First, let's start with a few resources:

• Fashionbeans

• Uniqlo (my "go-to" store for basics like T-shirts, socks, chinos, underwear, you can even find slevedge denim for a reasonable price

• Tim Dessaint, he taught me a lot about fashion and with the added bonus he's not a manosphere douche

• Anthony Deluca, another non-douche I like

Second, some general advice:

1. Fit is King. Quality is first heir. You can wear many things so long as it fits you well. When I needed to get my first suit, I went to Jos A. Bank like many a proletariat-that-had-a-wedding-coming-up. Despite being "cheap", it fits me really well so it looks like. We may like to dunk on :amerikkka:, but mass production has at least allowed some more formal garments to be more accessible to the working class.

2. Read color theory, :LIB:. This will help you know what colors go with what, and what colors go well with your skin tone + hair. I will mostly recommend neutral tones for colors here since they don't clash with anyone's skin type AND can easily be used together. If you want color in and outfit, I would stick to 3 different colors at max, but black and white don't count and can more freely be used.

3. I am assuming that you, or anyone reading this is working class. Therefore, I want to note that you don't need to have ALL of the items I am listing, but just generally some ideas on basics that work well. Also, I will warn you that with most fashion sites, you're going to hear the word "invest" a ton. While it is true that quality costs more, 9 times out of 10 they're trying to unironically tell you that it is a good idea to blow nintey bucks on a fucking T-shirt with a straight face, doubly so if the garment in question is of working class origin. I will limit the amount of luxury recommendation down to as little as possible.

4. Following with general advice no. 3. Do not write off any store. One of my favorite short-sleeve button up shirts comes from Old Navy of all places. You can also find a lot of gems thrifting for a fraction of the price AND it's much more EV friendly.

5. Fashion is more than clothes alone, it's about examining what works for you and what doesn't. While malls contribute a ton to the plague that is fast fashion, they at least offer a place where you can try some stuff on and experiment with what works well with you and what doesn't. Outside of that, also examine yourself? What do you like about yourself? What do you want to work on that you can change?

6. I should probably define what "basics" are. Basics are ubiquitous wardrobe garments that serve as a good foundation to a wardrobe, and the good news is that a large majority of these can look fine without being luxury! Even better, these could be all the clothes you could possibly need.

7. ALWAYS match belt with shoes if you're wearing dress shoes

List of masc fashion basics, from toe to head:

Footwear:

• Dress shoes: One black pair and one brown pair, both oxford cap-toe. If you can only afford one, I would go with black. I thrifted both of mine. If you're vegan and wish to avoid secondhand leather, Brave Gentleman and Good Guys are your best bet.

• Minimalist white sneakers: My favorite brand is Veja, they make good shoes AND they're vegan. I tried finding these while thrifting to no avail.

• Black canvas shoes: Converse or vans, take your pick.

• Boots: There are three styles I really like: Chelsea, desert, and Winter. Clark's is great for boots. However, practicality is important too. Vegan options include Straight to Hell

Socks/Underwear/undershirts

Your undershirts should be white v-necks and you can get these anywhere. Hanes has served me well.

As for underwear, the best I can think of are black boxer briefs or trunks. They get the job done and they are the "sexiest" underwear that is still practical. Uniqlo's got you covered.

Socks? Go crazy with colors but make you get some black ankle ones, the only color I would avoid is white. This is another job for Uniqlo.

Trousers

• Jeans: Most of you likely have this already, and they've been popularized by Levi's. Sadly, they have dropped in quality significantly and both of my most recent jeans have been from Uniqlo. The best jeans are selvedge, and this is caused by using traditional looms for the fabrics that create a clean "self edge" that looks like this. Most higher end jeans use this selvedge denim, but Uniqlo offers them for just 50 bucks a pop and they look just fine. Feel free to splurge on fancier denim like Naked & Famous if you feel like it and this is something you geek out about, but if you just want to dress better, Uniqlo is really all you need. I would recommend a mid rise, slim fit pair in both black and indigo/dark blue.

• Chinos: Sometimes referred to as "Khakis", GAP edges out here and they have sales on the regular. I'd get some in khaki, navy, and olive. However, I still like Uniqlo for this, I do want to give you some possible Uniqlo alternatives as it will dominate any "affordable basics" list. The quality to price ratio is that good.

