| Recession-Friendly Wardrobe Tips Uncertain economic times have changed the way we all spend money—from sack lunches and limited coffee runs to carpooling and movies nights at home. But there’s no reason why you can’t look sleek despite the economic downturn. Here are a few inventive yet practical ways to get the most bang for your buck. High-Impact Accessories A little really does go a long way. Try punching up what you already have in your closet with a few accessories that won’t break the bank, such as a brightly colored tie, a cool scarf, a statement-worthy pair of cufflinks, or a glossy leather belt. Not only will these pieces quickly rejuvenate your tired basics, they’ll last for many years to come. Color Play Many guys have a hard time with color, but it’s an easy and effective way to put a new spin on the day-to-day drab. If you’re a bit tentative, one great tip is to bring color around the face. Introduce a pop of color with a vibrant tie and a subtle dress shirt. Another foolproof approach is to choose hues that are complementary to one another. For example, a pale yellow sport shirt works well layered under a rich blue sweater. The trick is to use color in moderation and stay away from excessively loud prints and patterns. Think Quality, Not Quantity Investing in just one high-quality, classic item of clothing—instead of several subpar ones—is a smart, wallet-friendly tactic when sprucing up your wardrobe on a budget. You may be spending more in the short term, but you’ll really be saving in the long run. Consider a topnotch wool sport coat that you can wear year-round, and can move easily from day at the office to night on the town. More Pressing, Less Dry Cleaning The best way to combat wrinkles and creases in tailored clothing? Hang them up at the end of the day. That said, for those who are less diligent, a professional pressing may be in order. Dry cleaning can get expensive and requires the use of high heat and strong chemical solvents, which breaks down clothing fibers. Alternatively, a thorough pressing is a less expensive and more gentle way of bringing your clothing back to their former state of glory (as long as they’re just wrinkled and not soiled). Here’s a great tip: Men’s Wearhouse offers free pressings for the life of any garment purchased at one of our stores. |