Building a new wardrobe

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Since I’ve been a functional adult, fashion is something that doesn’t really appeal to me.  The entire concept of spending a lot of money on things that are hot right now but that I probably won’t be able to wear in a year seems kind of silly to me, even though I can appreciate a well-dressed person and the time it takes to look good.  But while fashion doesn’t appeal to me, style does.  My personal belief is that having style is something that’s always in fashion, whereas almost all fashion goes out of style, if that makes any sense.

Truth be told, I’ve always struggled with my wardrobe.  Some of this struggle had to do with my weight fluctuating almost 40 lbs in the last 8 years, and another part had to do with a general anxiety about shopping.  Long story short, I’m one of those guys that had to stop going to malls during Christmas season many years ago.  I just can’t take the big crowds, the feeling of pressure, and the general anxiety that comes along with spending significant amounts of your hard-earned money.  As a result, I barely had the patience to stay in stores long enough to try on clothes, which ultimately led to the accumulation of lots of clothes that didn’t fit me too well, but that I didn’t have the patience to return (because of the anxiety that caused me to buy them in the first place!).

Over the years I’ve gotten a little more patient and managed to pick up a piece here and there that I’ve felt really comfortable about–a sweater here, a cool pair of slacks there–but nothing consistent enough to consider part of a wardrobe, or even a look for myself.  But in the past year or so I’ve started to identify where I wanted to go with it, and I think I’m ready to start the process.  I’ve also been inspired by some friends with great style that gave me some tips about how they achieved it.

So I’m going to build a new wardrobe, basically from scratch.  It’s not like I’ve got much worth keeping anyways.  I will blog about it here and post the things I learn along the way for those interested in the same undertaking.  My guess is that there are plenty of men who feel like I do; who want to look good, but don’t want to pay $40 for a ten deep t-shirt or $100 for one pair of jeans that don’t really work for you anymore.  If so, we can go through this process together.

If any of you have done this before, please feel free to share some tips in the comment section.  Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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  • Wyatt

    Cool idea, I’ve actually been thinking about doing the same for awhile now so it will be interesting to see.

  • JPJ23

    I definitely know how you feel. I wish I had more of a sense of style and the patience to shop. I look forward to the updates. Good luck!

  • Parker

    Don’t judge me but H&M has nice gear for the low…i got an outfit (pants, shirt, sweater, tie) for around 60 bucks. it’s worth a look.

  • Anonymous

    I actually like H&M. Their prices and selection is pretty good

  • Anonymous

    thanks! updates coming soon!

  • Platium31

    Great concept, my advice is to purchase things that are timeless. I find thrift stores and resale spots, have unique items of this nature. Once you have that foundation of a hot pair of pants or that perfect shirt you can build a couple of different looks by going to a TJ Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory. They have designer product at half to a third of the price. you can make a couple of different outfit for for 60 to 80 dollars total.

  • Alex

    I am no fan of shopping malls and generally lack the patience for shopping. That being said, I absolutely recommend Nordstrom. Seriously, I rarely shop anywhere else for business or casual clothes. Yes, their clothes are a bit more expensive. However, on a typical trip (just once every few months or so) I restrict myself to just a couple items, maybe a new pair of jeans or a shirt. Basically, I like to spend a little more on fewer things that will last and look good for a long time. I have never had a bad experience with Nordstrom. Their customer service is incredible (upon entering the store an associate will likely approach you and go out of their way to help you find the piece you’re envisioning) and their return policy is pretty much unbeatable.

  • bmoney

    Im right with ya, I will only buy items from thrift shops at least then its an adventure, also cant stand the malls they make me question our whole society as a whole and i get very depressed when i go to them.

  • Jason

    The changing of a wardrobe/style is a signal of change within us as individuals. To me it is a strong indicator that you are on the path to greater things. When you have this urge you are identifying that part of yourself that you no longer want to hold on to. In a nutshell, change is good.
    Personally, I have been going through something similar. My biggest grapple has been shedding the baggy clothes syndrome. Previously I always felt my clothes had to be at least 1 to 2 sizes bigger than what was necessary. Then one day, I had the epiphany that I am no longer in my 20′s and that I needed to dress like the 30-something MAN that I have grown into.
    There is an unsaid sense of confidence you gain as your wardrobe changes. People will notice the change even though they may not verbalize it to you. The bottom line is that a wardrobe/style is a natural thing that you should embrace once you decide to make the change.

  • Anonymous

    Hey Jason. I feel you 100%. A big part of getting older and moving into different stages in our lives involves the evolution of how we present ourselves. In that way, clothes can definitely be a metaphor for the evolution that we go through in our lives, and the expression of that change–not just an outfit that we throw on. Almost like how being overweight isn’t just about being overweight, the weight itself is a metaphor for emotional baggage that people are feeling. I wonder if baggy clothes are the same way? in that we wear really baggy stuff to create layers, both physical and emotional, to protect us from things around us?

    Thanks for the comment my dude!

  • Anonymous

    I’m all over the thrift stores right about now!

  • Anonymous

    love the comment about “purchasing things that are timeless”. that rule right there is one to live by, and maybe in more areas of life than just clothing.

    thanks for the comment!