I'm a college student, and my wardrobe consists of a few pairs of levi's, some t-shirts, and a few comfortable pair of shoes. I never really saw the need to have a large collection of clothing, and college only tighten my budget. As I quickly move towards the world of wondrous adulthood (and all the responsibility that comes with it) I've found that my wardrobe is a bit too young. I figured that it was time to maybe start beefing up my wardrobe for the workforce, and social gatherings. Now this isn't to say I do not have style I just never really pursued it because money was always tight and I never saw it as a necessity. I like nice looking clothes, but that's as far as it goes.
I was wondering if people had any recommendations on more affordable brands of clothing, or maybe some links to the 101's of affordable male fashion. I figured if I could map out what I wanted I could take my friends advice to buy it piece by piece and work towards a more age appropriate and stylish wardrobe.
I know it is such a broad question because there are so many parts to an outfit, and the occasion obviously dictates how formal/informal an outfit should be, but I feel like there has got to be some essentials that improve a wardrobe overall. Maybe recommendations on some nicer shoes, some collared shirts, and maybe some slacks? Any help is appreciated honestly.
An important part of building a wardrobe is building a "capsule wardrobe." The idea is to have the minimum amount of pieces that create the maximum amount of outfits. What items you use are entirely dependent on your style, but looking through MFA and even Pinterest can help you develop what you're looking for. It will help simplify your clothing hunt and once you've built a foundation, make it easier to keep up and cycle through over the years. As well, a good tailor is your best friend. It doesn't matter a lick how expensive a shirt is if it doesn't fit you properly, and fit makes a WORLD of difference. Here's a good place to start. Finally, I always ask myself, "Do I actually see myself wearing this?" Far too many people buy clothes because that's what they think they need or because it looks "okay." Love what you're wearing and you will put far more value into what you pay and the upkeep. Clothes will do nothing for you if you don't have confidence in them, and you'll save yourself a lot of money if you don't buy things you'll only wear once and then leave in the bottom of the closet.
If you can ignore most of the chattering comments, the basic menswear guides over at /r/malefashionadvice are a great place to start. If you are willing to spend some time learning, and spend a few hundred dollars on clothes, you are off to a great start. They have several different seasonally focused guides, but I think the Fall/Autumn one is the best place to start. I would also second your friend's advice, to buy things one at a time. Also, don't spend very much money on any one piece while you are still developing your personal sense of style. Stores like H&M and Gap are great for this stage.
I don't consider the basic MFA 'uniform' to be reflective of expensive tastes. I haven't been a regular there for a number of years, but the consistent contributors I'm familiar with are much more frugal-minded than the denizens of any other menswear forum I've visited. If you really do find their suggestions out of your budget, there's always the aptly-named /r/FrugalMaleFashion. The most expensive thing I've seen recommended there is a solid pair of leather boots.