You don’t need to be a style victim to have stared into your (often bulging) wardrobe in despair and thought “how and why do I have literally nothing to wear?”. Obviously, there are things to wear. Just often, nothing we want to wear. Things we’ve owned for ages feel old because they are. Same old threads, same old outfits. Same old, same old.
But there’s no need to do anything drastic like burn the contents of your closet and start over.
The secret is not to spend hundreds of bucks on a whole new outfit whenever you’re feeling disillusioned. Take that route and chaos, bankruptcy and constant dissatisfaction awaits. What you need are small ways to pep up your existing outfits – style statements that will pep up your wardrobe whenever you’re feeling the pull to splurge.
Here we reveal the answers to your sartorial prayers under $40.
1. If you thought you’d never wear a fanny pack, think again
Fanny packs are now called hip packs or cross body bags and they are a thing. They are having a moment. They’ve been reinvented.
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We love Herschel’s Hip Sack in gray, which, once opened offers further treats for the eyes thanks to the brand’s signature striped interior. The strap is adjustable and the fabric is lightweight. From festivals to trekking to just looking pretty ideal – once you’ve gone hands free you’ll never look back!
Herschel Supply Co. Fifteen Hip Sack, $29.99 from Amazon
2. Heads up part 1
Don’t say you would never wear an orange hat. If you think you’d never wear an orange hat we are here to tell you this is probably why you’re staring at your wardrobe thinking you have nothing to wear.
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Adding a pop of color to an otherwise plain (read: old) outfit is one of the simplest ways to update your look and keep it fresh. This Carhartt beanie is awesome: warm, stretchy and crucially, not itchy or irritating on the hair or scalp.
Carhartt Men’s Acrylic Watch Hat A18, $12.99 from Amazon
3. You think you don’t need these but you so do
Pocket squares are those things that no one ever thinks about until they need one and don’t have one. For example, at weddings or other formal occasions. Then they inspire jealousy at said event when you see other dapper dudes rocking their pocket squares and you wish you were them.
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The good news is, you can be that dude too. This set from Shlax&Wing includes not one but five handmade pocket squares measuring 32 x 32 cm each, and the fabric is heavy and accommodates whatever kind of fold you want to do.
Shlax&Wing Assorted Mens Pocket Square Handkerchiefs Set, $12.99 from Amazon
4. Heads up part 2
This discreet North Face Men’s Bones Beanie is going to be a godsend when the temperature dips thanks to its cozy fleece lining. There’s also something fundamentally reassuring about North Face products – they are masculine, practical and cool in a no-nonsense way, adding a little edge to an otherwise plain uniform.
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Add this beanie to any casual outdoor get-up, even if you’re just waiting for a train or walking the dog, knowing that you’ll certainly look the part.
The North Face Men’s Bones Beanie, $19.95 from Amazon
5. Back up
Nothing pulls an outfit together like a great bag. Backpacks can be a minefield – you want to avoid anything that screams ‘outdoor pursuits weekend’ – unless of course you are going camping, mainly because of the size.
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This Vaschy backpack would actually be appropriate for hiking and the like because it is water resistant and has heaps of little compartments, but we think it works just as well, if not better, as an everyday city bag. You can fit in a laptop and a gym gear – and it even fits in airplane overhead baggage compartments. Plus, if this gray and black colorway doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of other options for more of a statement.
Vaschy Backpack, $37.99 from Amazon
6. A bright scarf
We’re all for grays and blues and camels but (if you haven’t already guessed) sometimes what you really need is a blast of color to revive a tired look. Enter this soft, elegant tasseled winter scarf from Falari in a punchy chili red that you’ll come back to season after season for a bit of flair.
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It is lightweight, made from acrylic and measures 72 inches – so it’s a decent length without seeming excessively oversized or too heavy duty. Also, on a practical note, it’s a lot more difficult to lose red accessories than their darker counterparts. You’re welcome.
Falari Men Knitted Winter Scarf, $9.99 from Amazon
7. Iconic sportswear
Sports logos blown up large were a thing of the past before they became very much part of the present. Say goodbye to discreet labels and fully embrace wearing iconic sportswear brands as daywear. Or evening wear.
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This black Adidas Originals Men’s Trefoil T-Shirt is fully loaded with logo and is comfy to boot thanks to being made from 100 percent cotton. And brilliantly, Adidas have even partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative which works to improve cotton farming globally. Not just a fashion statement, after all.
Adidas Originals Men’s Trefoil T-Shirt, $20.40 from Amazon
8. Under where?
Even if no one is going to see it, wearing decent underwear is important. It’s good for the soul. How can anyone’s day get off to a good start if they are wearing tired old boxer shorts that resemble dishrags from an industrial kitchen? Exactly.
