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Men's Fashion Under $30 In Baltimore

By Elizabeth Eadie

Looking good shouldn't break the bank. Most guys have a couple of classic pieces such as favorite jeans or shoes. If you don't already have these in your closet or need a little updating, you don't have to go out and spend a bunch of money to make it happen. Check out this outfit to see what I'm talking about. This outfit would be great for a date, a concert or really just an excuse to stop wearing tennis shoes everywhere.

3/20 Shopping & Style Men's Less Than Thirty
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

Despite what people say, it's not always about how much you spend. It's more about what you buy. This entire outfit cost less than $30. All four items were thrifted. At retail, I'd estimate this outfit to run easily over $200. Style doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg! Plus think of all of the great things you could do with the money you save.

Let me break it down for you, fellas:

3/20 Shopping & Style Men's Graphic T-shirt
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

Graphic t-shirts can be hit or miss. I personally have mixed views about graphic t-shirts on guys. Too many of you go way over the top or have no idea what is in the graphic. You're not in elementary school anymore so it's time to turn the graphics down. When thrifting, look for muted colors and faded graphics. This isn't about wearing something that says "hey look at my pecs" as it is about creating a subtle texture when layering. Less is definitely more.

3/20 Shopping & Style Men's Jeans
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

Jeans should be a dark indigo wash and relatively whisker free for the most classic matches - everything pair. Absolutely no holes allowed. If your jeans don't come down to the sole of your shoe, they're not long enough. If they cup under the heel of your foot when you walk, they're too long. You can get jeans tailored and it would be worth the money. Fit depends on your body type but baggy and wide is not in style anymore. Your two best options will be straight or bootcut. If you happen to be a hippy guy (and by that I mean, you have hips), you should lean toward a wider leg or bootcut.

3/20 Shopping & Style Men's Shoes
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

These shoes are the male-equivalent to the lady's black flat. They go with everything, can be dressed up or down, and look infinitely more polished than flip-flops, sandals or tennis shoes. Wear them sockless in the summer and with fun socks during fall and winter. If you find them uncomfortable, you can get inserts to put in the bottom or heel pads for the backs. Leather shoes like these can last you possibly 10 years! Be sure to resole them and clean them with a shoe brush (wait, you own a shoe brush, right?) as needed. Beware: people will notice the shift in footwear. Get ready for the compliments!

3/20 Shopping & Style Men's Jacket
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Eadie

Every guy needs a classic. Whether it's classic sunglasses, a straw fedora or Members Only jacket (which this is), they don't go out of style and you'll impress many fashion fans with your choices. This jacket was in great shape. The darker color is the perfect addition to your wardrobe as, again like the shoes and jeans, it will match everything.

Don't walk, run to Village Economy Thrift Store. This place is loaded with good finds and has amazing sales. Be sure to stop by on a Sunday or Monday to get ½ off certain items in the store.

Village Economy Thrift Store
790 W. North Ave
Baltimore, Md. 21217
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm; Sun 10 am - 6 pm

Elizabeth Eadie lives in downtown Baltimore. She owns a Baltimore graphic and web design studio, a fine stationery line and a lot of glitter.

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