Thread: Constructing a Good Wardrobe

Originally Posted by Lux4swaggers

Here's something new I came up with

Ralph Lauren Polo Chevron, found at polo outlet for $60-70

Shorts similar to this in different colours from H&M, $40

Toms i picked up for $60

Also, I have two pairs of Sperrys that go very well with shorts+polos

This may sound harsh, so please take with a grain of salt. I'm trying to be constructive, but funny, and hopefully not a jerk.

The shirt is a little loud, particularly the large Polo logo. Ditto for the large crocodile Lacoste and similar.
Boys wear shorts, men wear pants. Exception given for activities like boating or a beach club, but generally this has been the rule for centuries.
I like that Toms contributes to charity, but they belong on girls and hippies. Possible exception given again if you're near water.

At minimum:
-Classy polo shirts (Lacoste, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, even Old Navy or Gap if they have no logo).
-Button up shirts, mostly white (Brooks Brothers)
-Your jeans are fine. I wear Levis 514, too. Get maybe another dark non-faded pair.
-Dress shoes and/or moccasins (I prefer Italian, Ferragamo or Bruno Magli).
-A dressy jacket (leather, blazer, whatever matches your style, just not fleece/track style).

Depending on where you work and go out (and if you want to look like your avatar) you need:
-A suit in charcoal, navy pinstripe, and/or dark navy in roughly that order (Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Jos A Banks, or custom, they're not that expensive)
-Tie (you can find a stylish, well made tie for business or pleasure for very cheap, go with something striking for most business situations and simple if you want to wear it out)

You can combine between inexpensive items, like a Chaps tie and Old Navy polo shirt, along with a few luxury items, like Italian or British dress shoes and nice suit. I would skip designer suits unless they fit really well and focus on business suit brands. Also, a custom made suit is very reasonable and will last. For the designer stuff like Lacoste and Ferragamo, you can find most of this stuff new or lightly used on eBay at huge discounts.

I like suits a lot. If not a suit, then a dress shirt and slacks, sometimes with a sweater on top of the shirt.

Ralph Lauren
Brooks Brothers
Vineyard Vines
Southern Tide

Go down to a thrift store and save $$$$

Just a side note for those who have more than a few ties. Try to get away from stripes, they are good to have in small quantities, because they go with everythign and are very conservative. However, once you start to get some nicer stuff/more variety upgrade your ties too. Paisleys and other different pattern ties really do make an impression. I'm partial to Zegna's because they are some of the nicest silk and have different "layers" of detail with things like holograms (not exactly, but basically) and patterns within the pattern.

Also I like Robert Graham shirts for the same reason, different patterns with detail inside the collar and cuffs, cant tell you how many conversations they've started.

Also, also, i agree with saintz, nice loafers are the way to go, I also like the Ferragamos bc they fit my feet the best, but I'll rock Pradas every so often.If you can afford them, they make a difference.

Originally Posted by SVTxTERM1NATOR

Ralph Lauren
Brooks Brothers
Vineyard Vines
Southern Tide

Go down to a thrift store and save $$$$

This is good.

I also throw in some Tommy Hilfiger. It isn't as popular as say POLO, but I like it a lot.

Dress shirts and suits should be fitted only. My Brooks Brother's shirts cost $100 and change, and are next to none.
You can't beat Indochino for fitted suits... there is a thread here on them.

Everything else you can find on Gilt, eBay (beware of new stuff, sometimes fakes), or outlets.

All the brands people have mentioned above are great, but what really looks good is how well your clothes fit. Loose, sloppy clothes look like crap. Get things off the shelf that fit, get what you can tailored.

I'm lazy so I just let Ralph Lauren pick my clothes.

Originally Posted by SVTxTERM1NATOR

Ralph Lauren
Brooks Brothers
Vineyard Vines
Southern Tide

Go down to a thrift store and save $$$$

I have to agree with the southern tide best normal polos I own.

How does Southern Tide compare to, say, Brooks Brothers? I've never heard of them, but they look equally or more expensive.

What a fantastic thread. Great info here. Unfortunately, being a house-husband/stay-at-home parent with two kids has left my clothing choices a little limited. I ultimately need durable and easy to clean clothes. With this in mind, a good tailor is worth a lot. If you take an average priced piece of clothing and alter it to fit you, it looks so much better than more expensive clothing that is off the rack.

Jeans, polos, and t-shirts are my staples these days and I buy things that fit well on me. Men often buy too large a size. It's not flattering. Take the time to access the fit of any new piece of clothing. I spend a lot less on clothing then I used to, but I think my clothes still look great thanks to taking the time to find a great fit. You really don't need to spend a fortune to look good. Someone also said it before, but keep it simple. It's so important that it's worth mentioning twice.

Shoes, belt and a nice watch are areas where you don't want to cut corners. Those items really flatter anything if chosen correctly. They are also worn more frequently than each piece of clothing, so you can feel the importance of these items in your wardrobe.