Style Secrets: Where to Splurge & Where to Save

If you’re anything like me, then you’ve noticed that most menswear magazines, blogs, tumblrs and YouTube channels focus their attention on luxury labels and how to build “the look” with expensive brands. I’m sure we’d all love to open our closets and have designers like Hugo Boss, Tom Ford, and never be photographed in the same look twice, but that’s not everyone’s reality.

Building a great wardrobe doesn’t mean that you have to constantly shop or have to switch up your pieces if you know where to save and where to splurge. Over the last 5 years (at least!) there’s been an increase in companies that specialize in quality fashion at a reasonable budget like Suit Supply, Indochino and Menlo Club to name a few. Here’s the problem, most men rely solely on brands like H&M, Zara or Forever 21 for nearly every single item in their closets. This shopping practice results leads to most men having the experience of going to an event where there are 6 other guys wearing the exact same thing as them.

Another issue we’ve all run into is that the quality of the garments isn’t meant to last past 6 months, maybe a year if you’re taking excellent care of it. Let’s be honest, you can feel the difference between a $25 button up shirt vs a $100 one, and you don’t need to be a style connoisseur or studying fabrics and textiles to spot the difference either. So, this week let’s explore what I think you should be investing and what you can cheap out on.

Splurge: A 3-Piece Suit

It’s the first and most important investment in any stylish man’s wardrobe, whether you’re required to wear a suit for work or not it’s a great investment. A good 3-piece suit will take you a long way, shades of greyer a deep blue are versatile enough to take you from business meetings, a dinner party, the theatre or even the club!

Save: Chinos

It’s a great alternative to denim for a couple months out of the year, but it shouldn’t require you to break the bank. A good chino is great for the causal office setting, a picnic in the park or a backyard BBQ. Nobody is going to be blown away by something so plain, and you're better off stocking up on a few pairs from a big-box store or a fast fashion brand like Zara. Chinos are often kept in simple rotation and with every season the cuts do change do yourself a favour and don’t put the strain on your bank account.

Splurge: Denim 

Jeans are a staple for every guy even the most disheveled ones. Unfortunately, too many guys don’t bother to invest in a higher grade that will last them longer. A good pair of raw or “selvaged” denim will last you years, and will continue to look, fit and feel better the longer you wear them. Pro tip, remember to keep them out of the washer for the first 6 months, at least! It sounds gross but trust me this is how to preserve the wash and cut.

Splurge: Dress Shoes

A stylish and classic pair of dress shoes goes hand in hand with a quality suit. If you’re taking the time to invest in a good pair of shoes, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to change them out every year. My best advice is always keep it simple, a cap-toe lace-up is foolproof and will never go out of style. As with any leather good remember to buy leather protection products and to take a few moments each week to lotion, polish, and brushes your shoes to preserve the quality of the leather. Doing this will seriously cut cost on repairs for you over time.

 Save: Sneakers

I feel like this is going to be a hot topic, so let me be clear I’m talking about buying sneakers over $250 a piece. The amount of sneaker releases that happen in a year exceed those of high-end shoe companies like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, or Giuseppe Zanotti. A simple pair of sneakers will look as good with jeans as they will with a suit. Unless you're a sucker for classic Air Jordans, then do you, spend and collect. I’m just saying a classic sneakers will get the job done. 

Splurge: Winter Coat

Living in a city like Toronto one thing you need to know is that is gets cold, real cold, ice blocks where my hands used to be cold. So, I believe a good winter coat is not something to cheap out on. If you’re looking for a coat that will withstand for the next 5-10 years drop then be prepared to drop some cash on a good one. A coat at a higher price point usually means a higher thread count, quality tailoring and luxury materials like wool and cashmere rather than polyester. It’s a long term investment for some of the roughest months out of the year.

Save: Sweats

There are men that have built their entire closet on sweatpants, sweatshirts and sweatsuits. But a good sweatsuit is meant to have you looking great in a casual setting or doing something active you really don't need to drop an exorbitant amount on what's effectively a lounge pant. Sure, you can get them cuffed up, tailored, or baggy but at the end of the day, it's a cotton, fleece and polyester blend that doesn’t need to be $300. Being comfortable and looking great are things I fully support, but dropping big bank on sweats? Come on man.

Splurge: Button Ups

Probably the simplest item on my list to invest in and take care of, the button up. The classic button up is a staple to every man’s arsenal. It’s also an item that the quality is very visible, like a woman with a bad lace front wig it’s noticeable. A quality shirt will never look too familiar, dim, or dingy. Pro tip, just walk into any J. Crew or Banana Republic and buy a couple of the classic colours. 

Splurge: The Luxe Underwear

Treat yourself! There are few fashion indulgences that men can take part in, and your underwear should be at the top of the list. I truly believe that spending the money on quality underwear, under shirts, socks and tank tops can do wonders for your attitude and self-esteem. Hardly anybody is going to get a glimpse of them, but you'll walk taller and feel comfortable, embolden, and have the gratification of knowing that you know you're wearing luxury.

There it is, guys! Hopefully, you’re feeling more skilled in where to save and where to splurge as you billed your wardrobe. As always think about what makes sense for you. What your comfortable spending works best for your lifestyle. Drop a comment and let me know what you think