What is Good Brand That Is a Step Above Polo Ralph Lauren (summary included)

***summary at the end of post*** Hi, I was wondering what a good brand is that is a notch or so above Polo Ralph Lauren. Although I like Ralph Lauren and will continue to buy their polos and whatnot, I want to upgrade my wardrobe slowly and buy some nicer pieces that I can use once I graduate college and start working professionally. Here are some things I tend to like in a brand: 1. Reasonably priced. It can be more expensive that Polo Ralph Lauren, but not something absolutely ridiculous like Gucci which is $400 or something a shirt at Saks Fifth 2. I'd like it to be branded, but not ostentatiously so. Since I live on the west coast where people aren't as cognizant about how nice one's clothing are, I'd like to have some people recognize that I spent a little extra on my clothes. I don't like it when the brand name is plastered all over the place though. 3. They make good accessories. PRL will still be my main brand since it's mostly what I can afford, but I'm one of those people that likes to specialize in 2-3 brands (don't ask why, I'm weird like that). So if a brand also makes good wallets, cologne, etc., it would be a plus but not a necessity. To give you an idea of what I have been looking at, I've been thinking about Armani Collezioni, Burberry, D&G, or Versace. The thing is, I don't really know what's good out of those. Armani is kind of pushing it, and while D&G/Versace are nice, those are a little too flashy. My style is more classic/preppy, and those brands seem extremely flashy/trendy, although I do like some of their stuff. I really like Burberry because it's not too much more than Ralph Lauren, but apparently a lot of people think Burberry is cheap because it's "chavy" or something like that. It kind of sucks because I would have chosen Burberry anyways since (when they don't overdo that check pattern) it seems a lot like my style, but I'm not sure if it's worth spending the money if people will think I'm a chav or whatever the hell they call it. Also, please no Ralph Lauren Black Label because I don't want to be all Ralph Lauren, plus RL makes boring accessories. This is getting long, so let me close by showing some pieces that I like to give you an idea of my style: http://www.burberryusaonline.com/pro...entPage=family http://www.burberryusaonline.com/pro...entPage=family http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/...=1244612956850 ***SUMMARY*** -Looking for something similar in style to Polo Ralph Lauren that is slightly more expensive. -Still will buy mainly from PRL, but want a few more expensive pieces for formal events/special occassions -Requirements: Not ridiculously expensive (i.e. $400 Gucci Sportshirts), branded but not ostentatiously, if possible make nice accessories (cologne, wallet, sunglasses, etc.) -Looking at Armani Collezioni/Emporio Armani/etc, Burberry, D&G, Versace -Worried that Armani is a bit pricey, D&G/Versace too flashy/trendy and not as traditional/preppy. -Really, really like Burberry, but worried that it will be seen as cheap/chavy outside and even in the US. -If you need more idea, see images just above summary for an idea of what styles I like. -Preferably no Ralph Lauren Black Label since it's too similar to PRL, and I don't just want to be all about Ralph Lauren, and absolutely no lacoste/brooks brothers since those are too similar (plus I loathe lacoste) thanks and sorry for the long post.

Rlbl

Do you only care about price? Theres a lot of designers out there with prices higher than PRL. However, out of all the designers you named in your post, PRL is the best quality, even though its cheaper.

Rlpl?

You really should care less about what other people will think about what brands you wear. If it looks good and the quality of the shiznit you wear is good, it is good.

I personally don't see anything special about the Burberry shirts that you posted. Re: the Armani shirt - can you help me understand why people would still want to wear a cotton-polyester blend when you can go for 100% cotton?

Also, why so much focus on the brands? I think you can achieve the look that you want without caring too much about the brand, or the price point.

My wife bought me a Burberry dress shirt, it looked fantastic the first time I wore it, terrible the second and fell to bits after about 6 wears, fukn piece a ****.

Pick out your own god damned shirt if your so picky.

In summary:
Immadcuzustylinonme.

Edit:

I think you should step up to the plate and buy ether Purple Label or Gucci.

You should just read for a while. It sounds like you are only familiar with the Polo line that is sold at TJ Maxx & Marshalls w/ the horses on them. There are other polo-line shirts that are much better.

Originally Posted by umadcuzimstylinonu;2150439
2. I'd like it to be branded, but not ostentatiously so. Since I live on the west coast where people aren't as cognizant about how nice one's clothing are,[B

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I'd like to have some people recognize that I spent a little extra on my clothes. I don't like it when the brand name is plastered all over the place though.
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You have much to learn. If something fits impeccably, people will assume it's expensive no matter what it is. Branding makes no difference. If a $15.00 shirt from H&M fits you perfectly, you'll look a lot better than in a $400 Gucci model.

Don't believe me? Find a Kitonbrioni post in the WAYW section and check out his blog. That dude must wear the most expensive clothes ever, but until recently he looked like **** because nothing fit.

Find a good tailor (should be easy where you are) and spend the money on that. Do not worry about branded **** - in fact, avoid identifiable branding. You'll look better for it.

Originally Posted by umadcuzimstylinonu

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I'd like it to be branded, but not ostentatiously so.

All visible branding is, by definition, ostentatious.

Originally Posted by umadcuzimstylinonu

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***summary at the end of post***

Hi,

I was wondering what a good brand is that is a notch or so above Polo Ralph Lauren.

thanks and sorry for the post.


Someone has really worked hard on this. Rather weak but keep trying.

[].

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

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All visible branding is, by definition, ostentatious.
Welcome umadcuzimstylinonu. Is that a Native American name? SM, I agree, and umad... if you are concerned w/ impressing only the few people who are "in the know", they will assume you spent a lot of money if they see you in a shirt w/ nice fabric and good fit... in fact everyone will, even if they don't know why. I am having trouble understanding if you are looking for a sportshirt or a dress shirt. Either way, it sounds like you're looking for something a little more trendy.... The first thing you will learn if you follow the advice of other posters and stick around here and read a little bit will be that MOST things can be had on sale, so retail price is a bad gauge of what you can afford. "On the west coast" is vague. If you're in LA, you have access to Barney's and NM who have 40% or more sales twice a year... if your north or south of there, you probably have Nordy's. So... here are some suggestions that I think meet your needs: Sportshirts: If you are tall and thin: Paul Smith, Theory (people here don't like Theory b/c of the fabric, but it's going to fit your actual request fairly well), Etro (if you can find a SERIOUS sale) If you are a little more stocky: Robert Graham, Eli Tahari, John Varvatos, Dress shirts: Canali, Z or E Zegna, Paul Smith, Paul Stuart Phineas Cole (online only for you) and you can get a great deal on made to order lands end shirts online.

if you want something that looks expensive and shows everyone that you spend a bit more on your clothes than the PRL customer, then better stick with Armani, Gucci, Versace and Prada. they make branded clothing, are significantly more expensive, and most people know who they are. Purple Label, Borrelli, Kiton, etc. fail because i'm willing to bet most people don't even know who they are (or RLPL being significantly different from PRL) oh, and just wanted to point out that your summary is about 60% as long as the actual post