On a budget

For men just starting to establish a cash flow, or otherwise on a tight budget, your main focus should be quality. While a good suit can run expensive, a classic, versatile and sturdy piece can last decades and save you money in the long run.

“Don’t necessarily buy the least expensive suit even if you’re on a low budget,” Ryan says. “If you’re on a low budget, you should be buying a better suit because in the long run, it will last you longer.”

You don’t have to drop a huge amount of cash, but don’t walk in thinking cheap because that’s what you’ll look when you walk out. Carefully consider style, fabric, construction and fit to get the most for your money.

A durable, classically cut, well-made and well-fitting suit is timeless. And while your shape may change, if properly constructed from quality fabric, the one suit you bought will stand up to alterations and updating to fit you again.

At Harley’s, the store motto reads: “Things of quality have no fear of time,” and Ryan emphasizes a classic suit that never goes out of style will actually save you money because it will last longer, hold up better and stand up to adjustments. This purchase will be a staple to your wardrobe, so take your time, learn all that you can and welcome the advice of an experienced professional, so that you won’t feel any regrets later.

A small budget does require flexibility and versatility, so aim for plain, dark colors. A simple dark suit can look different, but just as sharp, with different shirt-and-tie combinations.

While you should take care not to wear one piece excessively more than the other, a clean, well-fitted suit can allow you to separate the pieces to dress down a bit but still look sophisticated.

A good pair of dark, flat-front slacks (lose the blousy pleats) can easily fit under a sweater or dress shirt, and sporting a well-fit coat as a blazer over dress pants, or even nice jeans, can create a modern, polished look.

Completing the look

When you step out in your new or updated suit, don’t neglect the rest of the ensemble. The shirt and tie you choose can make or break the look.

Solid, traditional bases include white, cream and blue shirts, but any color that fits with the fabric of the suit works, and branching into bolder palettes can offer some personal expression.

Neckties follow the same essential principles: wear plain, simple colors and fabrics for a traditional, classic look, but ties and different combinations with shirts can also bring a little personality to your look.

However, keep your color combinations occasion-appropriate. While a lavender shirt and orange tie might impress at a wedding, it can demand too much attention, in a bad way, at a funeral, or send the wrong message in a job interview.

“Sometimes a necktie expresses personality,” Zegers says. “[You] might wear a tie differently for an interview than a wedding. In those [serious] situations, you could be judged by your tie. Your interviewer could judge you right off the bat for wearing a flamboyant tie.”

And don’t forget about footwear. The shoe should constitute part of the ensemble and overall look.

“[You] have to have the right shoe to finish the outfit,” Butenhoff says. A classic, quality, leather shoe makes a solid statement, and, if kept in good condition, a wise investment as well.

“Shoes are part of finishing the look—keep them clean and in good condition,” Ryan says. “Women notice shoes on men. They look for the whole ensemble to be put together.”

That means get rid of your clunky Doc Martin look-alikes—they ruin the line of the suit.

And for those on a budget, many brands offer quality shoes at affordable prices. Some have introduced slightly more casual styles that offer more versatility, able to finish both a dressed-up suit look and a blazer and jeans.

“There are some exciting new shoes in between,” says Butenhoff, referencing some middle line Calvin Klein and Steve Madden models. “[They] can really finish the look and aren’t very expensive—in the $60 to $70 range.”

YOUR suit

What wearing a suit, and “pulling off” any look, really comes down to is confidence. Buy a suit that makes you comfortable and happy and it will last.

“(Go with) what you feel good in,” Zegers says. “Because that’s really what its about. It gives you confidence going into any situation. It demands respect.”

Presenting yourself well and dressing appropriately really do say a lot about your approach to your job, your relationships and your life, so embrace it. People, especially women, sense confidence. So wear your suit with dignity and pride—they will notice.