The voice of reason inside your head might tell you not to drop $1,500 on a blazer, $500 on sneakers or $140 on a single white tee. But before you scoff at the fact that people actually buy such things, consider this: your wardrobe staples are not the stuff of fashion, garments dictated by trends and seasons — ergo, disposable. We’re talking about your fallbacks and your favorites, which form the lasting framework of your style. If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe as a whole, start here: at the basics. And give yourself a break for wanting nice things. Isn’t it sensible, perhaps even wise, to invest in a quality foundation?
If that voice of reason remains unconvinced, fret not; our editors have you covered with stylish alternatives at affordable price points, too. But if you’re ready to climb the ladder into everyday luxury, here are the best clothes that money can buy.
Winwel Cashmere and Wool Baseball Cap
$125
Fair Ends Green Shetland Ball Cap
$48
Lands’ End Low Profile Washed Canvas Cap
$13
Merz B. Schwanen Army Shirt
$140
The Real McCoy’s Sea Island Cotton Pocket Tee
$110
Everlane The Cotton Crew
$15
The Hill-Side Navy Warp Oxford Button-Down Shirt
$177
Gitman Vintage Blue Oxford
$165
Uniqlo Slim Fit Oxford
$30
Canali Kei Unstructured Double-Faced Wool Blazer
$1,590
Gant The Hopsack Blazer
$650
Uniqlo Comfort Jacket
$70
Unis Gio Vintage Khaki
$198
Bills Kahakis Original Twill M3 Pant
$145
Joe Fresh Men’s Slim Chino
$49
Raleigh Jones Original Selvedge Raw
$285
Industry of All Nations Clean Jeans
$240
Levi’s 513 Blue Stone Slim-Straight Jean
$49
QOR 3XDRY Denim Jean Short
$168
Askov Finlayson Vermilion Short
$168
H&M Shorts
$13
Böle Tannery Wide Belt
~$334
Tanner Goods Black Dress Belt
$150
Archival Clothing Web Belt
$34
Zimmerli Pure Comfort Bozer Briefs
$85
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
$40
Jockey Classic Boxer Brief
$20, 5-pack
Falke No. 2 Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Socks
$140
Pantherella Forster Wool-Blend Socks
$40
Goldtoe Edinburgh Wool Crew Socks
$7
Alden Perforated Wingtip Blucher
$665
Crosby Square Cambridge Oxford Shoes
$395
Zara Dressy Leather Oxford Shoes
$99
Maison Margiela Bi-Color Sneakers
$470
Common Projects High Tops
$421
Greats The Bab Low
$49
