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Dear Budget Fashionista,

I am a young professional man (who knows zero about fashion) and I am trying to assemble a basic professional wardrobe. I have a tight budget, but I am trying to understand which pieces (blazers, pants, shoes, etc.) I should buy first/ Help!

Justin from Michigan

Greetings Justin

Here’s the things you need to buy to build a basic professional wardrobe:

1. Three pairs of black slacks. Make sure the pants break (ie end) at the top of your shoe, no more than 1 inch from the ground.  You should be able to find reasonably priced slacks (around $30-$40) in a light wool/gabardine blend at most major department stores - like Macys (which has a great men’s department with sales), Jc Penney’s, and discount stores like Marshalls/Filene;s/TJ Maxx. Try and find pants that are lined

2. One black or dark navy blue suit. Depending on your size you should be able to find a reasonably price business suit, write this down, in a basic wool or gabardine material for around $200. Try stores like K&G, Syms, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Filene;s Basment (they often have men’s suiting events), Spring for the tailoring (which is WELL worth it) and make sure to always clean the blazer with the slacks.

3. Two Pairs of Khakis and/or Two pairs of Slacks in any color but black. This brings your total pants wardrobe to 5, enough for each day of the work week.

4. 10 dress shirts. The rule of thumb for men is to have two dress shirt for every pair of pants in your closet. Shirts tend to wear out quicker than pants, so having the extra shirts will ensure that you don’t “overuse” your current ones. Plus shirts are more memorable than pants, which you can get away with wearing more often. For right now, look for shirts in the basic colors like blues, browns. what you have about 5 or 6 shirts in basic colors, then you can experiment with new colors and prints. Costco’s Kirkland Brand Dress Shirts are often considered just as good, if not better than dress shirts from places like Nordstrom.

5. Two pairs of shoes- one brown and one black. Look for shoes from brands like Kenneth Cole (head to their outlet), Stacy Adams (in very conservative styles)

6. Two ties. Since most work environments are a bit casual, you most likely will not be wearing a tie everyday. However, it’s good to have at least two in your closet for times you need to impress someone or when you’re going to wedding.

7. Messenger bag/ leather briefcase- solely dedicated to business.

8. An adult coat. Leave the puffer for the weekend. Head to your nearest burlington coat factory and score a basic 3/4 length coat in a neutral color (black, brown, gray) a mid weight wool materials (it will feel only slightly heavy in your hands)

All and all plan to spend around $600 if you’re starting from scratch, but you will have a basic wardrobe that will last you until you start receiving a regular paycheck.