8 Ways to Refresh Your Wardrobe on a Budget

Now that the new year is in full swing you may be thinking about giving your wardrobe a look over. A new year usually means new beginnings, and so we think it’s time to really give yourself and your wardrobe a makeover. We’ve got some tips for you on how to do it on a budget (we also know that this time of the year is pretty hard on the old wallet), so look no further if you want to give your look a new, well, look.

Typically January comes along and people usually want to make a change in their lives. This can be by doing dry January, joining a gym or simply just eating a bit more veg. We ourselves think it’s a great time to give your wardrobe a bit of a change up. We think that the best way to do this is to invest in some key pieces that you know are going to last you the rest of the year, especially if you plan to update your wardrobe on a budget (you don’t want to have to redo it again in September).

So below we’ve outlined the easiest way to do this and the pieces we think you need to get your hands on if you are serious about giving your wardrobe that much needed refresh. We aren’t here to help you reinvent your style, but we do think there are simple things you need in your wardrobe this 2018. Having a fresh new wardrobe is the first step to improving your appearance (next stop a new haircut for the new year).

Before you start buying new bits though, you’ll need to purge your wardrobe. You can’t have a wardrobe overhaul if you aren’t prepared to get rid of the old items you don’t wear anymore.

Invest In An Overcoat

Especially at this time of the year when the weather is pretty chilly, an overcoat can quickly become your much-needed best friend. Not only does it instantly make you look smarter (even when chucked over a simple outfit like a white T-shirt and joggers), but an overcoat is one of those coats that can be worn over another coat. Particularly on trend right now is wearing a jacket (a denim or bomber jacket for example) and throwing an overcoat over it. Not only will you be kept warm, but you will find that your overcoat will be one of the most versatile items you own. You can style one with practically anything and the best thing about it is that it will last you throughout the year.

Overcoats are one of those items that you know will never go out of fashion. They have been knocking about for years and don’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon. You can also get overcoats at reasonable prices, despite them typically being deemed expensive items. Just look in your local charity or vintage shop and you’ll be able to snap one up at a fraction of the price you probably expected to pay. An overcoat is an easy fix if you want to revamp your wardrobe and those tired outfits you keep wearing as it adds a whole new element and dimension to your look.

Make Sure You Own White Trainers

A pair of white trainers is hands down a must-have for all men. They are the essential of casual footwear you need and can be dressed-up or down-dressed, depending on how you want to look – although if you are planning to wear them for a slightly more formal situation then we recommend not letting them get too muddy over the course of time. White trainers go with practically anything and will last a long time if looked after properly. Also nothing says a wardrobe refresh like a pair of box-fresh white trainers.

The magic of a pair of white trainers is that they literally can go with anything. Whether it be with a pair of joggers or a suit, nowadays trainers have been given the big seal of approval and can now be worn outside the gym. So basically, investing in a pair as part of your wardrobe re-haul is a wise thing to do, as typically they aren’t too expensive and will see you through the summer and winter (as well as spring and autumn).

Make Sure You Have A Range of Basic T-shirts

While this might seem like an obvious suggestion, simply having a range of different coloured, crew neck T-shirts to choose from will instantly make it seem like you have more depth to your wardrobe. This will this make your looks seem better. Basically we would suggest avoiding coloured T-shirts (you know the reds, blues and greens), but invest in a range of neutral shades like tan, olive and grey and of course, the classic white and black T-shirts. These will allow you to mix up your outfits and practically have seven days of different outfits, at an extremely low cost. T-shirts these days are so cheap you can quite literally buy a basic white one for around five pounds.

T-shirts can be paired with anything, so whether you’re pairing these with shorts in the summer or with a pair of jeans in the winter, you can guarantee that they are a smart investment at a low cost.

Grab Yourself A Navy Blazer

A navy blazer is one of those things that every man should own. Standing as one of the most versatile items a man can own, you will definitely reap the benefits of one if you get one, and the best thing is that you can certainly get one for under £100. Whether you team it with a pair of stone chinos for a slightly formal convention or party, or pair it with matching navy suit trousers, you’re onto a winner. Throughout the next year it is highly likely that you are going to have a lot of events where you’ll need to dress slightly smarter than your everyday look.

With a navy blazer, where it is such a staple colour, you can either down play or up-dress it. To do so you should also have a variety of ties and shirts with which you can match your blazer so each of your outfits looks different. Again, this can be done as cheaply as you want.

Get A Button-down Shirt

A button-down shirt is an absolute essential. Going hand-in-hand with a navy blazer, it is something you should 100% have in your wardrobe and if you’re looking to give your wardrobe a refresh, you should more than invest in a brand new one. The opportunities to wear one are endless, whether it be for work, under a suit for a wedding or simply for a nice dinner.

A button-down shirt can be worn for any occasion really, so ensure you have a pair of jeans or chinos that it can be paired with. When updating your wardrobe, chuck out the old one you’ve had for years and get a brand new, crisp, white one. They’re a lot cheaper than you probably initially thought they would be, so you really have no excuse.

Definitely Buy A Denim Jacket

A denim jacket is one of those jackets that will literally see you from month to month. It is an excellent transitional piece and can be worn a number of ways, whether it be summer or winter. In the summer, the obvious match is with a pair of shorts when the temperature gets cooler in the evening. Easy to stow away or simply throw on, it will not be a hindrance to carry around when you head to the beach or elsewhere. Pair with shorts for in the day.

When it comes to winter, pair your denim jacket with denim jeans. This may seem like a bold move, but double denim will not only keep you warm when the cool wether hits, but it is also a timeless look. Sure it was big in the Nineties, but every catwalk has had one point or another had some form of double denim go down it. People just love it.

Essentially we are trying to prove to you that a denim jacket is a wise choice when you are overhauling the state of your current wardrobe. Easy to throw on, easy to wear with basically anything, a denim jacket is a smart choice if you want to give your wardrobe a revamp. It is so versatile that people won’t even think ‘he’s wearing that damn denim jacket again!’ You can also get one for hardly any money at all, so really you have no excuse not to put one on your shopping list.

Invest In A Solid Pair Of Loafers

When giving your wardrobe a revamp, you need to ensure that when you are throwing out your old bits, you are replacing them with things that are worthwhile. This is never truer than when it comes to loafers. We seriously recommend investing a solid pair of leather loafers that you know will last at least a few years. Loafers, like a blazer, are one of those items that you must have in your wardrobe, especially if you are over the age of 20. There is never not an opportunity to wear them, whether it be work or for a formal event.

When it comes to buying a pair, we really do think that you should spent a little more money on them, with the intent that these will last. You can wear these with jeans or with a suit for more formal occasions, so you can guarantee that you will get your wear out of them. You can also get some for under £100 that will still be leather and worth the money, so it is an all round investment.

Ditch Your Old Underwear

This is as simple as the above – ditch your old underwear. If you want a wardrobe revamp then the first thing you need to do is get rid of your old underwear and grab some new pairs. Tom Ford once said that you should change your underwear every six months and we completely agree. Underwear can be bought so cheaply that you really have no excuse.