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Killer Type, No Splurge · Primer


Here’s our best affordable finds that keep your style sharp, comfortable, and ready for anything this fall.

Sometimes paying more gets you more. Sometimes, a sharp piece is just that: a sharp piece. And when you’re cruising the aisles of Target or Old Navy, you’re not necessarily looking for a forever wardrobe, you’re looking for something that makes getting dressed and feeling confident a little easier—without dropping major cash.

These aren’t bargain-bin compromises, either. They’re practical moves, each with just enough style to keep you feeling good. From chore jackets that double as WFH heroes to budget velvet trousers that say “let’s get bold,” these finds prove looking sharp doesn’t have to mean shelling out. Here’s a roundup of reliable, stylish pieces that fit right into your day-to-day—all without maxing out your budget.

Target

man wearing white jeans from target

White Goodfellow & Co 5 Pocket Pant, $30

Similar styles at: Todd Snyder, J.Crew

White jeans are surprisingly easy to pull off and versatile. You see them everywhere in high-end brand lookbooks like Todd Snyder, but why spend big bucks when these get the job done for $30? Especially if you’re worried about spilling your coffee on them Day 2. Durable heavyweight cotton with a bit of stretch means they’re comfy and tough. The tapered fit keeps things sleek, while the classic 5-pocket style has you covered for day-to-day. Pair with anything you’d wear jeans with, and you’re ready for whatever the day throws your way.

Goodfellow & Co Tailored Shacket, $40

Similar styles at: Taylor Stitch

This shacket is the ultimate combo of shirt and jacket—light enough for layering, but sturdy enough to throw on as outerwear. This one is in the style of a chore coat, made from a comfy cotton blend, it’s got just enough structure to look put together, but still casual. Pocket game is strong too, giving it that practical, laid-back vibe.

brown dress pantsbrown dress pants

Goodfellow & Co Slim Fit Dress Trousers, $35

Similar styles at: Banana Republic

Who said sharp has to mean pricey? These slim fit trousers have a clean, tailored look that can swing from work to date night, dress shoes to white minimalist sneakers. Similar to a pair I have from Banana Republic but half of the retail price.

gray sweater pologray sweater polo

Goodfellow & Co Sweater Polo, $30

Similar styles at: SuitSupply

This sweater polo is basically fall in a nutshell—comfortable, sharp, and versatile. The knit fabric is soft and breathable, making it easy to wear solo or layered under a jacket or blazer. Throw it on for an easy step up from your usual button up, and you’re good to go, whether it’s a casual day out or something a bit dressier.

blue patterned fleece jacketblue patterned fleece jacket

Goodfellow & Co Patterned Zip-up Sweatshirt, $35

Similar styles at: Todd Snyder

A zip-up with a bit more personality. The almost tie-dye-like pattern detail sets it apart from your basic hiking fleece.

plaid zip up eisenhowerplaid zip up eisenhower

Goodfellow & Co Plaid Jacket, $45

Similar styles at: J.Crew, Buck Mason

If an Eisenhower jacket and vintage LLBean had a collab, this plaid jacket would be it. It has a soft fabric and a relaxed fit that make it easy to throw on for a bit of warmth when the weather’s unpredictable. Full-zip front and elastic cuffs mean it’s comfortable, while the bold, retro plaid keeps it interesting without going overboard.

orange patterned cardigan orange patterned cardigan

Original Use Patterned Cardigan, $30

Similar styles at: Scotch & Soda

Regular-collar, relaxed fit cardigans are back, and this patterned piece is all about laid-back style with personality.

brown suede glovesbrown suede gloves

Goodfellow & Co Faux Shearling Suede Gloves, $25

Similar styles at: LLBean

Cold hands? Not anymore. These faux shearling suede gloves bring all the warmth you need without compromising style. The faux shearling lining keeps things toasty, while the suede finish adds a touch of class. Easy to throw on with any fall outfit.

tan knit polo sweatertan knit polo sweater

Goodfellow & Co Johnny Collar Polo Sweater, $30

Similar styles at: Madewell, Banana Republic, Todd Snyder

This button-less Johnny collar polo sweater is the sweet spot between relaxed and refined. The open collar gives it a retro vibe that feels fresh again. Great for layering or on its own, it’s a solid option for those in-between occasions.

