The Ultimate Affordable Closet

3.30.2023

A lot of guys struggle with their wardrobe: what to buy, where to buy it from, how to style it etc. They often see it as a one-and-done project; a box to be ticked with an afternoon trip to the mall with their mom, girlfriend, or both. More often then not he buys the first thing he tries on to appease the peanut gallery, and throws another H&M haul to the back of his closet.

I've seen this time and time again with my male friends who can't be bothered plan a wardrobe. This is why I set out on this mission - to plan the perfect multi-functional, all-season, timeless, and affordable closet for the average guy. Budget experts recommend allocating 5% of income to clothing; with the median US income of $31,133.00/yr (2019) I had $1,550.00, or $130.00/mo over a 1yr period.

It's important to note that this assumes you're starting from scratch, so incorporating your existing closet and some 2nd hand shopping could easily bring your total into the 3-figure range. Below I've listed and linked everything I would recommend to equip the average guy for a style upgrade. I've also included 2nd hand recommendations, and some sample outfits at the very bottom!

Outerwear

Eddie Bauer Down Jacket

$100.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Kanuk, Eddie Bauer, Mountain Hardware

Cookman Delivery Jacket

$50.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Baracuta, Barbour, Belstaff

Navy Blazer

$50.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Jack Victor, Coppley, Ralph Lauren, Zegna, J Press, Brooks Brothers

Shirts

LL Bean White Oxford Button-up

$65.00

2nd Hand Alternatives:Brooks Brothers, Drakes, Eton, Charvet, Dunhill

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Lands End Short-Sleeve Button-up

$50.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: general vintage, lots of good options

LL Bean Flannel Shirt

$50.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Pendleton, Woolrich, Filson, Gitman

Knitwear

Spier & MacCay Cotton Sweater

$46.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Inverallen, Howlin, J Press, Johnstons of Elgin, Aspesi, Anderson & Shepherd

Spier & MacCay Cotton Knit Polo

$48.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: search for knit polos: silk, cotton, merino wool, cashmere

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Basics

Kirkland 6-Pack White Tees

$25.00

Hanes Ribbed Undershirts

$19.00

American Giant Classic Pullover Hoodie

$102.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Lady White Co, House of Blanks, Rue Porter, Reigning Champ

Pants

Tellason Straight Leg Jeans

$115.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Vintage Levi’s 501, Wrangler, Lee, Warehouse & Co, TCB

Bronson MFG Double Pleat Khakis

$40.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: The Real McCoy’s, Brooks Brothers, J Press, Ralph Lauren, LL Bean, Buzz Ricksons

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Bronson MFG OG-107 Fatigue Pants

$55.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Milsurp, Stan Ray, Save Khaki United, Beams+

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Ben Davis Trim Pants

$50.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Incotex, Dickies

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Shorts

LL Bean Chino Shorts

$45.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Beams+, J Crew, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Buzz Ricksons

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Bronson MFG Nylon Shorts

$25.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Gramicci, MEC, Patagonia

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Footwear

GH Bass Weejun Loafers

$125.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Alden, Allen Edmonds, Loding, Kleman, Grenson, Tods, Church’s

German Army Trainers

$100.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Shoes Like Pottery, Reproduction of Found, Converse

Thursday Boots Diplomat Black Moc-Toe

$200.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Red Wing, Wolverine, White’s, Solovair

Accessories

Top Grain Brown Leather Belt

$30.00

Or get a full grain belt from a local leatherworker, most towns have one!

Top Grain Black Leather Belt

$50.00

Same advice as the brown belt

Warby Parker Harris Sunglasses

$95.00

2nd Hand Alternatives: Vuarnet, Persol, Bausch & Lomb, Moscot, Oliver Goldsmith, Randolph Engineering

Outfit Inspiration

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NOLAN DANIEL WHITE

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