Look cool in a recession without going broke

Recession got you down? Do you feel like you should be in a receiving line waiting for free coffee and a sandwich? Well, first of all experts are saying this feeling won’t last forever; second of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look and feel your best during these grueling times.

Have a city soiree coming up? How about that big anniversary? With events and commitments, along comes breaking out that wallet of yours to buy some new slacks and tie, right? Fear not, because we are going to offer tips on how to turn your current wardrobe into an entirely new one, and where to “splurge” on sale items right at your local mall or shopping center.

Let’s start with looking your absolute best, shall we? If you have an old tuxedo lying around, collecting dust since the day you put it in your attic after your wedding, now’s the time to break that puppy out. Having this priceless gem in your possession saves you BIG money and it’s actually quite versatile. If the tux doesn’t fit perfectly, it’s also quite inexpensive to get it tailored … just check out some results on Yahoo! answers.

Let’s start with the tux jacket; if you pair this part up with a vintage screen printed t-shirt (i.e. from Old Navy or even from Urban Outfitters), a boot cut or straight legged jeans, chucks, and a nice belt, you are ready for a night out on the town. Whether it be for palling around with your old college buddies or taking your lady to a fancy lounge downtown, you’re going to look smokin’.

Now it is time for the pants. The pants of a tuxedo are a little funky, only because they have that stripe down the sides; don’t worry about this! In this day and age, especially if you live in an urban setting, funky is in … just let a little piece of your freak flag fly, brother. This part can be paired up with a solid colored button down shirt, and a simple tie. Add some black dress shoes or even a black chuck, a black belt, and you’re ready for a business meeting or your sister’s wedding. Hot.

Last but not least, if your tuxedo comes with a vest, that’s the most convenient piece of all! A vest can be worn with a polo shirt and jeans, a button down and jeans, or even a screen printed t-shirt and jeans. Flop on some designer-esque trainers (as the British call them), add a vintage pocket watch, and you can do no wrong. You’re the epitome of cool.

Now let’s discuss where to find some sales and save you some cash. Not to mention, you’ll be on your wife’s good side by not blowing through that paycheck of yours. If you are looking for seasonal sales, stores like the Gap and Old Navy are the perfect places to start your search.

Once you have browsed around for seasonal items, you can then move on to off-price department stores such as Loehmann’s, Kohls, Target, and Century 21. One other place you may not have bothered to look at in the past (especially for those screen printed t-shirts) for one reason or another is Five Below; this hidden gem offers everything from the ever-popular skull design to quirky sayings like “True Gamer.” Honestly, can you not not afford to pick up several tees at $5.00 a pop?

And last but not least, you mustn’t forget to hit up such websites as retailmenot.com, deallocker.com, and freemania.net for printable coupons and savings you didn’t think were imaginable. You’re the master of your recessionator self.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be okay … trust us. Don’t be afraid to be a semi-cheapskate, because the moral of the story is, is that times are still tough. They’re tough but you’ll pull through looking your very best the entire time and nobody will know the difference.

--- Did you like this article? And you probably like contests, exclusive content, and smug commentary right? Then why aren't you liking Guyism on Facebook? Show some pride and click the "Like" button below right now: