fbpx

Men’s Fashion on a Budget: Best Tips, Outfits & Store List for Shopping

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

It’s no secret that men can dress amazingly well if they have a few more thousand dollars to spare on clothing. For decades, magazines have been telling us how easy it is to look like Ryan Gosling or Bradley Cooper as long as you have an unlimited budget. But how men can affordably dress better is more of a mystery.

This guide aims to help you determine how and where to shop for great clothing without breaking the bank. Dressing on a budget can be time-saving and rewarding if you just know where to look. Whether you’re looking to buy only a couple of T-shirts or build a whole wardrobe, I’ll show you that and more. So, let’s begin.

Is It Possible to Look Stylish on a Budget?

Today’s stylish men work with a combination of clothing classics, investment pieces, and trendy items to keep their wardrobe fresh. But it doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on those goods to look good. Instead, it’s all about finding the perfect balance.

There are a ton of stylish outfits and clothes that you can buy affordably. Most of these are timeless clothes, like a white shirt and denim jeans. These clothes pair well with others, so they’ll look great and you have the option of switching things up.This way, you’ll never get bored of your wardrobe while staying on a budget.

How to Build a Wardrobe on a Budget for Men?

The key to building a high-quality wardrobe is developing a flawless shopping strategy.

First of all, you need to know what you’re looking for. Top-grade fabrics should be your main priority so that your garments last longer. I also recommend you take your time. Building a new wardrobe doesn’t mean buying everything all at once. Create a list of essentials and prioritize them based on your needs. 

With these general dos and don’ts in mind, you’re ready to personalize your approach to building your wardrobe.

Men’s Fashion on a Budget

We’ll go over everything from finding the right clothes, figuring out what makes a good investment, all the way to finding your own brand. Here’s everything you need to know about men’s fashion on a budget.

Figure out a budget

It’s easier to plan your shopping trips and avoid overspending when you have a number to work with. Listing all the clothing you think you’ll need to buy in one year is one of the best ways to make a budget. You can estimate how much you’d like to spend on each item. Then, once you have a total, hold yourself to it and don’t spend more.

The award-winning financial planner, Pete Dunn, recommends you spend around five percent of your monthly income on clothing. Multiply your take-home money pay by 0.05 to get the exact number of this equation.

A proper clothing budget can help you shape a daunting wardrobe. It will present you with a monthly reminder that you have funds set aside to invest in your style. If you don’t use the funds for one month, they simply add on to the next one. It also sets boundaries to help avoid shopper’s remorse. You’ll get back home having bought what you really needed and with zero worries about your bank account.

Fast fashion stores will have you spending a ton of money on a lot of items you’ll end up throwing out the following season. Not to mention how harmful this is for the environment. This is why I always suggest you spend for quality, not quantity.

Find your Brand

A good start is to first find specific brands that suit both your body type and your lifestyle. Different brands tend to fit differently, so I suggest you experiment with various cuts and shapes to find what works best for you. 

Since every brand has its own unique style, it’s probably a good idea to consider buying matching clothing or pick neutral ones that are versatile enough to pair with your current wardrobe. For example, you can’t go wrong with buying a good pair of jeans and a neutral-colored shirt from the same brand. Since they’re from the same brand, they’re designed to look good together anyway.

You may come across many brands that suit your style and also sell budget-friendly clothes. It’s generally easier to just stick to at least four branded shops to shop from, rather than to continually explore different stores. This saves you money, because once you find a brand with designs you like and quality to last you years, experimenting with new stores is only going to cost you more unnecessarily. 

Some of our favorite affordable stores for men are Uniqlo, H&M, Target, Amazon, and Asos. We’ll get into more details about all these later on.

Invest in pairable clothes

As I was saying, investing in matchable clothing pieces or basic style staples is key to never run out of stylish outfits to wear. I can’t stress this enough, but get as many classics as you can! Here we’ll run by some of the essentials you must have in your wardrobe.

White, grey and black shirts

Well-made shirts promise ultra-soft fabrics that will help you look effortlessly cool. These are a staple, which means they never go out of style. Shirts have a short shelf-life, and investing in high-quality ones is a good choice to make them last longer and save money in the long run.

