Originally Posted by MindBomber
The key to quality mens' clothing is that it's long lasting.
As PJ said, random cheap shirts will fit okay for a few months, but the shape begin to distort within a few months as a result of the poorer quality stitching and materials and in turn be resigned to the back of the closet. Whereas a higher quality shirt, which might cost two or three times the price of the cheap alternative, will have a great fit and maintain it's shape for years; if anything, improving with age. In the short term, it means spending much more and having fewer pieces. In the long term however, you'll have a diverse wardrobe of clothing that feels and looks better for a comparable price to the cheap alternatives because quality lasts. Even a moderate step up to N&F, Momotaro, Rough Territory jeans from Silvers and Diesels will forever change the way you approach fashion. I guarantee, after one pair of N&F denim, you'll be addicted to the feel and look of higher quality construction and materials and never go back to standard mall brands.
Great advice as always, PJ.
Looking great doesn't require every component of your wardrobe to be the best of the best, often times the opposite is true.
A dude could rock a pair Common Project kicks, Iron Heart jeans , a Samurai t-shirt, and a Momotaro button down, and I'm sure he'd look great; the waft of burning money might overpower his cologne though..
For those of us who do not have the budget for a $2000 outfit, there are lots of great inexpensive options. As a side note, I happen to think an outfit with a couple great core pieces and a few budget staples looks much better and certainly not as pretentious.
Instead of Common Projects, leather Vans or a pair of Tom's.
Instead of Iron Hearts, N&F and APC make great denim.
Instead of Samurai, American Apparel or any of the many other inexpensive quality t's.
Instead of Momotaro, N&F or RRL at still respectably high price points, J-crew, H&M, Uniqlo (requires a trip to Americaville) at a much more budget friendly price point, or if you're really cheap and like to shop you can find some great plaid, flannel shirts at thrift stores for next to nothing.
The extra few bucks to get things tailor is almost always worthwhile. Quality of fit trumps all other factors in overall look and feel.
To conclude my exceptionally long and rambling post: if you want to look great there's one secret to keep forefront in your mind, buy clothing you like and don't concern yourself with trends or conforming to a particular style. If you buy clothing you like, all your outfits will look great because a fluid individual sense of style will naturally evolve. More importantly, you'll like the way you look and feel good about yourself. The attractiveness an air of confidence exudes is more effective than any outfit.
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