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This set of four Tommy Hilfiger boxer briefs is going to sort you right out. Comfortable, clean, crisp with the signature logo waistband; this is how you should be starting your day.
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s 4-Pack Boxer Brief, $34.99 from Amazon
9. Outerwear that takes you back
Sometimes all you need is a bright baseball jacket. This red and black BCPOLO Varsity Letter Jacket is soft to the touch and easy to move about in, yet the 90 percent cotton feels thick, sturdy and durable.
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There are no fewer than eight colorways to choose from, but we’d recommend anyone to go bright to make a bigger statement. The ideal spring or fall jacket. Plus, a raglan sleeve is super flattering on any shape.
BCPOLO Varsity Letter Jacket, $34.99 from Amazon
10. Good shoes are good news
Bad shoes are worse than bad anything else. They will be the downfall of an otherwise great outfit.
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These Jousen Oxfords are made from real suede with a comfortable rubber sole and would be a brilliant addition to any wardrobe that needs shoes that sit nicely between trainers and black polishable dress shoes. The price is totally jaw-dropping – why not get them in black too?
JOUSEN Men’s Oxford Plain Toe Suede Casual Dress Shoes, from $33.59 from Amazon
11. Dress up
Sometimes you just need to whip out a bow tie and matching pocket square for a little extra flair. This floral set from JEMYGINS in 100 percent cotton is super cool.
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The pocket bow tie is adjustable so you don’t need to freak out that you never learnt to tie a ‘proper’ one and the pocket square is 22 x 22 inches making it easy to fold without it appearing too bulky for the pocket. Style with a dapper navy blue suit and crisp white or pale blue shirt.
JEMYGINS Cotton Floral Self-Tie Bow Tie and Pocket Square Set, from $8.99 from Amazon
12. Sexy cardi
Time was, cardigans were the domain of old ladies and no one else. But not anymore. The cardigan is now a valid and crucial part of any wardrobe, including those of young, stylish men. It doesn’t even matter what basic tee you’ve got underneath.
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This cotton and wool mix button down from Match Men’s K|G Series manages to nail smart casual perfectly. We love the detailing here: the front pockets and the ribbed hem and cuff. The whole garment looks about 10 times more expensive than it actually is.
Match Men’s K|G Series Shawl Collar Cardigan Sweater, from $11.99 from Amazon
13. Jeans are still your go-to reboot
If in doubt, invest in a decent pair of new jeans. Well-fitting, quality denim, no matter how understated, is an easy way to refresh a wardrobe which seems to be wilting.
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These LEE Men’s Modern Series Slim-Fit Tapered-Leg Jean are made from 99 percent cotton and one percent spandex which allows for both form and motion. Lee is such a trusted brand, having made jeans for over a century, that you can rest assured your legs are in safe hands.
LEE Men’s Modern Series Slim-Fit Tapered-Leg Jean, from $34.85 from Amazon
14. Find one thing that will work so hard for you
Every wardrobe needs a denim shirt. They go with everything and, as long as properly ironed, can look really neat and dapper, too.
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This one from Goodthreads is made from 100 percent cotton, making it soft and breathable. It’s neither too heavy duty nor too flimsy, hitting a comfort sweet spot. With a button-down collar, patch chest pocket, and box-pleated back yoke, the design is simple and practical with a bit of pop.
Goodthreads Men’s Standard Fit Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt, $34.50 from Amazon
15. Heads up part 3
Word of warning: You need to be really careful when styling a Havana hat. It is really easy to tip into central casting’s version of Mafioso on vacation in 1952 territory.
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With that said, having a decent, stylish hat for hotter days is a really good way of pulling a look together. This one from Sunday Afternoons is made from 90 percent paper, and is crushable so it can be easily packed away without being destroyed. It also features an interior sweatband around the rim. Style with (almost) anything for an instant outfit revival.
Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat, $28 from Amazon
16. Show the logo
Branded t-shirts are back in a big way and Levi’s have a brilliant selection featuring a variety of designs including their classic logo.
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This is an understated statement staple, if you will. Relaxed, casual, but very much on-trend. Levi’s Men’s Graphic Logo T-Shirt is pure cotton and offers a slim fit without being tight – it’s soft, comfortable and easy to style. Jeans, sneakers and you’re good to go.
Levi’s Men’s Graphic Logo T-Shirt, from $14.70 from Amazon
17. Bust out the plaid
Plaid is another closet game changer, even though some people feel scared of its ‘farm boy’ connotations. In fact, plaid is a secret weapon as it cheers up any outfit in one fell swoop.
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Wrangler Authentics red and black fleece shirt is a total box ticker. We love the thickness of this fabric, which is brushed fleece on both sides which is basically the sartorial equivalent of a warm bath. You’re welcome.