Denim jeans

High-quality denim can be nearly indestructible. They’re an everyday item, which is why I recommend you invest in a few styles from brands that have a wide range of body types. Denim micro-trends like capris and baggy fits may come and go, but classic cuts are timeless.

Black pants

This is another staple that will get regular use. You can either wear them to the office or use them as a foundation to create a smart-casual outfit. Black pants look great at night, as well as pair easily with simple shirts, a jacket, and leather shoes or sneakers. When properly cared for, a high-quality pair black pants won’t fade and will last you years.

Winter coat

This is where pricey can mean budget. Getting a high-quality winter coat with a classic design will keep you stylish and last you years. This is definitely one of those things where spending extra means saving more. Snow, moisture, and the cold can easily ruin cheaper coats. Not to mention the lower-end products won’t keep you as warm too.

Thrift store

Despite Macklemore making it sound so easy, old-school thrifting can be a real challenge. This is why you may prefer shopping through online thrift stores to find amazing pre-loved clothes faster and from the comfort of your home. If you’re not browsing second hand stores from time to time, you’re missing out.

You can buy better quality clothes and develop a unique sense of style at a fraction of the price of those you’d find at the mall. If you feel nervous about shopping second hand, I have some advice for you. Don’t be. There’s no shame in buying secondhand clothes that are still in great shape, especially considering how fast fashion produces so much waste. Nowadays, even people who drop thousands of dollars on new clothes also thrift occasionally.

Often, a lot of what you can find in thrift stores are old Forever 21 collections cast off from two years ago but don’t get discouraged. You can find real gems if you only take the time to search. You can even find vintage pieces of clothing that are actually 40 years old out there.

Avoid designer brands

Spending a lot of money on designer brands doesn’t make sense, and here’s why. Buying designer clothes is expensive just because of the fancy name on the tag. It’s more for status than design. You can look just as good with a more affordable item that looks exactly the same and was made with the same fabric.

Plus, you may develop fashion impostor syndrome (FIS) when you’re constantly buying high-end fashion items. With this psychological disorder, you will never be satisfied with just how much and how fabulous the clothes and accessories you have. 

That being said, if you’re a fan of luxury watches like Patek Philippe or Grand Seiko, you can once in a while treat yourself. Just remember not to do it periodically because you’ll empty your bank accounts before you even realize it. 

Buy a jacket

Even if it’s not so cold outside, outerwear is still an opportunity to take your outfit to the next level. A creative color scheme or pattern on a coat can take your look from an everyday outfit to a statement maker.

Just make sure the shoulders and sleeve lengths fit you perfectly to accomplish a polished look. You can try trench coats or long hooded jackets, which are some of the trendiest winter clothing for men right now.

Many people say a good jacket is the single element that defines your whole look, and they’re sometimes right. 

If you’re the type to work out, you can try shopping at Sport Chek. It’s located in Canada, but they offer international shipping and have one of the best quality-price ratios you’ll find in the market for gym wear. On the other hand, Gap is probably the best choice for you if you’re looking to dress in a more urban style.

Get a great pair of shoes

They say to always invest in quality items that separate you from the ground, and this includes shoes. These will undoubtedly make or break your outfit. Above all, they should be clean, in good shape, and timeless in style. A pair of footwear that’s too casual or overly dressy can ruin even the most flawless ensemble. Here I’ll tell you two ways to get a high-quality pair of shoes while being on a budget.

Discounts

If you’re a student, a teacher, a member of the military, or a senior, this is for you. Major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Kate Spade, and Club Monaco offer discounts from 10 to 20 percent off to customers who fall under one of these categories. In any of these stores, you can find top-notch shoes that will last for years.

Become a product tester

Well-known stores such as Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony are willing to compensate their customers with freebies in exchange for feedback. This is a great opportunity to get a free pair of footwear.

Simply opt for quality over quantity

This is the most practical way to purchase great shoes. I know it might be painful for your wallet to invest in high-quality ones, but trust me, there’s a good reason why they’re a bit pricier. They can last you for years to come, and all those years of use will be worth more than what you paid for.

Wait for a sale

Don’t you feel great when you go shopping, and you end up finding out your favorite store is having a huge sale? Well, you’ll be glad to hear that this doesn’t have to be completely random. You can track a store’s sale cycle, so you make sure you always get the best price possible for whatever item you want.

