Closet Remix: Be a Designer Dude for Less

It’s a common misconception that to look like a million bucks you have to spend a million bucks. That, my friends, is far from the truth. During this choppy economic times when we are all strapped for cash anyways, there’s no better time than now to reflect, reduce, and revamp your wardrobe. Being a sharp shopper instead of a design-thirsty shopper, you can not only save some dough but you look better than the guy who’s decked out in everything from Armani to Zegna. Browse these tips before you hit the stores to see how you can look like a designer dude without spending on a designer price tag.

1. Always Choose Quality Over Quantity

It’s better to have one perfect white shirt that fits you perfectly than to have five that are just “eh.” Pay a little more and get something you love–trust me, it will love you back.

2. Examine Details

When purchasing a new item check the seams, buttons, and finish to ensure you are getting bang for your buck. The stitching should be even and no threads should be coming undone. Think, do the buttons look cheap and thin? Plastic is the most common choice when it comes to buttons. Look for ivory or bone when it comes to finding a high-quality piece.

4. It’s ALL About the Fabric

Sometimes designer knock-offs hit the ball out of the park when choosing fabric to replicate the runway pieces. When you pick up a piece try scrunching it in your hand, does it wrinkle easily? Stand back and think if I saw this on someone else would I think TJ Maxx or Nordstroms? Personally, I get a lot more use out of something that’s made from a higher-quality fabric than something that just looks good from afar.

Also, look for little patterns when it comes to purchasing shirts–they go a lot further than a boring solid.

5. A Little Color Goes A Long Way

Any basic solid (black, gray, brown, khaki, pin-stripes, white) paired with any bright color is a hit. It’s just that simple.

6. Everything Lies in the Details

A perfectly chosen outfit can be marred by a crappy pair of shoes or old beat-up hat. Your outfit is only as fabulous as the shabbiest piece you wear.

Also, accessories can make or break you. A wisely chosen scarf, some killer cuff links, a freshly-shined pair of shoes are what takes you to the next level.

Basically, as your Granny probably already told you, it really is all about quality over quantity. When shopping, think in complete outfits and go for pieces that look expensive, not just cost expensive. Take tips from the dudes over at the Fine and Dandy Shop; ” This shop is for that modern man looking for the finishing details to truly be fine and dandy.” After all, it’s the first impression that lasts forever.