Truthfully? I like expensive, nice-looking clothes as much as anyone. Hell, my Instagram saved folder is literally just a collection of gorgeous hand-stitched jackets I’ll never afford, handmade cordovan loafers, Japanese denim priced like a small motorcycle.
I get paid to write about luxury menswear for chrissakes. But there’s one reason I’ve been able to stay in this industry for fifteen years: Nothing “has to be expensive” to be effective. Let me explain… Some of my most helpful style advice has nothing to do with buying expensive suits or simple wardrobe additions.
Hell, I’d argue that some of the biggest bang-for-your-buck upgrades for most dudes come from low-cost tweaks and tricks that upgrade the little things nobody thinks about. Small improvements that elevate everything else you own.
Trust me, I know how counterintuitive that sounds if you follow me on Instagram.
But hear me out. Way back when I was a broke-ass media assistant living in a shoebox flat in Brooklyn with three roommates (lol what), I was fascinated by how incredibly stylish certain people always looked no matter the occasion. What I learned is that most of their gear was totally normal and accessible.
It was the little things they knew to invest in that made such a massive difference. I discovered most of these tips and tricks during my spending-as-much-as-I-make-on-clothes phase and years later I still apply them anytime I’m furnishing someone else’s wardrobe or my own. If you want to look really good on a budget or just make your closet work harder for you, don’t underestimate low-cost investments that refine your approach to dressing.
Here are 16 of my favourites. For roughly $35 you can buy both a decent jumper shaver to get rid of pesky pilling and an inexpensive handheld garment steamer to instantly de-wrinkle shirts and trousers. These two items have improved more sad closets than anything else.
If you own a cotton or wool jumper that has developed annoying fuzz (aka pilling), you know how irritatingly impossible it is to get rid of it. Not anymore! Just run a fabric shaver over the affected areas and voila: brand new jumper.
Additionally, if you own even a single shirt that you’ve thrown into your suitcase at the last minute (raises hand), you know how frustrating it is to carelessly wrinkle it only to have to now iron it. Who wants to wait for an iron to heat up when you can instantly steam your garment in under 5 minutes? Not me!
I live in jeans so this should come as no surprise, but *properly cleaned* jeans that fit amazing will always look better than “dry-clean-only” fancy trousers. Sure, having a nice blazer is cool and totally necessary if you work in a professional office environment, but jeans and a stylish blazer can take you anywhere else. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, I recommend checking out the recent article I published on how to wear jeans in your 20’s.
The easiest way to make jeans look high-end is to bleed them. Yep, you read that right. Make your trousers look cheap by washing them withtie-dye shirts.
Even the nicest jeans will look inexpensive if they don’t fit properly. If you need help picking a pair of jeans that fits your body perfectly, cheque out our Ultimate Guide on How to Wear jeans or feel free to contact us for personalized style advice. No-jahhnkies?!
Why would I ever want that? If you’re anything like me your summer footwear is either gym-ridden Nike Cortez or Timberlands (I have the feelings). While I love both of these shoes, wearing the same thing all summer gets boring.
To keep your feet cool and add some flavour to your outfit mix up your shoe game with no-show socks. Not only will you avoid wearing socks with sandals, but you’ll also look instantly more stylish. This one is too easy.
Now the thing about crazy expensive suits is you rarely spend much time looking at these guy’s jeans. Most are likely White Jeans (some higher-end brands may go for a slightly darker hue). White jeans have the miraculous ability of taking any outfit from 100-0 real fast.
If you’re wearing white jeans but don’t feel white jeans chic, it’s probably because you’re doing it wrong. Consider reading our tricks for wearing white jeans to avoid making a fashion faux pas. The second people stop staring at your trousers and pay attention to what you’re wearing on your feet you’ve got them hooked.
Loafers are an often overlooked shoe that can instantly elevate any outfit. They look preppy AF with jeans and a tee but also work well in more formal settings. There are tons of cute loafer styles to choose from but a classic style that will never go out of style is the Plain Toe Loafer.
Feel free to cheque out our full Guide on How to wear loafers to learn more. Back in high school I once wore the wrong colour shirt with brown shoes. My mum saw me and said “those shoes don’t go with that shirt.” I was so embarrassed because everyone was looking at my shoes!
Truthfully, shoes are the foundation of every outfit. Invest in a solid pair of kicks that go with everything and you’ll never go wrong. Trainers come in all shapes and sizes so make sure you pick a pair that suit your personal style.
Here are some of our favourite trainer styles to cheque out. Everybody knows boots and leather jackets go together, but have you ever noticed that every time someone wears a leather jacket with boots it’s black? Break out of the norm and try pairing your favourite winter boots with a brown leather jacket.
Brown boots and a brown leather jacket can look really sharp together as well. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and colour block! Speaking of boots, boots and blue jeans were made for each other.
Throw on your favourite flannel shirt and you’re good to go. If you’re looking to start slow you can’t go wrong with adding in a pair of chinos to your wardrobe. I recommend picking up a pair of beige chinos to start.
Not only will these go with anything, but the neutral colour will make styling them way easier. For help styling chinos cheque out our Ultimate Guide on How to Style Chinos. Newsflash denim lovers.
Mixing denim doesn’t always have to look bad. Just because you’re pairing two pieces of the same material doesn’t mean you have to wear the exact same jeans and jacket. Play around with different denim shades and textures to create a stylish juxtaposition.
For more denim mixing tips read our How to Mix Denim article. A neutral watch is a classic for a reason. Not only will it go with anything but it will instantly upgrade any outfit you throw on.
Clock shopping can be quite the endeavour as there are so many different styles to choose from. Here’s a list of our favourite watches that won’t break the bank. Believe it or not, belts actually serve a purpose other than just holding your trousers up.
A simple brown leather belt can take your outfit from boring to Brownie Points! If you’re not sure what colour belt to wear here’s a handy guide. Building a quality watch collection can take some time, money, and research.
In the meantime, shop our collection of affordable watches. Who knew trousers were so versatile? Whether you’re wearing joggers, sweats, shorts or chinos you can always add a sports coat on top.
Not only will you look put together but kicking it with your jacket off will scream style points. Alright guys listen up! Don’t wear shorts that are too short.
I’m guilty of this too sometimes. There is nothing sexier than a man with nice legs in some shorts, but make sure you’re showing off the right amount of leg. Not too little, not too much.
Just right.
Did you know golf shirts are meant to be tucked in? Who knew these little details existed?
For even more tips on how to wear golf shirts cheque out our Ultimate Guide. Seen an embarrassing photo of yourself lately? Neither have we!
Gucci released their 2019 Spring collection a few months back and ever since we’ve been seeing these lil’ guys pop up everywhere. Although some may see them as underwear, I prefer to call them dress socks. Regardless, cover those naked ankles and buy yourself a pair of Gucci socks.
If you guys liked our list of subtle style secrets and would like to see more feel free to let us know down below. Do you have any subtle style tips that you swear by? Leave them for us in the comment section below.
Peace!