Stores will always want to keep their shelves and racks filled with clothes and accessories. However, they get new stock so frequently that eventually, items that aren’t selling must be put on a clearance sale. When this happens, it’s your time to score.

If you know exactly when an item is going to be on sale, you can just wait to get it when it does, instead of paying more just to have it a couple of weeks earlier. Between seasonal sales and the regular sale cycle, unless you’re rich and rushing to get them asap, there’s no reason why you should have to pay full price for any item. However, if you do this, there is the risk of the merchandise selling out before getting on sale.

Here are some tips for knowing when a sale is about to happen.. Wait six to eight weeks after the item is launched. Asking around is also a great way to be informed when a store is going to have a sale. Finally, shop at the end of the season to take advantage of the clearance from the previous one.

Don’t go with a trend

There are countless articles listing the top trends of the moment, from colors to jackets and denim cuts, you name it. But just because something is becoming the next best thing, doesn’t necessarily mean you should be rushing to include it in your wardrobe. It’s good to keep an eye on trends and stay current, but here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t.

With such a crowded market, standing out is quite hard to accomplish. So, if everyone is going right, try to steer left. The trends we’re dying to keep up with were all started by someone else, and that reflects their identity, and not necessarily yours. This is why if you want your clothes to represent who you are, it’s best to stay away from trends.

Something you probably already know is that trends don’t last. If you follow them, you’re going to spend a ton of money on items you won’t want to wear next season. Trendy items are usually extravagant and thrive on a short-lived hype, and I assure you don’t want to wear a feather coat when no one else is anymore. So again, spend your money on timeless clothes that will last you years.

Outlet Shopping

If you’re going to an outlet mall for an afternoon of shopping, you’re probably planning on saving as much money as possible. Here we’ll provide you with some tips that will help you get even better prices.

Get announcements and coupons

We all get a ton of junk mail every day, so you probably don’t want to be on a mailing list year-round. Instead, I suggest you sign up a couple of weeks before a planned shopping trip, to find out about the most relevant deals. You can also sign up for notifications with the outlet arm of your favorite brands.

Plan your visit

If you want to beat the crowds, you should plan your visits ahead. Try to go early in the day and also avoid weekends. You can ask the salespeople when they are expecting new shipments to be the first one there when they first arrive.

Check the tags

Various brands are known for creating separate lines of clothing that shoppers say turn out to be lower quality. Banana Republic has been reported to be one of them, adding three small diamonds to its outlet tags. Avoid buying on overhyped stores and try to opt for local ones that are more affordable but just as good or explore around for more options. 

The Best Stores for Affordable Men’s Fashion

Finding a store that has high-quality products and economical prices at the same time can be quite hard. You may even get discouraged if you spend hours looking for a brand that offers stylish clothing at the best prices to no avail. To avoid this, here we bring you some of our favorite stores.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is the perfect brand to find basic-styled essentials, such as Oxford shirts, chinos, sweaters, denims, and even blazers. Often compared to labels like Gap, this retailer is even more minimalist. They have simpler patterns, fewer trendy items, and a more concentrated focus on the staples.

No budget style list would be complete without this Japan-based shop. If you live in a big city, you must be familiar with the magic of this brand’s high-quality clothes, made with innovative fabrics for affordable prices. They have an easy-to-navigate website filled with tons of styles that are built to last, adding to their cost-per-wear value. 

For those guys who are gym passionate, you can check Uniqlo’s Airism line that offers breathable clothes with moisture-wicking capabilities. On the other hand, for those who like more fashion-forward shapes, the retailer always has a string of cool collaborations happening. This versatile store has clothes for every taste.

H&M

H&M has come a long way. Their stores used to be a great place to try out new trends for low prices. Now, they’re one of the few fast fashion brands with a “conscious collection”. They made clothes with the objective of improving their practices and switching to more sustainable materials. From denim jackets to wool-blend coats and twill resort shirts, you’ll find thoughtfully designed clothes with timeless appeal.

Whether you go for the ideal pair of jeans, textural sweaters, or stylish shirts, these pieces are perfect for layering and stocking up on. While keeping prices low, H&M has managed to create an array of great wardrobe staples that every modern man can get behind.

