How to be Chic On A Small Income

You don’t need a salary to have style—just a little sense and a lot of self-respect.

A man can dress with his income and be chic, no matter how small that income may be. Most men don’t even know what patterns work for them—they buy clothes based on what other men are wearing, what’s trending. That even applies to some wealthy men. And when a man has a limited income, he’s often inclined to buy things his mom would put him in as if he was five. That’s a serious error.

Good taste can be taught and if you want to be well-dressed and make a strong impression—whether on a date, at an interview, or just walking down Alberta Street—you’ve got to get intentional. Picture the type of man you want to be. The last TikToks I watched on NYC street fashion, I was shocked by the confidence. It was aura farming at its best—people of all shapes and sizes wearing clothes styled to their personality, not just their body. It was aura farming at its best - and it worked.

“You must have a sense of the fitness of things, and you must give some intelligent consideration of the matter of where you’re going to wear your clothes.” – Elsa Schiaparelli

As a business owner - and a busy one - I’ve faced the same problem that most boys and men in the Pacific Northwest who go to business: figuring out what to wear in the morning that’ll carry you through work meetings to dinner to a movie without requiring a costume change.

I found that a well-made jersey knit wool t-shirt solved this problem. It’s clean, smart, breathable, and layers easily under a jacket if you decide to drop into the Ritz for lunch. It eliminates the time-consuming “what do I wear now” panic, and for a busy man, that’s everything.

I wear my wool t-shirt all the time. I like them. They’re practical in every way.So here’s my advice: if your income is limited and you want to look smart, skip the fast fashion haul. Invest in one really good wool t-shirt. Make sure it’s tailored, and well made. Don’t be afraid to wear it often. Good clothes, simply made, don’t expire—no matter what the algorithm says.

The Wardrobe I Wish I Had (Back in College)

Not long ago when I was in college I had the opportunity to go to LA for a design competition. A girl commented on my dirty white Chucks, saying “Portlander,” and I immediately felt embarrassed—it was the only pair of shoes I brought.

Later, we went to a networking event full of design professionals. I had no dress shirt, so I tucked in a long-sleeve black tee into some dark tapered khakis and prayed it passed for semi-formal. That moment stuck with me. I wanted to make the right impression, but I was a college student with no salary. I couldn’t afford the wardrobe I wanted—so I had to get smart.

Here’s the wardrobe I wish I’d had back then, and what I recommend for any guy starting over—maybe you’re a poor college student, you’ve been living on the streets, coming out of incarceration, or just restarting from a hard place. These suggestions will apply to you. Show up like you believe in yourself.

The Chic Starter Pack

You begin to build your wardrobe with a good t-shirt, and as you start making money you add to it, a good coat, dark twill pants, and a smart button-up which will elevate your appearance during the winter and summer months. For your first shirt, go for a lightweight jersey wool. For winter add a scarf-cashmere or bison wool if you can swing it. I do not know how your summer climate is, but Portland is dry or muggy, and for this a breathable, temperature-regulating, and odor resistant wool shirt and denim shorts.

Shoes

As for shoes, you should have a minimum of one pair of oxfords, one pair of espadrilles (essential in summer), and one clean, solid pair of tennis shoes. I greatly disapprove of a shoe that has dirt and grass stains.

Accessories, But Make It Thoughtful

Shoes, hats, bags, and gloves should match in tone and attitude. Have at least two hats: one fitted cap for casual wear, and another neutral option for versatile days. With the same wool shirt, and straight leg trousers, and a fitted cap of your favorite sports team, and you can go anywhere in the afternoon. From working at a dive bar to a networking event.

Cheap jewelry? Avoid unless you know it suits your type. A clean gold ring or watch goes a long way. Keep it simple. No tangled chains or mix-matched metals. Clean lines, good energy. A good bag and belt are worth the splurge—$50 now beats two years of buying $10 bags that fall apart.

Now, you’ve got a wardrobe that you can build over a few months, even on a tight income—and it’ll last you for years. Here’s what you must remember:

• Buy good things only.

• Don’t be afraid to wear them often.

• Forget trends.

• Let your clothes reflect who you are becoming - not who you’re trying to copy.

If your clothes are made well and worn with confidence, you’ll always be in style. You don’t need a fortune to look sharp. You just need taste, a little knowledge, and a belief that you belong.

Check out these 100% Shaniko Wool t-shirts from Harry’s Room:👉 www.harrys-room.com/category/clothing