• Shorts: Flat-front Chino shorts are the best IMO. Another Gap or Uniqlo one. My favorite colors are black, navy, and khaki.

• (Optional) wool trousers: I got some while thrifting and it's a good way to help me look nice so buy it if you wish. Best color for this is grey, but mine are a dark grey shade.

Tops

T-shirts: Uniqlo for sure, Gildan is a reliable alternative. However, Uniqlo offers Pima cotton T-shirts at a reasonable price. I'd pick up a white, grey, navy, and black t-shirt. If you're looking for more intricate designs, try breton shirts or henleys.

Sweatshirts: One grey one from H+M is all you need. GAP and Uniqlo are both good alternatives. Look for "French Terry ones" for best comfort and style.

hoodies: Same as sweatshirts above, but I woudn't have a grey hoodie. I would do one black one and one burgundy one for some color.

Polos: Another one for H+M. I love my black polo, but you can't go wrong with a good navy or grey one. Thanks to :frothingfash: I am reluctant to get a white one.

Oxford shirts: A more "casual" alternative to dress shirts, one white or one light blue, J. Crew is worth it on sale but of course, Uniqlo is reliable here. You might want to grab a pink one too.

Sweaters: Great for colder months, v-neck sweaters are perfect for layering above dress shirts, and crew-necks/turtlenecks are good, just make you wear an undershirt. My favorite colors are black, grey, and if you want something colorful, burgundy. Sweaters I have had the best luck with thrifting, but if you're not so lucky, J Crew is somewhat generous with their sales. Banana republic sweaters aren't half bad too. Wool is the best fabric and is super sustainable, but cotton is the go-to alternative for vegans. If you want some patterns, try cable knit or ribbed, just I would avoid argyle sweaters.

Casual shirts: Consider this a "just for fun" bonus entry, but denim shirts from Uniqlo or Levi's can give you a nice western look, and I love flannel. Buffalo red is a classic but feel free to play around. The beauty of flannel is that you can find it anywhere, and the one in my wardrobe is one I thrifted that came from American Eagle. Short-sleeve button ups are another "can find anywhere" garment that add a bit of fun to summer looks. Like I said, I found one I love from Old Navy.

Dress shirts: You can get these anywhere, but you want at least one white one. The second color I would get is light blue. However, if you feel like splurging, my two go-to places for dress shirts are two relatively affordable place that specialize in it. Charles Tyrwhitt and Hawes & Curtis, all because of their frequent sales. I assure you, the 45 dollar egyptian cotton dress shirt is a steal and has an amazing price to quality ratio.

Outerwear:

• Denim jackets: Excellent for spring and fall, GAP 1969 is my preference

• Bomber jackets: Olive green. My uniqlo one is my favorite

• Parka: Black or olive green. One from Uniqlo or Gap has got you covered

• Cardigans: I thrifted mine, but it's from H&M, I would get a grey cotton one in a shade of your choice and it's perfect for those warm but not too warm days.

Accessories:

• Sunglasses: Not only do they look cool, but they do a very necessary job of protecting your eyes. Make sure they are 100% UV because you want them to ACTUALLY protect your eyes. Otherwise your eyes will open up to dangerous UV light because they think they're protected. Grab some from wherever that resemble Ray-Ban wayfarers, but for the love of God, don't buy Ray-Bans. They cost 156 bucks, can easily be lost, and you're just paying for the brand.

• Wallets: Just keep using the one you have

• Umbrellas: A nice minimalist one from Totes is excellent, this Fashionbeans article will explain what to look for

• Ties: One plain black tie, after that, play around with colors. I kid you not I have thrifted ALL of my ties.

• Backbacks: A minimalist grey one is all you need

• Hats: Completely optional, but if that's your thing baseball caps and beanies are your best bet. Since this is a leftist site, it is almost imperative for any of you that live in cold areas to wear an Ushanka for your winter hat

• Gloves: You can get some black leather ones if you wish to be dressy, but if you're vegan, than I'd grab some minimalist black techy gloves.

• Belts: One black, one brown. If money's tight then a reversible faux leather one is your best bet.

EDIT: More in-depth.