How does one get started into nice clothes when income isn't that high?

The comments about fit are very important and accurate. However, if you buy well made, classic clothes that last, it also gives you time to acquire a broader wardrobe. A few quality but not expensive oxford cloth shirts and a wool blue blazer with grey flannels can keep most guys well clothed for 4+ years.

I had a brother in law who was a student and was very well dressed. He shopping at the Nordstrom rack but had a very specific plan to acquire the classic pieces. He looked great all the time.

What I would suggest is to invest into a nice suit such as a navy or grey suit that is timeless and appropriate for many occasions. You can always buy used or look for a really great sale. As you begin to further develop your wardrobe you can add more shirts, ties and other accesories as you can afforid them using the same suit as a base and getting several looks out of one article of clothing.

Yeah, fit is king. Don't buy crap just because it's nice and brand named. You'll find that by joining this forum and doing some reading/looking, all of a sudden stuff that's thousands of dollars is only a few hundred dollars, and stuff that's only a few hundred dollars is only $50, and you'll be tempted. Make sure it fits or that you can return it or alter it. Lessons are learned one way or another.

I agree w/ the several posts above about educating yourself about quality and fit so that you make wise choices. You might also experiment with second hand things from eBay or thrift stores. A new pair of Aldens, for example, is a few hundred dollars, but you can get a used on on eBay for $50 if you're patient. Once you've figured out your sizes and preferences, you can slowly replace those things with new ones and/or ones with exactly the details you prefer. This is what I've been doing at least.

Originally Posted by hossoso

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I saw your post asking about how to get into nice clothes without being a Daddy Warbucks. If you want anything out of my FS thread, I'll give it to you for free provided you pay for shipping and actually wear it (not try to flip it). Good luck with the upgrade!
Very nice!

I have a completely different take on things than what had been said.

So it sounds like you wear jeans only now. Why the move onto "dressier" clothes? You said you also met a "European gal"?

Are you thinking you'll impress her more by dressing better?

And are you in sixth grade or something?

Originally Posted by lee_44106

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I have a completely different take on things than what had been said.
Are you thinking you'll impress her more by dressing better?

With age comes insight
I think at a point in our life we all got interested at clothing and appearance.
I guess it is not that much about impressing others, it is just about feeling good yourself and having self-confidence.
But true, one can look smart in good jeans as well.
I'd start with the shoes. Good shoes really make a difference.

Don't know where you're located, but I can find nice **** in thrift stores (Goodwill, Sal Army, etc.)

Originally Posted by hossoso

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I saw your post asking about how to get into nice clothes without being a Daddy Warbucks. If you want anything out of my FS thread, I'll give it to you for free provided you pay for shipping and actually wear it (not try to flip it). Good luck with the upgrade!

Wow! Thanks for the offer - I'll check it out!

Originally Posted by lee_44106

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I have a completely different take on things than what had been said.

So it sounds like you wear jeans only now. Why the move onto "dressier" clothes? You said you also met a "European gal"?

Are you thinking you'll impress her more by dressing better?

And are you in sixth grade or something?


My European gal friend is married, and I'm way past 6th grade. I'm sure many people had a turning point in their lives when they decided to quit thinking about something to actually doing it -- eg my wanting to get a couple nice clothing items instead of jeans. I'm sure I'm not the only person out here who wanted to get into style but has been intimidated by the upscale shops or by not even knowing where to start...Her enthusiasm towards fashion has made made my interest in the subject multiply 10 fold.


Impressing someone else is the last thing I'm worrying about - feeling good that I have a couple nice fitting, quality items is what I'm hoping for. I never had the means to get the knowledge before but thanks to SF and my Euro gal friend I think the time is right! Better late than never I think. Sure it would be cool to wear something nice and have her appreciate it, but it would be like you appreciating one of your friends nice clothing items too. Nothing wrong with that is there?

Perhaps investing in a book on style may be advbisable to get the "basics" down.

Nordstrom guide to men's style is a good starter book

I would go to a reputable store that sells suits, such as Nordstrom, Saks, etc. Tell them that your mother or father wants to buy you a couple nice suits, and they need your measurements so they purchase the right size. You can also get properly fitted for shoes there. Don't get measured for shoes at a 'shoe warehouse' as they often aren't even trained to properly measure your size.

Originally Posted by tsaltzma

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I would go to a reputable store that sells suits, such as Nordstrom, Saks, etc. Tell them that your mother or father wants to buy you a couple nice suits, and they need your measurements so they purchase the right size. You can also get properly fitted for shoes there. Don't get measured for shoes at a 'shoe warehouse' as they often aren't even trained to properly measure your size.


In early Oct, I'm planning a short road trip down to California. I'm planning to stop at a few Nordstroms along the way to get a feel for things (they seem to get mentioned often here). There's not much in my local area and Vancouver (BC) is ~ a 2.5hr drive away so I don't get to there much.


I really appreciate all the tips.

I'm in the same boat as you, so I can relate. Besides fit, I'd advise you to buy clothing with trying to make a wardrobe in mind. Try to imagine putting together different outfits. Also, when shopping, only buy clothes you really like. Sometimes you might be tempted to buy something because it's on sale, or your in need of a particular item.

I wish I found this forum earlier on. I have so many clothes that either don't fit properly, or were bought hastily. As a result, I have few good pieces of clothing.

when you go into a store you shouldn't be judged in the clothes you are wearing but it would be frowned upon to try clothes on with no intention of buying.

Save up and go for quality over quantity, make sure you buy things that you will get lots of wear out of. Although of course I get good discounts and I really love clothes my wardrobe is probably average in size but nothing is wasted, I wear everything regulary and it's all good stuff. eventually you will build a fine wardrobe. or you could just take out a loan or credit card.

Originally Posted by bradner

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I really enjoy reading the forums but sadly I still wear my Levis and Costco jeans. I don't have a big income but I'd really like to dress well - or at least own a nice suit, shoes and a couple shirts.


Seems to me the best way is to buy on here from someone but its pretty hard to buy without knowing how it fits and I would feel a bit bad (& probably guilty) gong to a shop knowing I can't afford to buy their clothes but going only to test fit. A 40R seems to fit not too bad on me so maybe I should take a chance and buy something in the FS forum and then get it altered if needed?


Would it be frowned upon to go into a store and say that I only wanted to try things on? Do they judge you by the clothes you walk in on?

Thanks

One other thing is that you don't get everything at once. It takes a pretty long time to build up a wardrobe if you aren't rich.