How to Upgrade Your Look on a Budget

Looking the part can be an expensive affair. But it doesn’t have to be. The likes of Musk and Bezos are living proof that even with all the money in the world, it’s still possible to dress terribly. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a limited budget is holding you back. If you want to dress better, there are plenty of ways to do so without spending a fortune.

Tom Ford suits and fancy Swiss watches are nice to have, but they’re in no way a prerequisite for looking put together. If you know how to play to your strengths and are prepared to try new things, you can elevate your style on a shoestring.

Consider the tips below as a manual for dressing better on a budget. They’re tricks and tweaks you can use to get the most out of your current wardrobe and add new pieces without casting yourself into financial ruin. From finding your perfect fit to buying in bulk, here’s what you need to know.

Off-The-Peg & Altered > Made-To-Measure

Made-to-measure clothing is a privilege few can afford, but it’s not the only way to ensure your wardrobe fits impeccably. A cheaper option is to buy off-the-peg garments and take them to a tailor to make alterations.

This doesn’t just apply to your suits, either. A good tailor can do everything from nipping in your waist to extending sleeves to reducing hemlines, meaning everything in your rotation – shirts, tailoring, jeans, tees – can benefit from a little nip or tuck.

The result is a wardrobe that looks like it was made for your body, and we all know great fit is the key to being well dressed.

Buy In Bulk

Boxers, socks, T-shirts. The true wardrobe ‘essentials’. They can all be bought in multipacks for a good discount.

Find ones you like and stock up. You’ll always need them, so buying more than one at a time makes sense. These are the foundation of every outfit you’ll ever wear, but that doesn’t mean you should be paying over the odds.

Master Sartorial Minimalism

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Capsule wardrobe. It’s a term we use a lot, but that’s because it’s such a fantastic concept for streamlining your style and finances. It means having fewer garments you can do more with, making each go a little bit further.

That doesn’t have to mean wearing boring clothes – your capsule wardrobe can be made up of whatever you want – it’s simply a case of choosing things you want to wear that work together in lots of different combinations.

Start with the basics and build it up from there. If you get it right, ultimately you’ll end up buying fewer clothes, thus saving yourself money in the long run.

Find Your Fit

Fit is everything when it comes to clothing, and it costs nothing to find yours. Try things on until you find pieces that work with the shape of your body and make you look your best, then stick with them.

Having clothes that fit you properly will make a huge difference to your overall look, but it’s an aspect of style that so many men neglect. In terms of bang for buck, it’s one of the best style upgrades you can make.

Trademark Trim

In much the same way that the fit of your clothes can drastically alter how you look, so can your hair. It’s not one size fits all. Different cuts look better or worse on different people.

It has a lot to do with face shape, so the key is to determine yours and explore hairstyles that complement it. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a go-to style that will not just suit you, but become part of your visual identity.

Shop Second-Hand

This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s always worth reiterating. Shopping second-hand is better for the planet, better for your wallet and, if you do it well, better for your wardrobe, too.

You’ll be able to get your hands on high-end pieces you may not otherwise be able to afford, and you might find yourself coming across garments you wouldn’t have considered if you were just scrolling some online store.

Check out designer consignment stores specialising in high-quality clothing, or just get yourself on Vinted and search for brands you like.

Repair Where Possible

Nudie Jeans

OK, so the crotch has blown on your favourite jeans. But wait – that doesn’t mean you have to condemn them to the scrapheap and buy another pair. The thrifty and environmentally friendly thing to do is to get them fixed. And that goes for basically any garment you can think of.

In an effort to be more sustainable, lots of brands are now offering their own in-house repair services, which makes matters easier. Change the way you think about it. Stitches, darning and patches give clothes character. They tell a story, and they can look great.

So save yourself some money and think about how things can be fixed before you think about replacing them.

Know Your Colours

Ever found that a certain shirt washes you out or makes you look flushed? That’s to do with your skin tone. Not every colour will work with it, and that’s fine. The key is finding which ones do and sticking with them.

This costs absolutely nothing and it’s very easy to do, thanks in no small part to the fact that we’ve written an entire article guiding you through what colours work best with what complexions.

Strike While The Iron’s Hot

Crumpled clothing could be ruining your outfits, and it’s an extremely easy and completely free fix. Just get the iron or steamer out and you’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes.

A crisp T-shirt and trousers show that you’ve made an effort and immediately give you the sartorial upper hand among a sea of men who’ve never touched an iron.