% off code? Limited to just one item, but still. Can’t recall the last time they did that. For the pants… they’re crazy comfortable. Has a perfect level of “fuzz”… meaning, they’re soft, but not furry. Easy to wear with sweaters or sportcoats. Straight fit, and available in either this pale grey shown above, or a deep navy. Size shown is 33×30. Accessible, casual luxury. (Whatever that means, but, it seems to define the feel of these pants.)

 

Penderyn Madeira Finished Welsh Single Malt Whiskey – $69.99

Matured in Bourbon and then finished in Madeira casks. No smoke here. Much more on the light and easy side. A few hints of honey and citrus, and some heartier leather notes. Bottled at 46%, so there’s some spice in there, but it’s deceptively smooth. If there was such a thing as a lunch time whiskey (which, there really probably shouldn’t be…) then this would be it. Something to pour a finger or two of, and settle into Hinterland by.

 

Aldo Gazzoldo Single Monks – $69.95 w/ FALL2016 ($79.95)

So Aldo isn’t really known for their quality. But boy. The price sure is nice. And the buckle placement, that far back, keeps em’ sleek. A real dress loafer. Flashy? Sure, a little.

 

Old Navy Built-In Flex Brushed Twill Slim Pants – $23.96 w/ FALL

Brushed Twill = soft. Moleskin like. Only cheaper than your average pair of moleskin trousers. 5-pocket jean-like style. Four different shades to pick from. Should go on sale from time to time (doesn’t appear to have an “Everyday Steal” note/exclusion at post time?

 

A&F Wool Striped Sweater – $68.00

Abercrombie & Fitch is trying to re-brand themselves. They’ve hired the guy who used to run the men’s side at Club Monaco, and he’s even said that “nothing is safe” when it comes to gutting and re-building the brand. Will they ever return to their Teddy-Roosevelt-like roots? Probably not, but a classic, retro inspired all wool sweater like this one isn’t a bad start.

 

TheTieBar Wool Plaid “Blackmore” Double Sided Pocket Square – $10

Wool fabric that’s not bulky or scratchy. Plaid on one side with a tiny floral pattern on the other. The kind of crisp blues and greens that you can see this time of year in icy skies in flyover country and up on the northern coasts. Here’s one way to wear it.

 

H&M Wool Blend Coach Jacket – $79.99

Just over the threshold, but between the free shipping at $40 codes and the every so often sale, this should dip under easily in the not too distant future. 62% polyester, 36% wool, 2% acrylic blend fabric. Appears to have matte metal snaps. Rich, dark beige shade or also available in navy. A basic, but a classic. Flip that collar up like a mac to keep the wind off your neck. Ships free with the code 0040.

 

Portolano 100% Cashmere Ribbed Scarf – $64.97

Pick a color, any (or just about) color. On sale via Nordstrom Rack. Ribbed knit for texture, but solid colors keep it simple. Cashmere? It’s a high priced luxury. But if you’re gonna splurge on something, might as well be for something you wrap around your neck.

For other Best Bets under $75 from previous months, click here.