The $1500 Wardrobe – Part III: Shirts and Sweaters

Shirts and Sweaters – The $1500 Wardrobe Part III

Creating a versatile, sharp wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. The best course of action is to go slow. But for argument’s sake, let’s say you need a major wardrobe makeover, stat. Over the next week we’ll see what a strict budget of $1500 can do.

Despite prices going up everywhere, we’re still sticking with a $1500 budget. (Which is the budget we started with, six years ago when this experiment began.) The outcome might not impress the menswear snobs, but why care? The goal is to balance quality with affordability, accessibility with versatility. Not every last stitch (like underwear) will be covered. We’re not burning the clothes you likely already have. The goal is to finish with a setup of clothes that can have someone looking great in most situations. The focus will be on affordable goods which can last with reasonable care. Also know that since tailoring costs can vary wildly, those aren’t a part of the final cost.

 

The Dress Shirts: Two Nordstrom Trim Fit Dress Shirts – $55 per

Damn. Was really hoping they’d still be on sale for the $1500 wardrobe. But? They aren’t. Still, tough to beat the quality for the price. Plus they ship and return for free. Neck and sleeve sizing. You want one white, and one pale blue.

 

The Versatile OCBD: Old Navy Slim Fit Stretch Oxford – $20.96*

Very well reviewed, available in a ton of colors (we’re going with white for the $1500 wardrobe) and cheaper than the competition. That’ll do. This is the shirt you’ll reach for again and again, when a dress shirt just feels like it’ll be too much. *Note: This price reflects a 40% discount, which happens often.

 

The Slim, Logo Free Polos: 2 UNIQLO Button Down Polos – $14.90 per

I know some of you don’t like the button down collar. And UNIQLO has been monkeying with their fits these last few months. So that said, there’s always the JCF slim jersey polo. But in defense of the UNIQLO option, the polo-style collar (y’know, the buttons) really does help make it look a heck of a lot better. Those buttoned down collar points won’t curl or pancake under a blazer like regular polo collars.

 

The Merino V-Necks: UNIQLO Merino V in Light Grey & Dark Green – $29.90 per

The two reviews on the UNIQLO site absolutely KILLS these things. Were they expecting a thick lambswool sweater? The really nice thing about UNIQLO’s extra fine merino is… wait for it… how fine it is. It’s a super thin, yet strong (in my experience?) layer that regulates temperature. Meaning: It’s a nice extra layer that doesn’t put the “sweat” in sweater.

TOTAL COST: $220.56
CASH REMAINING: $363.65