The Swedish retailer sells products that span the style spectrum, from foundational wardrobe essentials to trendy pieces, all on the cheap. If this is not already your go-to place for last minute pick-me-ups, it should be. Besides, they get bonus points for their renewed interest in sustainability.

Target

I highly recommend you not to sleep on the clothing selection in your favorite superstore. Target is equipped with just about everything you could ever need. You can even find some pretty amazing clothes for crazy cheap prices. You can find shirts for under $18, chinos for under $25, and blazers for under $40, or even less if you can catch a sale.

In the past few years, the mega-retailer has restored their menswear offerings to include sportswear that rivals the likes of Lululemon and Nike at about half the price, along with a great line of basics called Goodfellow & Co. that won’t cost an arm and a leg. The team behind it makes sure to offer a modern twist on your closet basics by keeping an eye on the latest menswear trends.

This affordable retail may require more of an edited eye to find high-quality items, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find great stylish pieces. If you keep it simple, stay close to the basics and you’re good to go.

Amazon

Sometimes you just need affordable fashion ready at your fingertips, and who better to serve up that kind of convenience than Amazon? This mega e-retailer has hit their fashion stride with their Essentials line of clothing for men. Here you’ll find all the wardrobe fundamentals you need, from stylish sweaters and sleek joggers to multi-pack basic T-shirts.

Although the Essentials line is a solid bet, you can find more than just basics here. You can score some serious steals from big-name brands and also smaller labels. The prices often compensate for the fact that you have to navigate their not-so-user-friendly site.

Amazon is the same spot you rely on for everything from paper towels to pet supplies, at a great price, cheaper than competitors. And they now offer a rapidly expanding selection of bona fide fashion. 

ASOS

What’s interesting about ASOS is that they’re an online retailer that produces their own products but also sells many other brands. The overall fit tends to be toward the slimmer market and for the more fashion-forward, but you can find a mixture of both conservative and wild designs if you browse through their site.

From winter coats to summertime polos, this brand has just about everything you’d need to fill your wardrobe. It’s true that the price range moves around considerably, more than some of the other names on this list, but this is probably the only one that will allow you to buy high-quality, trendy items without spending a fortune.

The site’s selection of products is particularly suited for testing out a statement piece you don’t want to spend a ton of money on. Pro secret: Both the tailoring and shoe departments are especially well-stocked. But the best part about ASOS has to be their streamlined service with complimentary shipping, returns, and around-the-clock customer service. 

Frequently Asked Question about Men’s Fashion on a Budget

Is it possible to live a stylish life on a budget?

Yup, it’s absolutely possible to live a stylish life on a budget. Just make sure you buy pairable clothes that will last you years, so you don’t have to continually buy new clothes all the time. Remember to stay true to yourself, dress to feel good, not just to impress.

Where is the cheapest place to buy clothes?

Outlet malls and thrift stores are definitely the best places to find the cheapest clothes. Cheap clothes can also mean cost per value, meaning they cost a bit more but will last you much longer. Shops like Uniqlo are perfect at this.

On a budget, how can you look costly in 2021?

The best way to look costly when you’re on a budget is to choose the right accessories. Getting a nice watch and a sleek pair of sunglasses will definitely elevate your outfit. Besides, you can get matching shoes and a coat to have a polished look.

A Final Word From The Trending Man

If you want to save money but also get the most from your wardrobe, go buy your classics. They are staples for a good reason—you can wear them again and again. Remember not to invest in many trends you’ll end up wearing just once nor the overpriced “hype” brands. Your style, even when on a budget, should make you look and feel like yourself. Hopefully, this article helped you find your way through a better wardrobe with your organs still intact!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Article by:

The Trending Man

Our detailed review has been contributed to by multiple members of The Trending Man Review Team to ensure the best research and highest standard of quality. Have a good or a bad experience with one of the products? Please let us know, we love the feedback!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

Ready To Start Your Quest?

Now it’s your turn to step up, make a commitment and ramp up your style.

To help you get started, we created a free video training that will give you all the tools and tactics you will need to get started even if you don’t have any prior experience.

Click the button below to join the training and we’ll show you our model for minimalist fashion.

>
Scroll to Top