Thread by @WellBuiltStyle

How to do casual style if you're on a tight budget.

My simple (winning) formula:

Step 1 - get yourself into shape. This is the hardest part of the formula.

The good news is that you don't have to be huge. Think 10-15% body fat with a 10" drop between your chest and waist measurements:

This is enough to have clothes drape nicely. You'll also stand out in a sea of men with guts sticking out further than their chests.

Want to be more jacked than this?

Go for it.

Step 2 - buy a handful of plain t-shirts.

Uniqlo: bit.ly/31pvzJm
Everlane: bit.ly/30Bfocz
Mott & Bow: bit.ly/2DH2XmE
Banana Republic: bit.ly/31v57On

all make great options

V-neck or crew neck?

You can go with either option - although the v-neck does a nice job of highlighting/framing your face.

Credit: bit.ly/3gz0edw

Step 3 - grab a pair of jeans.

Go with some good quality dark denim. Most versatile option you can own.

Everlane makes a nice athletic fit option for $68: bit.ly/3gH2XSq

In terms of fit it depends on your personal aesthetic.

There is a range that is considered acceptable:

Step 4 - footwear.

Sneakers tend to be the default option. If you going that route get something that is QUALITY (full grain leather, leather lined, hand made).

Oliver Cabell makes great sneakers: shrsl.com/2fdvc

Simple and CLEAN.

But don't be afraid to go with some boots either.

Like so:

For some good boots check out the options over at @ThursdayBootCo

Step 5 - Accessories.

This is optional.

If you're going to wear some jewelry keep it to 1-3 pieces (including a watch).

You can do more but you better know what you're doing.

When you put everything together you've got a killer casual style uniform that you can rely on over and over again.

Credit: bit.ly/2wrTNUj, bit.ly/2mHqziY, bit.ly/2RxaIx4

And if you doing it with the boots:

Credit: bit.ly/3d3lUMT

As we move toward the fall/winter season you can tweak this uniform by incorporating a piece of outerwear.

Whether that's a sweater like a cardigan:

or a jacket.

Credit: bit.ly/2YaHMi8

The possibilities are almost limitless here with a simple t-shirt + jeans set up.

This is my go to look:

Cuts down on the expense and cuts down on the thinking.

If you can make a simple outfit like this look GOOD then you are well on your way to having great style.

It's the ultimate litmus test.

Btw - if you enjoy this kind of advice you'll want to sign up for my weekly emails.

Similar to my timeline here but I cover topics more in depth.

Jump on the list if you're interested in leveling up your style: bit.ly/2OVErjN