- Nov 20, 2006
- 2,922
- 1,045
I agree with Ksteezy regarding fit, fit, fit. Granted I still prefer the dress shoes even on weekends but my wardrobe is diverse enough and what I believe well fitting that with a lot of my things I can simply put on some sneakers, whether they be Purcells or some dunks. If things fit properly and you wear it with confidence, you're good.
I actually saw this about a week and a half ago by chance and I think what they have here is great! I personally have a few items that I get from Target some which are on the list and some that aren't. I have quite a few socks from Target and they are very comfortable, have been meaning to get a couple of v-necks as well. The shirts are okay, unfortunately for me although they have my neck size the shirts are huge on the rest of my body and needs tailoring. The only thing I'm iffy on was the suits. I actually haven't taken a look at any of them but may actually check it out tomorrow since I'm going to Target anyway. I'm curious to check what material they are made in. The other things that I wish would have been included would have been pocket squares, leather gloves and cold weather accessories. Box of 3 pocket squares, from white to patterned are about $5-6, seen them as low as $3 on clearance, leather gloves about $20 lined with fleece, seen them as low as $7 on clearance, same goes with cold weather accessories, especially after the season.
You can't go wrong with navy or gray. Personally, I would say if you are going to go gray, go with a medium to a slightly darker gray (not as dark as charcoal). Honestly, the gray that surrounds the text box when replying to someone here on NT is a good example of two grays you could use. Navy you can't go wrong. Honestly, it depends on what you feel most comfortable going with. Either way you can wear the pants and jackets as separates. The navy suit will definitely get more use not only as a suit but as separates as well.
Being Italy, it seems that many men actually do dress pretty well there. Honestly though just do you. As long as you're well put together I doubt anyone will say anything.
Dressing better on a budget - Target style
http://www.primermagazine.com/2011/spend/11-style-items-you-can-buy-at-target-and-5-you-shouldnt
11 Style Items You Can Buy at Target and 5 You Shouldn’t
1. V-neck Sweaters
These thin, lightweight sweaters look great casually over a button up but also slide in underneath a suit for winter layering. Pick them up when they’re on sale, usually under $20.
Sweater: Target, $20
Shirt: Lands End Canvas, $29
Sunglasses: AO Square Framed Aviator, $49
2. Dress socks
Merona has a great steal on patterned socks for $2.50 a pair. I’ve got 8 pairs. They look and feel great with my Frye boots, white canvas sneakers, or Allen Edmonds Strands.
3. Dress Shirts
Believe it or not, Target’s dress shirt line under the Merona brand is surprisingly good. They offer a trim silhouette, are wrinkle free and come in a small, but modern selection of colors and patterns. I’ve got a purple one (featured in our Can’t Fail First Date Get Up) that I can wear with a suit, or wear casually untucked with my Red Wings. Very versatile.
4. Henleys
Henley shirts, long sleeved collarless shirts with 2-4 buttons, are really under-utilized by many guys. They create a casual and comfortable look that’s still more put together than a t-shirt. They also offer a more rugged image usually. My favorite is a Mossimo from Target that I’ve had for 2 or 3 years. Pick them up when they’re on sale, $12 or less.
Henley: Target, $12
Sunglasses: Knockaround, $25
Bracelet: H&M, $3
Jeans: Gap, $30
Boots: Red Wing, $200
5. Suits
This one comes with a big but. A few years ago Target introduced an affordable line of suit separates, some of which are surprisingly nice looking. Stay away from the black options, all the ones I’ve seen still look like cheap black suits. However, there have been some nice gray models to come and go. If you pick up one of these, you have to promise me you’ll get it tailored. (Our guide for how a suit should fit.) The one thing that makes a cheap suit really stand out is when it doesn’t fit. If you need a suit quick or are on a tight budget, these will do the trick in the short term.
6. Some Watches
Target carries a few of Timex’s minimalist watches like the Easy Reader. A great looking watch for $30. We did a full review on them here. Stay away from any of Target’s other watches that are trying to be something they’re not; the big gawdy options, the ones with fake gold or diamonds, etc.
7. Polos
The store has a few lines of polos, most of which are a great deal when on sale. Look for the trimmer options. These won’t be the best quality money can buy, but at the price you’re paying, they’ll last you two or three years maybe. Be mindful when washing them, if you don’t care for them properly they’ll get pilly. Check out Dappered’s review on the Mossimo Signature polo.
8. Plain T-Shirts
Whether you pick up one of the store brands or a set of Hanes Perfect T’s, Target offers some nice crew and v-neck t shirt options. They’ve got an ‘athletic’ cut for a modern man, not the boxy Beefy Tees you’re used to seeing at the $8 range. Pick some of their soft ‘heathered’ or ‘marled’ options that’ll look great layered or on their own.
9. Graphic Tees
You’ve heard us say on Primer that if you want to start dressing better your default go-to should be a button up shirt. But t-shirts still have their place, either on their own or layered over a thermal. Target has consistently had a few options that aren’t “clearly from Target,” like they used to look. Choose consciously, and wear when appropriate.
10. Belts
You can find a full leather belt for under $16, and sometimes even less. I snagged a leather belt with a removable buckle for $4.99 on clearance once. It’s still one of my favorites. Stay away from the faux leather offerings.
11. Hats
There are few times a normal guy can wear a hat these days. But in the summer, and especially at the beach, almost every guy can pull it off. Since you’ll only get to wear it a couple times a year at best, don’t splurge on a nice one. Pick up a straw fedora at Target.
I actually saw this about a week and a half ago by chance and I think what they have here is great! I personally have a few items that I get from Target some which are on the list and some that aren't. I have quite a few socks from Target and they are very comfortable, have been meaning to get a couple of v-necks as well. The shirts are okay, unfortunately for me although they have my neck size the shirts are huge on the rest of my body and needs tailoring. The only thing I'm iffy on was the suits. I actually haven't taken a look at any of them but may actually check it out tomorrow since I'm going to Target anyway. I'm curious to check what material they are made in. The other things that I wish would have been included would have been pocket squares, leather gloves and cold weather accessories. Box of 3 pocket squares, from white to patterned are about $5-6, seen them as low as $3 on clearance, leather gloves about $20 lined with fleece, seen them as low as $7 on clearance, same goes with cold weather accessories, especially after the season.
You can't go wrong with navy or gray. Personally, I would say if you are going to go gray, go with a medium to a slightly darker gray (not as dark as charcoal). Honestly, the gray that surrounds the text box when replying to someone here on NT is a good example of two grays you could use. Navy you can't go wrong. Honestly, it depends on what you feel most comfortable going with. Either way you can wear the pants and jackets as separates. The navy suit will definitely get more use not only as a suit but as separates as well.
Being Italy, it seems that many men actually do dress pretty well there. Honestly though just do you. As long as you're well put together I doubt anyone will say anything.
