These Upgraded Wardrobe Essentials Are Worth the Price

You invest in your car. Why not your clothes?

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The voice of reason inside your head might tell you not to drop $1,500 on a blazer, $500 on sneakers or $140 on a single white tee. But before you scoff at the fact that people actually buy such things, consider this: your wardrobe staples are not the stuff of fashion, garments dictated by trends and seasons — ergo, disposable. We’re talking about your fallbacks and your favorites, which form the lasting framework of your style. If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe as a whole, start here: at the basics. And give yourself a break for wanting nice things. Isn’t it sensible, perhaps even wise, to invest in a quality foundation?

If that voice of reason remains unconvinced, fret not; our editors have you covered with stylish alternatives at affordable price points, too. But if you’re ready to climb the ladder into everyday luxury, here are the best clothes that money can buy.

Baseball Cap

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Winwel Cashmere and Wool Baseball Cap
$125

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Fair Ends Green Shetland Ball Cap
$48

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Lands’ End Low Profile Washed Canvas Cap
$13

White T-Shirt

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Merz B. Schwanen Army Shirt
$140

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The Real McCoy’s Sea Island Cotton Pocket Tee
$110

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Everlane The Cotton Crew
$15

Oxford Button Down

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The Hill-Side Navy Warp Oxford Button-Down Shirt
$177

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Gitman Vintage Blue Oxford
$165

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Uniqlo Slim Fit Oxford
$30

Blue Blazer

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Canali Kei Unstructured Double-Faced Wool Blazer
$1,590

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Gant The Hopsack Blazer
$650

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Uniqlo Comfort Jacket
$70

Khakis

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Unis Gio Vintage Khaki
$198

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Bills Kahakis Original Twill M3 Pant
$145

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Joe Fresh Men’s Slim Chino
$49

Jeans

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Raleigh Jones Original Selvedge Raw
$285

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Industry of All Nations Clean Jeans
$240

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Levi’s 513 Blue Stone Slim-Straight Jean
$49

Shorts

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QOR 3XDRY Denim Jean Short
$168

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Askov Finlayson Vermilion Short
$168

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H&M Shorts
$13

Belt

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Böle Tannery Wide Belt
~$334

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Tanner Goods Black Dress Belt
$150

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Archival Clothing Web Belt
$34

Underwear

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Zimmerli Pure Comfort Bozer Briefs
$85

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Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
$40

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Jockey Classic Boxer Brief
$20, 5-pack

Socks

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Falke No. 2 Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Socks
$140

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Pantherella Forster Wool-Blend Socks
$40

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Goldtoe Edinburgh Wool Crew Socks
$7

Black Lace-Ups

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Alden Perforated Wingtip Blucher
$665

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Crosby Square Cambridge Oxford Shoes
$395

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Zara Dressy Leather Oxford Shoes
$99

Sneakers

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Maison Margiela Bi-Color Sneakers
$470

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Common Projects High Tops
$421

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Greats The Bab Low
$49

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