valet. 10 Insider Style Secrets Valet.’s expert guide to upgrading your personal style. How to save money, find the clothes that suit you and get the most out of your wardrobe. valetmag.com @valetmag X X X 1 Buy Your Wardrobe Staples Used It's smart to buy less, but buy better. The only downside to investing in quality pieces for your wardrobe is that it will cost you. But not as much as you might think. These days, stylish insiders and those on a budget can both benefit from checking out vintage stores, resale shops and eBay, or hitting up online consignment shops like Grailed. Trend followers can turn over the pieces they're no longer into and for those of us looking for more timeless staples, we can score epic deals on big name brands. Here are a few pieces that you're better off buying used. LEATHER JACKETS A leather jacket can be one of the most expensive single pieces of clothing a guy will buy. And it's not the type of garment you want to skimp on. Scoring one that's been worn and well-kept is one surefire way to save some money and ensure your jacket looks cool and lived-in. Because even a bit worn in, quality leather rarely wears out. SUNGLASSES Quality sunglasses from brands like Ray-Ban, Persol or Garrett BOOTS Leight don't come cheap. But you A good pair of boots can can often find deals on vintage last the better part of a styles or pairs being sold on decade. Longer still if consignment. Just make sure that they’re Goodyear welted they're in good shape—check the and can easily be lenses for any superficial resoled. Find a pair that scratches and look for loose fits your foots and your hinges at the temples. Bonus if style, then take them to a they come with an original case cobbler to be refurbished. (but that's not necessary). You’re left with the best of both worlds—rugged boots that look like new but feel as though you’ve had them for years. valet. 1 A HIGH-END WATCH Kind of like a new car driven off the lot, most brand new watches tend to lose a lot of the value right away. But you can get vintage or luxury timepieces on consignment for a fraction of their original retail costs. Just be sure to do your homework, warns Hodinkee's Ben Clymer. "There are too many good fakes out there," he says. "Talk to someone you trust and don't be afraid to get a second opinion. If the dealer has nothing to hide, he'll happily let you show it around." QUALITY DENIM A pair of well-worn selvedge jeans will always be in style. But breaking in that raw denim requires the kind of commitment (and occasional pain) reserved for carving out six-pack abs or getting into an Ivy League school. You can save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money by buying some well-made jeans on their second life. Just make sure that the stress points like the crotch and pockets are in good shape. And if they're not, but the fit is right, have them repaired and reinforced. BRIEFCASES AND LUGGAGE Some things just look better with a little wear (and tear). A brand-spanking-new leather briefcase can have that “first day of school” vibe. And that’s not cool. They’re too perfectly unblemished and they’re stiff. Better to find one that’s been softened up with use and now sports a healthy and handsome patina. The same goes for suitcases. Hardwearing luggage, like Rimowa, is expensive because it can take a beating and still look good. Why buy a new one only to have the airline toss it around when a used one works just as well at half the cost? THE ONLY DOWNSIDE TO BUYING USED CLOTHES? THAT TELL-TALE Fight VINTAGE SHOP SMELL. BUT THERE'S AN EASY FIX. "ALL YOU HAVE TO DO Vintage IS MIX ONE PART VODKA WITH TWO PARTS WATER IN A SPRAY BOTTLE," Funk SAYS JANIE BRYANT, THE COSTUME DESIGNER FOR MAD MEN. "IT WORKS EVERY TIME—THAT'S THE POWER OF VODKA FOR YOU." valet. 2 2 Have a Well-Stocked Footwear Arsenal Any man of style should have a well-stocked arsenal of footwear. The idea being, that if you invest in a handful of sensible (and stylish) pairs and take care of them, you'll be set for years. BLACK LACE-UPS BROWN BROGUES A pair of fuss-free black oxfords were the first pair of These are workhorse shoes that pair with pretty shoes a man would invest serious money in back when much everything in your wardrobe from jeans to office dress codes were stiffer. These days, you might suits, and are appropriate for everything from not need them as often, but a smart pair of black cap- weddings and business meetings to regular toe lace-ups will serve you well for any fancy occasion. occasions like date night. SUEDE CHUKKAS CASUAL BOOTS Comfortable and classic, these are more dressed- For off-duty adventures like camping trips or up than a pair of sneakers, but not quite as proper working out in the garage. Or simply going on a as your dressy lace-ups. They make a safe bet for casual date or into the office on a wet day. any casual, everyday outfit. SIMPLE SNEAKERS SLIP-ONS When in doubt, buy them in white and go with an When you want something simple and casual but understated, retro style in a low-top cut. Try to keep smarter than a pair of sneakers, go with a leather slip- them clean and you can basically wear them anywhere. on. The classic American loafer will always look sharp. valet. 3 Before Buying, Take Your Shoes 3 for a Serious Test Drive Okay, it's not very hard. You've bought shoes before. But if you've ever arrived at the store unprepared or ended up with a pair that just aren't quite right, then you know .... it sucks. And if you're spending your hard-earned dough on a quality pair of shoes, we suggest taking them for a serious test drive. Here’s how to ensure the perfect fit. THE BEST TIME TO Feet naturally swell and expand throughout the day, TRY ON SHOES IS IN so this will ensure that your new shoes won't end up THE AFTERNOON. pinching your feet later on. REALLY LOOK AT Inspect the stitching and don't be afraid to ask for THE SHOE. another pair if something seems off. Check the lining. Make sure it seems substantial and well sewn, otherwise the shoes won't last long. WEAR THE When slipping into a dress shoe, you want to RIGHT SOCKS. wear a light, lean pair of socks. But those aren't the socks you want when you're pulling on a rugged pair of boots. REALLY WALK You want to get the feel of walking, not just AROUND. standing. If you're uncomfortable in the store or you've purchased online, take a day or two and walk around the house—on carpeting. You can always return them if the soles haven't been scratched. THAT METAL FOOT MEASURER? IT'S CALLED A BRANNOCK DEVICE AND YOU SHOULD USE IT. FYI YOU'D BE SURPRISED TO SEE HOW YOUR SHOE SIZE CAN VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR. valet. 4 4 Plan Your Outfit the Night Before Mornings can be tough. The alarm goes off and you walk over to the closet, bleary-eyed (and maybe a little hungover) and you're supposed to choose—in a matter of seconds—how you'll present yourself to the world today. You grab some clothes, shower and roll out. But somewhere between leaving the house and settling in at work or whatever you're up to that day, you find yourself regretting your sartorial decisions. Sure, you don't look bad, but could it be better? Yes. Couldn't we all do a little better? Of course. And how do we do it? Simple. Take 10 to 15 minutes the night before and plan your outfit for the next day. Just like a runner or cyclist who gathers their gear at the foot of the bed to ensure they get in a proper workout first thing in the morning, you're taking the guesswork out of getting dressed. It makes groggy mornings a little less stressful because you won't have to stand in front of your closet in your underwear, wondering if this sweater goes with these pants or whether you have time to iron that dress shirt. Plus, selecting your look the night before allows you to put a little more thought into what you wear. Which results in less anxiety, indecision and a more pulled-together, confident way to start the day. THE GAME PLAN Check the weather for the next day to help 1 inform what you'll need to wear. Pull out everything you'll need, including 2 underwear and socks along with shoes and any accessories like a belt and tie. If your shirt or pants are wrinkled, this is when 3 you'd iron or steam them. Hang it all up together. (A hook on the back of your 4 bedroom door or in your closet is the perfect place.) valet. 5 Organize Your Closet 5 A well organized closet will not only allow you to better know what you have, but it will make getting dressed in the morning all the more painless and efficient.