Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

The $1500 Wardrobe – Part I: Suits & Blazers

November 6, 2017 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Suits & Blazers – The $1500 Wardrobe Part I

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, seven 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 Charcoal Suit: Spier & Mackay in Slim or Contemp. Fit $350 – USD ($448 CAD)

Spier & Mackay

People love to argue about this every year, that Charcoal is suggested over Navy as your first suit, but I still remain unswayed to the Navy side. Why Charcoal instead of Navy? Because despite most guys aesthetically favoring navy blue over charcoal grey (myself included), you can wear charcoal to a funeral. And if you’re gonna own just one suit (yes, we’re purchasing just one suit for this experiment) you have to be able to have your suit pull duty in the most somber of situations. And charcoal, especially a sharkskin option like this one from Spier & Mackay, still looks great at weddings, out for big dates, and at job interviews. Looks great with black shoes, and yes, it’ll also look great with with brown shoes. All season weight Australian merino wool. Lined in bemberg, which breathes a bit, and much better than poly. Half canvas. Softer shoulders. Curved, boat-style chest pocket. Non-functioning sleeve cuff buttons make for easy tailoring. And Spier & Mackay will pay for return shipping if it happens to not work out, as long as it’s your first suit or sportcoat purchase.

 

The Versatile Blue Sportcoat: JCF Flex Chino Blazer – $84 @ 50% off

JCF Flex Chino Blazer

No, it’s not wool, but most fellas leaning on this $1500 wardrobe are gonna be new to the dressing “well” (whatever that means) game. And for most, a cotton sportcoat, in smooth chino, is gonna feel much less stuffy than a wool sportcoat. And therefor, it’ll get much more use. A full review of this thing is in the works, but know for now that it’s quite good. Totally unlined in the back for nice ventilation. Non-functioning sleeve buttons for easy tailoring. And the smooth chino “evening sky” fabric should go great with dark denim in the cooler months, and just fine with lighter weight linen or linen blend pants in the warmer months. Ignore the reviews. Those are about the khaki/olive version that was on the site last season. 50% off isn’t every day at JCF, but, with the big holiday sales coming? You should be able to get it for around that price pretty soon.

TOTAL COST: $434
CASH REMAINING: $1066

NOTE: Yes really. That’s all we’re putting in this first category this year. One suit, one sportcoat. In a few years past, we’ve done multiple suits & sportcoats (full disclosure: the dude writing this is a full-blown sportcoat addict). But while we lack variety, the suit and sportcoat chosen above would be the right play in 95% of situations that arise. 

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

Filed Under: Clothing Tagged With: $1500 Wardrobe 2017

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.

J. Crew: 30% off Select Full Price, 50% off Swim Trunks + Slub Cotton Tees

J. Crew: 30% off Select Full Price, 50% off Swim Trunks + Slub Cotton Tees

NOT final sale on that swim trunks and slub cotton tees deal.

$20 off Nike Killshots for summer, TheTieBar Sweater Polo Restock, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

$20 off Nike Killshots for summer, TheTieBar Sweater Polo Restock, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

And spring starts to turn towards summer.

How to Sweat Less – 10 Tips for a Stylish and less Sweaty Summer

How to Sweat Less – 10 Tips for a Stylish and less Sweaty Summer

Sweat less while dressed to impress.

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

  • $20 off Nike Killshots for summer, TheTieBar Sweater Polo Restock, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – The $49 Garment Duffle, $15 off $100 at Madewell, & More
  • How to Sweat Less – 10 Tips for a Stylish and less Sweaty Summer
  • J. Crew: 30% off Select Full Price, 50% off Swim Trunks + Slub Cotton Tees
  • In Review: On The Roger Advantage Tennis Sneakers
  • Steal Alert: Old Navy $16.99 Tech Shorts, $9.99 Tech Polos one-day-sale

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 © 2022 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.