Houston White Velvet Straight Trousers, $38

Similar styles found at: Todd Snyder

Buying budget brands usually means playing it safe, but not this time. Houston White’s collaboration brings bold style to Target. Velvet trousers aren’t your average budget find—they add a luxe touch while keeping the fit relaxed yet sharp. Pair them with a sweater for a dressed-up feel or a denim jacket to keep it casual. If you’re into bold, affordable just got more interesting.

a man wearing a herringbone print shirt jacket over cord pantsa man wearing a herringbone print shirt jacket over cord pants

Houston White Herringbone Shacket, $45

Similar styles found at: J.Crew

A large herringbone pattern in red feels both like a modern statement and something you’d see in a 1950s Christmas movie.

a man wearing a cord collar utility jacketa man wearing a cord collar utility jacket

Houston White Cord Collar Utility Jacket , $50

Similar styles found at: Taylor Stitch

A subtle orangish-red tone with a corduroy collar, this chore coat layers easily with your favorite neutral-hued staples for a little bit of pop.

a man wearing suit pants with a sweater and casual shoesa man wearing suit pants with a sweater and casual shoes

Houston White Straight Plaid Suit Pants, $38

Similar styles found at: Banana Republic

A riff on a classic menswear workhorse, the looser fit makes casual or dressier outfits a breeze.

a man wearing a long sleeve plaid button down shirta man wearing a long sleeve plaid button down shirt

Houston White Corduroy Button-Down Shirt, $30

Similar styles found at: Taylor Stitch

A handsome middle ground between full-on plaid and solid flannels, the subtlety reads as more premium than $30.

a man wearing a long sleeve shirt jacket over a sweater and collared shirt and denim jeansa man wearing a long sleeve shirt jacket over a sweater and collared shirt and denim jeans

Goodfellow & Co Shirt Jacket, $30

Similar styles found at: Taylor Stitch

A very similar shirt jacket to the gray shirt jacket I bought in, what, 2016(?) that I’ve featured soooo many times. It’s held up great and I still lean on it for almost every outdoorsy trip I take, from Joshua Tree to Big Sur to winter in Pennsylvania.

square frame sunglassessquare frame sunglasses

Goodfellow & Co Crystal Square Sunglasses, $15

Similar styles found at: Raen

Champagne tinted sunglasses have been in my orbit since Matt Damon rocked the hell out of them in Ford V Ferrari, fortunately you don’t have to spend $400 for a similar look.

man wearing a ripstop material rain coat over a shirt and pantsman wearing a ripstop material rain coat over a shirt and pants

Goodfellow & Co Ripstop Rain Coat, $35

Similar styles found at: J.Crew

A handsome raincoat that doesn’t make you look like Jack the Ripper from Last Action Hero.

a man wearing a long sleeve button down shirt over a casual shirt and pantsa man wearing a long sleeve button down shirt over a casual shirt and pants

Goodfellow & Co Flat Collared Shirt, $35

Similar styles found at: Taylor Stitch

The weight of a shirt with the style of a chore coat equals the ideal work-from-home layer.

a recycled polyester baseball cap hata recycled polyester baseball cap hat

Goodfellow & Co Recycled Polyester Hat, $15

The solid cap is such a great style move and a textured gray one like this nails the fall vibe.

a man wearing carpenter style pants with a shirt and vesta man wearing carpenter style pants with a shirt and vest

Original Use Carpenter Pants, $30

Similar styles found at: Madewell

Play around with looser styles without investing buy it for life money.

Old Navy

a man wearing a fair isle pattered sweatera man wearing a fair isle pattered sweater

Fair Isle Sweater, $34.99 $49.99

Similar styles found at: J.Crew, Banana Republic, LLBean

With origins in Scotland’s Fair Isle, this sweater’s intricate patterns have a rich heritage. Traditional Fair Isle knitting dates back centuries, evolving from fisherman’s necessity to a New England prep staple. Here, it’s been modernized the balanced color palette stays true to its roots while feeling contemporary.

a man wearing a flannel shirt over a crew neck shirt and jeansa man wearing a flannel shirt over a crew neck shirt and jeans

Flannel Pocket Shirt, $12 $39.99

A solid flannel shirt if one of my favorite (and more comfortable) cooler weather shirts. Wear it on its own or layered over a t-shirt or thermal.

a man wearing a plaid pattern chore jacket over a shirt and pantsa man wearing a plaid pattern chore jacket over a shirt and pants

Plaid Chore Jacket, $53.99 $89.99

A workwear-inspired piece that hits the sweet spot between rugged and stylish. This jacket’s large, retro plaid print keeps things interesting, while the roomy fit makes it comfortable enough to layer.

a man wearing dress trouser pantsa man wearing dress trouser pants

Straight Trouser Pants, $20 $49.99

Ideal for versatility and hard to beat the price if you only wear dress pants occasionally, the design works for casual or slightly dressed-up occasions. Available in several colors, they’re both budget-friendly and ready to mix and match.

a man wearing a relaxed sweater polo shirt over denim jeansa man wearing a relaxed sweater polo shirt over denim jeans

Relaxed Fit Polo Sweater, $34.99 $49.99

If you can’t tell by now, I’m a big fan of sweater polos, but we haven’t had many reliable affordable options for a few years. This one is 100% cotton which means not only is it a budget find, you can wash it like normal and it’ll hold up.

a man wearing a fleece cardigan over a crew neck shirta man wearing a fleece cardigan over a crew neck shirt