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Big & Tall Long Sleeve Plaid Fleece Shirt Jacket, $11.32 from Amazon
18. Don’t have a luggage let down
Stuffing clothes into bags for life from the supermarket is not ‘packing’. Everyone needs a decent weekend holdall bag that won’t let the side down when it comes to aesthetics. This khaki green duffel bag from Gagaku is roomy enough to pack things for an overnight stay but not so large that it can’t be used as a cabin bag when traveling.
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It has a water-resistant exterior and is ultra-lightweight, too.
Gagaku Foldable Travel Duffel Bag, $19.99 from Amazon
19. Feet first
Vans’ checkerboard skate sneakers are the perfect remedy for a tired look. It’s not that they are new – quite the opposite, in fact. They are classic and timeless and work on men, women and kids alike. We love the waffle sole which gives great grip, just in case you were tempted to, you know, actually skate rather than just walk around looking awesome.
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The slip-on style is hassle free and you can chuck them on a cold wash when they get dirty. We know these come in a teeny bit over budget but you’re going to get a lot of bang for your buck here.
Vans Slip-on(Tm) Core Classics, from $45.95 from Amazon
20. Tie it up
You won’t resent having to wear a tie if it’s a good one. And by ‘good one’ we mean individual, stylish and original. It doesn’t mean digging around in your closet for your high school tie only to find that it has mustard all over it.
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We’re here for floral prints on menswear and especially love this Original Penguin ditzy print tie in lilac, pink and turquoise that offers a slim shape.
Original Penguin Bimini Floral Tie, $26.99 from Amazon
21. Aviators are still super cool
Will aviators ever not be cool? We can’t see this retro style ever being off the books again.
This pair of FEIDU Polarized Aviator Sunglasses for Men boasts 100 percent UV400 protection and as such filters out 99 percent of reflected glare without haze or optical distortion.
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They fit snugly without being too tight, meaning they are fit for more than just lazy afternoons in the sun – these shades will serve you so well on the golf course, tennis court or out on a brisk walk.
FEIDU Polarized Aviator Sunglasses for Men, $13.99 from Amazon
22. Time for a new timepiece part 1
Don’t even feel bad if your favorite part about this watch is the olive-colored nylon strap. That said, the 38mm face of this Timex Weekender watch is pretty easy on the eye too, boasting both 12 and 24-hour clock numbers and a light-up watch dial, as well as a clean silver tone rim.
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A simple but beautiful watch that won’t come close to blowing a budget. Water resistant too.
Timex Unisex Weekender 38mm Watch, $30.55 from Amazon
23. Softly, softly
If cashmere accessories feel a little indulgent for your current budget, we have a solution in the form of this scarf which looks like cashmere, feels like cashmere but doesn’t price up like cashmere.
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Plaid is a really understated way to perk up any outfit – be it an overcoat on top of a formal suit or a casual jacket and jeans situation. This lightweight Feel Winter Plaid Scarf from Love Lakeside is so easy to wear not least because it feels so soft on the skin.
Love Lakeside-Men’s Cashmere Feel Winter Plaid Scarf, $9.90 from Amazon
24. Update your beachwear
If your vacation wardrobe is looking a little sparse or worn out, you probably need a new pair of trunks.
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We recommend pattern and seeing as pineapple seems to be an enduringly popular motif, these are the perfect way to update your beach look without being too over-the-top, especially with a simple, navy background. These ones from MaaMgic Mens have an elastic waist, a mesh lining, and dry oh-so-quickly.
MaaMgic Mens Slim Fit Quick Dry Short Swim Trunks, from $16.99 from Amazon
25. Espadrilles are usually the answer
Beach vacation footwear can lead us all into some very strange places where our style instincts desert us. However, an easy win is the espadrille. Comfortable, laid-back, easy to wear literally and in terms of styling – we cannot think of anything better.
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This striped canvas pair by Soludos offers a jute foot-bed that moulds to the foot after a couple of wears while the rubber sole provides stability and traction.
Soludos Men’s Original Classic Stripes Espadrille, $21.99 from Amazon
26. Pastel packs a punch
Don’t be afraid of pale, ice cream hues – especially when they can make such a difference to an outfit. We love a pop of pastel, especially when it comes to accessories.
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This mint green backpack by Kenox has a special section for a 15-inch laptop but is roomy enough for books, tablets, headphones and wallets too. It’s lightweight, which is always a bonus if you’re set to be carrying plenty inside.
Kenox Vintage Laptop Backpack, $25.90 from Amazon
27. Keep your tech tidy
Because if you don’t have a camouflage print tech organizer sleeve are you even alive?
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Fossil Men’s Tech Organizer Multi laptop holder is a great product though – somewhere smart for tablets, phones, cables and even a small laptop to be easily accessible. Inside this sleeve, made from durable canvas, are eight elastic loops and a variety of pockets and pouches.
