Small, simple changes can update a shabby wardrobe

Q I need to improve my wardrobe, but on a limited budget. Are there some basic concepts I can use and shop with? And not at GQ prices?

A It is certainly easier to be well dressed when money is no object. But a fat wallet does not guarantee great results. In truth, some of the simplest changes — the smallest details — can upgrade your look from ordinary to great.

Before heading out to shop, first take a look at the individual clothes you already have in your closet. Get rid of outmoded, ill-fitting and other mistakes you see there, plus anything you never wear or don’t feel good in. Don’t discard favorites that merely need tweaking or altering.

Here is a list of things a man can do to be well dressed while spending very little. A few of them don’t require any expenditure at all.

■ Become knowledgeable about quality brands, fine manufacturers and designer names. Find inexpensive ones and learn which expensive ones to seek out as bargains

■ Learn to coordinate colors well. This is a skill that women especially admire

■ Shop in discount stores.

■ Shop in upscale men’s shops, but only during their “sales.”

■ Take advantage of early seasonal online discounts. (I saw recent “summer sale” prices from L.L. Bean, Combat Gent and Eastern Mountain Sports as much as 50% off; some clearance items were reduced 90%.) You can wear these clothes all season; and next year, since men’s styles change so slowly, they will not be dated.

■ Find good thrift shops. If you dedicate time to looking, you just might find some gems.

■ Be sure everything fits you perfectly. Have all needed alterations made to the clothes you buy. Men have a tendency to wear clothes that are too big for them; this can ruin all your other best efforts.

Even $350 pants look terrible if they’re so long that they “puddle,” rather than “break.”

Too-long jacket sleeves look like hand-me-downs; they should be short enough to expose about ½ inch of the shirt’s cuff

■ Be aware of what is upto-date: In general, current styles are slightly shorter and a good bit slimmer.

Don’t wear a 4-inch wide tie when stylish ties are half an inch narrower. That small fraction makes a huge difference. You can have yours altered.

Stay with single-breasted, two-button jackets; skip three-button jackets and double breasteds.

■ You don’t need to “reinvent the wheel” yourself. If you aren’t able to complete a great look on your own, go into a fine store for their expert guidance. Then, take the time to select a salesperson whose look you admire. Or, ask for the department manager’s advice on selecting a truly helpful (I call it a “nurturing”) salesperson. Be insistent. Make it clear that you will return anything that is not right. That makes them take you seriously.

Try a few of these suggestions. Take your time. And you’ll look great.

Please send your men’s dress and grooming questions to MALE CALL:

Lois.Fenton@prodigy.net