Fleece Button-Front Cardigan, $22.49 $49.99

The cut of a cardigan, with the material of a sweatshirt. For the guy who is a little more High Street than hoodie.

a man wearing a twill blazer over a button front shirt and denim pantsa man wearing a twill blazer over a button front shirt and denim pants

Houndstooth Twill Blazer, $49.99 $99.99

Similar styles found at: Ralph Lauren, J.Crew

Add a touch of vintage rugged sportswear to any pair of denim.

a man wearing a crew neck waffle knit shirta man wearing a crew neck waffle knit shirt

Waffle-Knit T-Shirt, $9.99 $19.99

Similar styles found at: Madewell

An easy upgrade to basics is to take a basic and mix it up: Here a simple t-shirt looks and lays differently becuase it’s made of a waffle knit. The result? An increase in style interest with the same simple and casual process for you.

 a man wearing a barn coat over a crew neck shirt a man wearing a barn coat over a crew neck shirt

Flannel-Lined Barn Coat, $47.99 $79.99

Similar styles found at: Buck Mason

A handsome subtle olive is one of my go-tos and this waist-length jacket is as easy to wear as a jean jacket.

a man wearing a zip front sherpa jacket over a hoodiea man wearing a zip front sherpa jacket over a hoodie

Tech Sherpa Zip Jacket, $38.49 $54.99

Similar styles found at: Todd Snyder

For the man who loves a minimalist style vibe.

a man wearing a quilted jacket over a graphic shirta man wearing a quilted jacket over a graphic shirt

Water-Resistant Quilted Shacket, $29.99 $59.99

Similar styles found at: Levi’s

I’ve had a very similar jacket from Levi’s for almost 14 years and I still wear it all the time. Water-resistant, and doesn’t wrinkle making it one of my first pulls for days or trips where I want to be able to smash it into a bag and wear it again without worrying about what it looks like.

a man wearing a sherpa zip front jacket over a casual shirta man wearing a sherpa zip front jacket over a casual shirt

Sherpa Zip Jacket, $41.99 $59.99

A jacket with trees on it?? Sure, when it’s tasteful like this.

a man wearing a cardigan over a casual shirta man wearing a cardigan over a casual shirt

Space-Dye Cardigan Sweater, $37.99 $54.99

The Space-dye pattern is a fresh mix-up of your typical gray heather you’ll find on budget-friendly pulls.

a man wearing a relaxed zip front jacket over a crew neck shirta man wearing a relaxed zip front jacket over a crew neck shirt

Relaxed Zip Jacket, $38.97 $79.99

Part Eisenhower, part wool top coat, this simple textured jacket feels refined but is still effortlessly casual.

a man wearing a cable knit cardigan over a crew neck shirt and pantsa man wearing a cable knit cardigan over a crew neck shirt and pants

Button-Down Cable-Knit Sweater, $34.99 $49.99

Similar styles found at: Todd Snyder

As polos go, this one is more Tony Soprano than casual Friday.

Amazon

a man wearing a regular fit denim shirta man wearing a regular fit denim shirt

Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Denim Shirt, $24.70

Similar styles found at: Huckberry

I haven’t been shy about my love for a light wash western denim shirt and at this price, you can beat it into the ground like I have.

a man wearing a denim chore coast with a crew neck shirt, pants, and casual shoesa man wearing a denim chore coast with a crew neck shirt, pants, and casual shoes

Lee Chore Coat, $78

Similar styles found at: Huckberry

Not all denim jackets are trucker jackets, and if you’ve been sleeping on the other variations you’ve missed on a whole world of outfit variations. Every time I wear the one I have, I get compliments, and not just from denimheads. See our favorite jean jacket outfits here.

a man wearing a varsit style jacket over a crew neck shirta man wearing a varsit style jacket over a crew neck shirt

COOFANDY Lightweight Varsity Jacket, $37.99

Similar styles found at: AllSaints

One of the hardest jackets to find can be that perfect light layer that you don’t have to take off once you’re inside. A lightweight bomber jacket with a classy gray texture easily fits that assignment.

a man wearing a long sleeve poplin style button up shirta man wearing a long sleeve poplin style button up shirt

GAP Standard Fit Stretch Poplin Shirt, $36.95

If you’re a guy who needs many button up shirts, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg.

a french terry crewneck sweatera french terry crewneck sweater

Jerzees French Terry Sweatshirt, $19.46

Similar styles found at: Todd Snyder

In my opinion, the perfect gray sweatshirt has raglan sleeves and that decorative v at the collar. These vintage details make all the difference but can be hard to find in cheaper options.

a man wearing a wool blend peacoata man wearing a wool blend peacoat

Amazon Essentials Wool Blend Peacoat, $39.90

Similar styles found at: J.Crew, Banana Republic

For the money, this pea coat is impressive. I’ve had a black one that I’ve worn and featured for years. The fact that it has any wool in the blend at all is crazy, let alone 63%.

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