Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to stop buying, but it’s a good idea to shop with your lifestyle and existing wardrobe in mind.

1. Take Stock: Buy pieces that integrate well with what you already own.
2. Assets: Accessories can be a low-cost way to revamp a "tired" wardrobe. Consider adding some new ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, or vests to existing suit/dress shirt ensembles. Add a little luxe to an inexpensive suit or dress shirt with a 100% silk tie in a colorful, eye-catching print- options abound even at lower price points. Consider Ben Sherman & Palio 100% Silk Ties, from $38 . With French-cuff dress shirts, ditch the complementary cufflinks that come with the shirt and find a little something that represents you. It tells everyone from discerning women to potential clients and interviewers that you are a person that pays attention to little details- a favorable trait for sure! Styles abound from classics (simple shapes in gold or silver, stone inlays) to unique and quirky (football, sailing, gambling, theater motifs and more- you name it!) .
3. Basic Investments: Basics= pieces that can be dressed up or down, worn for years without going out of style, or come in neutral colors that match most everything. Some examples...

• Every man needs a classic pair of high quality, chino trousers in his wardrobe. A khaki colored, flat front model will get the most use- taking you easily from work (business casual) to play (add a golf shirt for the club; a dress-casual shirt or lightweight sweater for drinks or dinner). For quality and style that lasts, we recommend "The Ultimate Chino" Khaki Trouser by Ballin, from $119
• A well-fitting, basic white dress shirt is essential. It, too, goes from work (under a suit, sportcoat or on its own) to play (with jeans for a casual dinner out) effortlessly. One caveat: it's white, so account for inevitable spills and buy several.100% Cotton Dress Shirts by Classix, from $30
  
• The Perfect Jeans: Worn more than any single item of clothing in a man's closet, a good quality pair of jeans in a classic color and style will last season after season. Plus, consider this bonus: Divide the number of wears you get from one pair of jeans into the price you paid and you’ll realize that they cost you pennies per wear! Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage
  
• Last but not least: the Polo Shirt. As comfortable as a T-shirt, but wearable to the office, for sports, weekends, you name it. Options abound, so look for a good quality version (one that won't fade, stretch or pill after one wear or wash). that fits well (shoulder seams should fall at or within an inch or so of your actual shoulders, sleeves should end well before your elbows and the length should not completely cover your backside), in a basic color (navy, red, black and white are all good choices). Outer Banks polo, from $20