Fossil Men’s Tech Organizer Multi, $36.99 from Amazon
28. Cufflinks are key
There’s plenty of scope for going wrong when it comes to cufflinks. No matter how witty you think they are, novelty or gimmicky cufflinks are ultimately cheesy and are going to see your style stock plummet.
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These silk knots from Jacob Alexander are the way to go – they are timeless, classy and best of all can be matched to your tie, pocket square or socks. This jar contains no fewer than 25 pairs of silk cufflinks, each in a different color. The cufflinks measure 0.25 of an inch meaning they’ll work with any shirt.
Jacob Alexander Silk Knot Cufflinks, $16.95 from Amazon
29. A pair of killer shades
We are big fans of wooden sunglasses – they are relaxed, stylish and manage to look expensive even when they aren’t. This might be because each pair of Walnut Wood Wayfarer Sunglasses from GoWood has its own unique wood grain. The dark walnut wood looks super sophisticated, and the lenses are fashionably opaque.
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Best of all these aren’t a case of style over substance; they offer full protection against the sun’s harmful rays thanks to polarized thermal cured lenses, which provide a clear vision and protect against glare and UV radiation.
GoWood Walnut Wood Wayfarer Sunglasses, $29 from Amazon
30. Time for a cool timepiece part 2
Casio digital watches have reached cult status – welcome news given the minute price tag. Even something as small as a watch can make a big impact.
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Given its low cost, you’d be forgiven for thinking the F-91W model isn’t built to last. However, they do. They last, and last, and last. Not only this, but they are water resistant and even have a stopwatch and an LED light. We’d call this a total bargain.
Casio Men’s ‘Classic’ Quartz Metal and Resin Casual Watch, $13.49 from Amazon
31. Be playful, not childish
There is a huge difference between playful dress socks as an addition to a traditional outfit and being Screech from Saved By The Bell.
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This six-pack of cotton socks from Tutast manages to nail the former. With anchors, palm trees and flamingos featuring, you’ll be offering a peep of something light-hearted under even the most formal of suit trousers. And actually, we think this is the key – to wear these with formal suits to add a sense of intrigue.
Tutast Men’s Cotton Dress Socks, from $14.99 from Amazon
32. Comfort and color are not mutually exclusive
Aside from this tangerine dream of a color, which will brighten up any outfit, the best thing about these socks from Rambutan Men’s “Space Collection” is that there are made from actual bamboo which makes them extraordinarily silky to the touch, so your feet will feel blissed out all day long. The toe sections are made without seams thanks to being hand-linked.
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We aren’t scientists so don’t ask us for the nitty-gritty, but these socks promise to prevent your feet from becoming sweaty and smelly. If this isn’t reason enough to invest, we don’t know what is. There’s a kaleidecope of colors to pick from too. Dreamy.
Rambutan Men’s “Space Collection” Bamboo Seamless Dress Socks, $9.20 from Amazon
33. Sunnies that look much more expensive than they really are
These round vintage-look sunglasses from Carfia – complete with polarized lenses – are really sleek and smart. They look expensive and classic – we can’t get enough of that deep tortoiseshell frame.
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These are perfect for a summer wedding and really easy to wear thanks to the hypoallergenic acetate frame which provides lightweight durability and all-day comfort. So you know that thing that happens when your glasses pinch the bridge of your nose and it hurts like fury? Not gonna happen.
Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses for Men, $20.99 from Amazon
34. Cable Guys
Texture is a really valuable tool when it comes to making a statement and is a subtle way to update your knitwear. This rich green crewneck pullover sweater from Rocorose offers a rich cable design on the front and down the arms, while the back is a simple ribbed structure.
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You’ll find this soft to the touch and nicely stretchy – making it easy to throw on over a t-shirt. This isn’t too thick, so you won’t find yourself having to squeeze into your coats or jackets.
Rocorose Men’s Cable Knit Sweater, from $26.99 from Amazon
35. Think Pink
Real men wear pink etc. But seriously, pink is a great color for anyone. We especially love it on footwear. This pair of classic Chuck Taylor high tops are a sight for sore eyes and will add fun and playfulness to your getup.
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The best thing about Converse sneakers is that they actually look better the more worn in they are. The prices here vary depending on size.
Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Tops, from $22.85 from Amazon
36. A new hoodie
Out with all that old, holey, mangled loungewear. In with this cotton mix pullover from Amazon Essentials which features a front pocket and wide ribbed cuffs to lock in warmth.
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This is a slim fit, which means it’s ideal for layering – going under denim or varsity jackets without a Michelin man effect. There are more neutral colors – a charcoal and a black for example – but why not live a little and plump for this deep blue?
Amazon Essentials Men’s Hooded Fleece Sweatshirt, $17 from Amazon
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