7 Men’s Clothing Upgrades to Make You Stand Out

by Beau Hayhoe  |  in Smart Casual

Today, we’re spotlighting 7 investment-level men’s clothing upgrades from some of our favorite menswear brands.

Think of the everyday menswear essentials you wear the most. If you had to replace one — just one — how would you go about doing it?

We frequently mention the importance of building a Lean Wardrobe that works for your lifestyle and personal style. It’s a process that takes time and effort.

Every so often you’ll want to replace an old favorite with a top-notch, upgraded piece. So, that chambray shirt you’re wearing now, while perhaps adequate, isn’t quite like the upgraded chambray shirt we’re recommending today.

Setting the bar high and then finding a piece that checks all the right boxes is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s the best way to develop a wardrobe you can be proud of.

Without further ado, let’s talk about men’s clothing upgrades you can make, starting … right now.

The Flannel Shirt: Bridge & Burn Winslow Flannel Shirt

Bridge & Burn Winslow Flannel

Have flannel shirts that are baggy, grungy, and entirely too youthful? If so, this surprisingly refined, versatile flannel shirt from Bridge & Burn is a wise men’s style upgrade for winter.

This subtly stylish shirt works atop a henley or underneath a charcoal wool blazer without missing a beat. Can your current flannel do that? $128

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The Chinos: Save Khaki All-American Chinos

You know that chinos are a reliable standby here at Effortless Gent. They’re as stylish with a crisp white tee and brown leather chukka boots as they are with a classic chambray shirt and black Chelsea boots.

For your money’s worth, Save Khaki makes some of the best on the market. Their reliable straight fit and cotton twill fabric sourced from South Carolina are amongst the finest. $180

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The Denim: Raleigh Denim Graham Pilot Denim

Raleigh Denim

We’re all about a rich, inky pair of dark denim. But when you need a pair that doesn’t require massive break-in, a reasonably slim pair of jeans made with a hint of stretch is the way to go.

Raleigh Denim makes an exceptional pair of jeans. The ever-so-slightly faded wash of the Graham Pilot Denim can easily be dressed up (with a grey patch-pocket blazer and wingtip boots) or down (with a shawl cardigan and a thermal henley).

This pair is a huge upgrade from the roomier, overly distressed pairs still floating around your closet. $245

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The Oxford Shirt: Corridor NYC New York-Made White Oxford

Corridor NYC Oxford

We can’t stress enough the importance of buying quality (and being prepared to invest a bit) when it comes to these men’s clothing upgrades — like this worthy Oxford shirt.

In short: If you only could buy one Oxford shirt to wear in a multitude of style situations, it should likely be this classically cut, eternally stylish Corridor NYC Oxford. $149

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The Sneakers: FEIT Hand-Sewn High Sneakers

FEIT Hand Sewn Sneakers

We didn’t promise that upgrading your wardrobe with the best of the best would be affordable all the time. But worth it? Assuredly.

These FEIT high-top sneakers are of exceptional quality, perhaps one of the only pairs of sneakers on the market guaranteed to get better with age. They’re the ultimate upgrade from logo-heavy sports sneakers, and we’d say you could even wear them to the office. $600

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The Wallet: Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet

Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet

Yes, that’s right — a wallet is just as important as the rest of the picks on this list (particularly given the fact that you carry it everywhere). And in our estimation, there’s no better leather wallet upgrade to make than one from Tanner Goods.

It’s richly crafted, made to last, breaks in over time the more you use it. Say goodbye to your bulky wallet, because the Journeyman is here to upgrade your everyday carry in style. $65

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The Henley: Knickerbocker Mfg. Long-Sleeve Henley  

Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Henley

Keeping with the mold of men’s clothing upgrades that are especially suited to winter, it’s tough to misstep with this classically designed henley from New York’s Knickerbocker Mfg. Co.

It’s made the old-school way, with an extended front-button placket for a slightly dressy feel. Try wearing it under a tan herringbone blazer with your favorite pair of dark denim. However you choose to style it, this trim and tailored henley is a worthy wardrobe upgrade. $72

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