To shed some light in financially dark times—style should not be based on how much you spend, but more a reflection of yourself. And in the midst of living in this harsh economic period, its more important to save your money than to make an impression based on how much something off your back costs. Though females are famous for dropping major dollars and bustling bags out of stores, men have also have (or should have) fashion agenda. Following the latest men trends shouldn’t require replicating the ice dangling from your favorite rappers neck and shouldn’t mean copping the latest Louis Vuitton ‘Yeezy’s. You don’t have to infringe your funds to channel your inner Pharrell or Kanye.

With that being said, there are local retailers that always offer looks for less. Retailers such as H&M, Up Against the Wall, Urban Outfitters, Express American Apparel, and, yes, even Forever 21 and also Zara sell fashionable apparel to the male market at affordable prices. These are stores that can be found all around the DMV area, including Georgetown (which usually has hidden treasures that sells cheap clothing scattered around the area), Pentagon City, and Montgomery Mall. And as for footwear, you can get the latest style of kicks for a slight steal at certain sneak shops such as the Shoe Gallery on M St. in Georgetown or Palace 5ive on 14th St. And with most stores acknowledging and being affected by the frail economy, sales are pretty ongoing. One of the keys to being frugal and fashion forward is confidence. So walk into that Forever 21 with no shame and shop ‘till you drop from fainting after seeing how much money you’ll save! 

Style Snag

Want Pharrell’s Dapper & Preppy look?

(Blazer: Urban Outfitters Feathers Blazer Sweater Cardigan, $68. Polo: Hollister&Co Seaside Reef Polo, $29.50, Jeans: Heritage 1981: $29.90, Boat shoe: Urban Outfitters, $39 **on sale**)

Or are you more street sleek like Kanye?

(Faux Leather Jacket: Urban Outfitters KR3W Slim Faux Leather Jacket, $69.99**on sale, Tee: Urban Outiftters BDG Cotton Crewneck, $14.00, Destroyed Jeans: Hollister & Co Balboa Classic Straight, $69.50, Shades: Heritage 1981 $5.90, Sneakers: Karmaloop.com Supras “The Thunder” (Black Suede), $68.00)