https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1831595090294501706
Here’s a thread answering this question on how to shop on a budget.https://t.co/dFXbFF4MCf
- Think of Style as Social Language
I don’t believe there’s a single “correct” way to dress. Just as there many languages, each with their own unique grammatical rules, there are many aesthetics, each governed by their own ideas about fit, proportion, and styling. https://t.co/JSwRuqqTLp
So my only strong belief is that you should think of style first and foremost as social language, not purely as artistic expression. Aesthetics are rooted in culture: punk, skate, prep, workwear, etc. Identify a cultural language that resonates with you.
If you’re shopping on a budget, some aesthetics are going to be easier to pull off than others. It’s going to be tough to dress like the King of Spain if your budget is like $200. But it’s going to be a lot easier if you’re interested in workwear. Plus, it’s lower maintenance.
- Build a Base
Once you have an idea of your aesthetic, identify the basics. If it’s a tailored look, maybe that’s a stack of light blue dress shirts and grey trousers. If it’s a workwear look, change that to plaid shirts and jeans. https://t.co/XFyLJqbXrB
Build this base quickly and keep it small—enough items to get you through two weeks until laundry day. You don’t need to buy the best of the best here. Shop in the lower and mid-tiers and focus on fit. These are just a baseline to help you experiment with your look.
- Know Where to Splurge
Concentrate your spending on areas that count: outerwear, shoes, and knitwear. You can look amazing in a cheap pair of jeans and a sweatshirt if you have a cool coat. Similarly, you get more bang for buck if you spend on quality shoes and sweaters. https://t.co/dw4mvAGaQa
To be sure, these things don’t have to be super expensive. Military field jackets and denim trucker jackets can be had for like $50. Camber sweatshirts are extremely tough and they’re like $80. Point is to know where to concentrate spending: more on jackets, less on shirts.
- Shop Deals
Learn how to shop deals. Find out where rich people donate clothes in your area and visit those places on a regular basis. Check eBay and Etsy (I do weekly eBay roundups at Put This On). Know your measurements and compare those against sellers’ measurements online https://t.co/EvmrzDPYxq
When shopping in this way, don’t lured in just because something is on sale. It’s better to pay full price for something you want than 80% off for something you’ll never wear. A good way to avoid temptation is to make a list of things you want and stick your list.
- Focus on Fit and Know Your Alterations
Remember: fit and silhouette are the two most important aspects of an outfit. If the fit isn’t right and the silhouette doesn’t flatter, it doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or “high quality.” So learn about these topics. https://t.co/ytLkbuOcSl
I’ll do a thread on fit and silhouette another time. But one way you can help yourself along is to identify a quality tailor in your area. Call some shops that sell high-end suits and ask them for recommendations (they usually know who does good work).
Take your purchases to this tailor and figure out what can be improved. Maybe a nip or a tuck somewhere will help a shirt fit better. Maybe you should get your pants hemmed. Maybe there’s a roll in the back of a jacket that requires fixing. Figure this stuff out.
- Give Yourself Time and Experiment
IMO, it can take seven years to build a good wardrobe. This is because many mistakes will be made in the beginning and you’ll have to experiment to figure out what works for you. Shop slowly and know you have to spend time or money. https://t.co/1ztBgicaqh
I plan to write a post soon about specific thing you can purchase when you’re just starting to build a good wardrobe. I know the above can seem like truisms or platitudes, but I’m trying to be helpful without being overly prescriptive. Ultimately, you have to find your look.
You would be shocked by how far you can go with just some simple ideas:
- Focus on fit. If your clothes fit, you’ll look great.
- Try to layer when possible. A cool jacket will go a long way.
- Think of dress as social language, not just a random combination of “cool” things.
Lastly, since dress is a kind of social language, you can learn how to dress better by paying attention to culture. Watch films, read about culture, pay attention to the world. Look up cool brands on IG. Check out the “tagged” section and follow cool accounts.
Save photos of nice fits and try to figure out what works and doesn’t work. Don’t get caught up in trends. If develop an eye, shop slowly, and pay attention to culture, you will eventually develop a great wardrobe that works for you.
More to come another time.