Image via Complex Original
You look at your closet, and you've got nothing to wear You really don't want to put on the same kit you wore last week, and you're at the point where you're choosing between going out with your crew or dealing with that massive dry cleaning order you're going to have to put in. Or perhaps you're just bored with your current selection.
Going shopping isn't the only solution. Even if your money isn't completely right, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your style game. From quick DIY fixes to super affordable ways to get new gear, consider this your guide to steez on a budget. We've searched high and low to bring you these 10 Ways to Be Stylish and Save Money.
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If you can't afford it, emulate it.
You know that brand names hardly come on the cheap (we see you generic Duane Reade brands), designer clothes are the definition of outrageous price tags for even the simplest of items (case example: Kanye x A.P.C.). Instead of blowing your rent money on a single designer piece like this $2,190 varsity jacket from Saint Laurent, look for something similar (like this $68 varsity jacket from ASOS) that can still fit the bill at much lower price point. When you pay for designer stuff, it should be really dope things that no one else can really duplicate, like craftmanship, fabric quality, or a perfectly-tailored fit.
Create a list of necessities and stick to it.
We live in a world where people who dream of dressing have a dizzying amount of choices on what to buy. However, it's unlikely that mesh top you copped at that pop-up shop is going to be worn on the regular. To help keep your buying habits on track, consider making a list of items you just need to have, and save your pennies until you're ready to purchase them instead. A number of e-shops provide excellent essentials lists on their websites; these act as good jumping off points to decide what's really missing in your wardrobe.
Trade clothing with friends.
Hopefully, you have a solid #menswear #clique, and you surround yourself with well-dressed friends. If you're lucky enough to fall into this category, see if you can arrange a mutual trade. Sneakerheads already do this at events like Sneakercon, and it's a practice that can easily be applied to clothes. Take a walk through your friend's closet and select pieces you're itching to wear, and hopefully he'll pick up some pieces he'll want to wear in yours. Everybody wins.
Splurge sparingly on statement pieces.
Do you really need those OVO x New Era Blue Jays Hats? Yeah those are ill, particularly if you love owls, and blue jays, and other reasonably small birds. However, do you really want to drop around $72 for a fitted with an owl stitched to the side? Focus on the big pieces that matter you want and splurge accordingly—like a pair Raf Simons adidas sneakers.
Focus on the basics.
Basic pieces are the foundation of an outfit (hence the term "basics") and they should be treated as such. Buy pieces that can be worn multiple days in multiple ways during the week—like solid oxford shirts—giving you the most bang for your buck. These pieces can also tend (but not always) be cheaper than louder or more individual pieces.
Shop in your childhood home.
Your parents' house is filled with history. If you're lucky (and likely if your parents are really nostalgic) your room should be exactly the same. If that's the case, rummage through your old closet and see if you can't find a few pieces that you left behind that are #relevant again. Maybe there's a Wu-Wear or Polo Sport T-shirt you had forgotten about. Don't be afraid to look through dad's closet for dope finds too. Maybe there's a pair of dress shoes or an old Barbour jacket lying around in there.
Don't be afraid to Do It Yourself.
If you can't afford new gear, you can tweak or redesign your clothing. Feeling inspired? head to a craft store and pick up the necessary equipment to make your gear one-of-a-kind. It worked well for Pharrell's Timberlands. This also applies to mending garments—a lot of simple stitches and clothing repairs require little skill.
Know when sales start.
There a large number of stores are holding sales right now, online or otherwise. The trick is to hold off on buying things until the end of the season. Fall stuff comes in around August, so stores will be clearing stock to make room in July. Spring stuff arrives around February, so be on the lookout for sales right after the holidays.
Clean (or dry clean) your own clothes.
It's kind of OD how much a laundry machine and a bottle of Shout can do to clean up your wardrobe. In the event that you have pieces that aren't able to be put through the wash cycle, consider dry cleaning your clothes at home. While not everything can be saved from a trip to the cleaners, there are plenty of ways to get the job done at home, and sometimes all you need is a dry cleaning kit and some elbow grease.
Get your clothing tailored to fit.
Sometimes you end up picking up a piece that doesn't fit just right: a jacket that's too tight, pants that are too long. In some cases, you'll gain weight or get taller. It's inevitable. Instead of discarding them, get them tailored to fit you properly. You'll find that you're buying less and keeping more. Your body may grow, but your wallet doesn't have to shrink.
