How to look like a million dollars, even when you’re decidedly a thousand-naire.

Dressing well doesn’t have to mean re-mortgaging your house. You could, of course, spend a small fortune on MR PORTER in the hope of attaining sophistication and style, but this week we are dealing with a question from a gentleman who seeks “class” on a budget. Below, we attempt to help him achieve that goal.

How can I still look classy when I’m low on money?

@gustavo.neves, via Instagram

Before we begin to answer this question, @gustavo.neves, we must first understand what “classy” means, and how we might apply its definition to clothing. The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “elegant; sophisticated”. Two words MR PORTER understands well. We might go further with this definition and say a “classy” man might be less inclined to buy into trends. He probably prefers smarter clothing, and goes for quality, storied brands with time-honoured methods. But how does it translate into clothes that are inexpensive? We do not wish to blow our own trumpet, but if you are in the market for a suit which is kind to your bank balance, look to Mr P., our in-house label.

Good relationships with the best suit makers mean we can keep things reasonable when it comes to the numbers after the pound sign. This navy suit is cut from Italian-sourced virgin wool and, I hope you agree, will do for any classy man who does not wish to spend a fortune.

The classy man cannot spend all of his days in a suit, of course, lest people start thinking you are a con man. Or an estate agent. So, for days where something a little more laid-back is in order, how about some chinos?

If you had the funds at hand, you could spend up to £600 on this sophisticated class of trousers. But, with your question in mind, J.Crew’s collection on MR PORTER will do you just fine. They frequently feature on our Essentials list for good reason. Pair them with a button-down shirt rather than a T-shirt, but keep things fairly relaxed with an Oxford style. This light-blue option from Polo Ralph Lauren should do you very nicely.

You’ve got your clothes sorted, but every classy gent should know that is only half the battle won. Time to choose a fragrance. If the label of this D R Harris scent doesn’t appeal to your sophisticated side, then its citrusy notes ought to.

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