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Men’s Fashion on a Budget: How to Look Good Without Spending Much

Summer Style: Beach Day Essentials and Outfit Ideas Reading Men’s Fashion on a Budget: How to Look Good Without Spending Much 7 minutes Next Men’s Summer Style Guide - Top 5 Trending T-Shirt Colors to Wear

Hey, everyone wants to look good. That’s no secret. No one’s out there wanting to look like a chump, but doesn’t a nice wardrobe break the bank? Well, it doesn’t have to.

You can still look good in men’s fashion on a budget. You just need to know what you’re looking for and that’s precisely what we’re looking at today – how to look good on a budget. 

Build Outfits Around a Versatile Core Wardrobe 

First up, you need to set up your main wardrobe. Think of it as your go-to place for your daily outfit plus some clothes for special occasions. And it doesn’t have to be a lot!  You just need a few quality items to get a killer outfit going. 

Just keep in mind that your core wardrobe items should match well. Go for neutral colors that you can work and combine into almost any outfit. 

Let’s look at what you need to get started.

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

A Good Fitting Tee 

Let’s talk about the top half of your wardrobe, because let’s be honest, that’s the first thing most people see when they see you coming. 

You don’t need something extravagant. You just need something that fits you well and gives you a solid foundation for your outfit. To that end, check out Perk’s essential Feel Good Tee. Perk tees have a stay-flat neck collar and tapered fit that you need in your rotation. The tailored mid-section saves you from that boxy look and looks good at the core of almost any outfit. 

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And you can stick to just one tee! Just remember to switch up the colors. We don’t want anyone thinking you’re wearing the same shirt all week.

Check out our casual style guide for more inspiration to make your tee go the distance.  

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Solid Fit Trousers 

The second thing people are going to notice is your pants. 

Every man needs a pair of trousers that fit right and look good. Look no further than a pair of Perk Chinos. They’re everything you need in a day-to-day pant with a classic look. Perk Chinos have a perfect fit that never sags and keeps their vibrant color for a good long time – exactly what every casual men’s outfit needs.

A good pair of trousers can go a long way, and you can work them into practically any outfit. Combine them with a smart-looking tee or a simple dress shirt, and you simply cannot lose.  

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Styling Shoes (Casual and Formal)

Ever seen someone dressed to the 9’s in a pair of beat-up sneakers? No.

You need a pair of good shoes for both casual and formal occasions. The exact make and brand are yours to choose, but you better be sure they tie into your outfit. A rough pair of shoes can ruin any look. 

For men’s fashion on a budget, look for a darker pair of shoes with some good durability to them. You’ll wear them everywhere and they’re going to see some action.  Plus, dark shoes do a good job of hiding wear and tear. 

One Good Suit 

Even when you’re looking for men’s fashion on a budget, every man needs one thing: one good suit. 

Even if you just wear it to weddings and business meetings, you need a suit – and it needs to be tailored. This is the go-to option to keep you looking professional, put together, and most importantly in style. Just remember when you choose your suit: it’s not a costume.

Wear something modern that works with your style. To stay on budget, choose a long-lasting fabric. 

Winter Coat 

Unless you live where it stays hot, you’re going to need a winter coat every year. And just because it’s cold out, it doesn’t mean you have to cool it on your style. 

Your winter coat is an important part of your wardrobe just as much as anything else. And you really only need one. So, it’s still budget-friendly to invest in a solid coat that’ll work around the rest of your core wardrobe. 

Work Accessories Around Your Wardrobe 

Now that you have all the basics taken care of, it’s time to accessorize. 

The modern man’s fashion isn’t complete without accessories. Watches, pocket handkerchiefs, and necklaces, all have the potential to make a good outfit an awesome outfit. Find yourself some accessories that match your unique style and the core wardrobe you’ve built. 

Mix Luxury and Value Brands

With your core wardrobe out of the way, let’s look at a few more solid tips for men’s fashion on a budget. 

Next, let’s talk about brands. There’s no need for you to invest heavily in brand-name luxury clothing to look good. Sure, it helps, but that’s not what men’s fashion is all about.

Get yourself a handful of quality branded items. Then mix and match them with your more budget-friendly clothing. A strong top will offset a cheap pair of jeans; the same for the other way around. Pick a few brands that make you feel confident and work from there. 

Ditch the Prints and Stick to Solid Color 

Prints are fun and add some life to your outfit, but that’s a luxury you can’t afford when you styling on a budget. They’re notoriously difficult to style, go out of fashion, and just don’t work in a budget-friendly wardrobe. 

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So, play it safe with solid colors. They have the versatility you need and are remarkably easy to match with any outfit. Plus, you’re not going to look dated in a year or two. Neutral solid colors are timeless. 

So, forget prints when you’re looking for men’s fashion on a budget. Take the safe bet, and limit the number of prints in your wardrobe for now. 

Watch Out for Bargains 

Yes, adding some nice clothing to your wardrobe is still going to cost a buck. There are no two ways around that. You’re going to have to invest in your style. But why pay full price?

If you’re looking for stylish clothes for men while you’re on a budget, don’t head straight to the department store. Hit up the thrift and consignment shops first. You’ll find some awesome outfits that match your style, and they won’t break the bank. You just need to look. What’s more, you might just grab a few nice brand-named items well below the rack price.  

And hey, if you’re looking for a bargain, you don’t have to look any further than Perk.

Check out our bundles to kickstart your wardrobe and save some money while you’re at it. 

Stay in Style with Perk

Men’s fashion is our business, and that means we’re invested in getting you looking good. Our Tees and Chinos are made with men’s fashion in mind. They’re slim but comfortable; stylish but affordable. Trust us to keep you in style.

Want to learn more? Read our guide on the 12 rules that all men should learn to dress well.