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Is it possible to appear "respectable" on a budget? How?

Aperipan

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I've seen a lot of old men with their fedora hats and brown English shoes, and while those accessories may have been middle class in their days, I notice they command serious attention from waiters and bank tellers as they visit these establishments. I would like to stop wearing Pumas and Surf clothes in exchange for something more business like. However, I don't have the means yet to afford the latest stuff from Thom Browne. My question to those in my situation: where should I start?
 

constant struggle

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start by reading this forum
cheap MTM shirts from jantzen - $50 a pop
incotex pants from buy and sell forum - $60 and under
used allen edmonds on ebay - $50 or less
thrift, etc
you will be all set
 

Aperipan

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Originally Posted by Mildly Consumptive
Get a job?
There are many people with jobs that don't dressed well. Only a small percentage of the employed workforce dressed well. This means, by simple deduction, that getting a job does not make one stylish.
 

videocrew

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FIT FIT FIT FIT FIT!

A cheaper suit or jacket can look better than something that cost thousands of dollars if it fits well. Tailoring can be done often at reasonable prices and make something cheap or second-hand look stellar.

Sticking with classic styles works well, cheap brands trying to be edgy are rarely successful, but its hard to screw up solid colored suits and blazers, striped ties, and button-down collar shirts. Black captoe oxfords are black captoe oxfords, but people can spot weird Stacy Adams "fashiony" crap a mile away.
 

spectre

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Originally Posted by Aperipan
I've seen a lot of old men with their fedora hats and brown English shoes, and while those accessories may have been middle class in their days, I notice they command serious attention from waiters and bank tellers as they visit these establishments. I would like to stop wearing Pumas and Surf clothes in exchange for something more business like. However, I don't have the means yet to afford the latest stuff from Thom Browne. My question to those in my situation: where should I start?

If you can explain what you do have the means to afford and what exactly you want to buy I'm sure some people will help point you in the right direction.
 

NaturalShoulder

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There is plenty of good advice on this board.

Find a good tailor to measure you. Determine what you like and look at the sale forum and ebay and find items you like which will fit with a little tailoring. Check out thrift shops in your area. Junior League sponsored stores seem to have better quality items.
 

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How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

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  • Half canvas is fine

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  • Depends on fabric

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  • Depends on price

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