What can you buy with $100 at Walmart?
A lot…
A modernist cookbook, a Nuwave oven, the complete series to your favorite show…
But what if I told you that you could remake your style for LESS than that?
It's true. Walmart has everything you need to build the best style for the summer.
With less than $100, I'm going to show you how to upgrade your summer style… all with Walmart fashion
Contents
- Classic t-shirt & chinos
- The simple polo
- Essential men's dress shirts
- Treat yourself to a jacket (or two)
- CARGO PANTS!?
1. Classic T-Shirt & Chinos
Summer calls for lightweight clothing and bold colors. That's why I decided to try out a simple v-neck t-shirt paired with cove blue chinos.
The t-shirt is from Ma Croix in the heather maroon. Why the maroon? It fits the season, but the slight fade offered in heather maroon makes it more versatile. Gents, I got this t-shirt for just $11.99.
If simplicity is the name of your game, you can simply get yourself a white v-neck.
Why do I stress v-necks? They add more verticality which is great for shorter men. They emphasize the chest as well – what guy doesn't want that?
Jeans are alright, but the cove blue chinos elevate the ensemble a little beyond ultra-casual. Chinos are also lighter than denim, making the heat a little more bearable.
Need to brighten the look? Consider switching to khakis – perfect for most settings.
The problem with khakis, though, is that you can't stand out. Everyone owns a pair. Instead, join that t-shirt with some light gray chinos from Levi Strauss. It'll establish a firm, but streamlined color contrast that is both appropriate and unique!
Wanna talk Walmart fashion? I got this for LESS than $40. We are well under budget!
2. Simple Black Polo
Men's polos have a lineage hearkening back to the British Raj. When colonial officials took up the sport of Polo, they developed long-sleeved cotton shirts designed to deal with India's heat. The polo shirt was born and spread to England by 1862.
Polos traditionally come in pique cotton – a heavy fabric whose weave resembles a waffle. Don't let the term “heavy” deter you, though. Pique is both durable and breathable, an excellent combo for the summer.
Pairing polos with chinos is a tried-and-true tactic. Consider your evening summer wear squared away.
3. Essential Men's Dress Shirts
One thing I love about Walmart fashion is the abundance of ESSENTIAL menswear they have on hand.
I can't count the number of times I've talked about men's dress shirts. Every man should own enough to get him through the work week – preferably in white and light blue.
The dress shirt I got from Walmart shows superb attention to detail. We see contrast stitching inside the collar, not to mention collar buttons to keep it in place.
Bear in mind that collar buttons will make it a more casual shirt – especially considering the checked pattern I decided to go with.
For me, a shirt like this may need alterations due to my body type.
The great thing about an affordable dress shirt, though, is that you still have enough money to get it fitted perfectly. I was able to purchase this dress shirt for only $20.99.
4. Treat Yourself To A Jacket
We've spent well under $40 for each of these items. What do we do with the extra cash?
You could use it to get your clothing adjusted as I mentioned above, OR you can treat yourself to a new jacket.
Where I live in Wisconsin, it gets chilly at night. It's why I decided to invest in a denim jacket by George – which I got for just $18!
I also decided to purchase a packable field jacket by Mountain And Isles which I got for another $18. Both jackets are casual, but let's face it, EVERY man looks better in a jacket.
Both of these are timeless pieces that suit the guys out there that experience all four seasons.
5. CARGO Pants!?
That's right… I did it.
I bought cargo pants.
HEAR ME OUT. There are many reasons not to wear cargo pants or shorts. If you fill the extra pockets up, it can ruin your silhouette and sag them below the waist.
However, using some slim-fitting cargo pants without overstuffing can suit most men fine. This is another way that Walmart fashion shines.
Some dusty olive cargo pants call back to military heritage while also adding to your casual wardrobe. I wore them alongside a dark gray v-neck t-shirt and dare I say, I was impressed with myself. Just don't wear them with a sports jacket!!
The grand total on this look? I got it for just under $40.
Summary – Walmart Fashion
Can you build a quality summer style wardrobe with men's apparel from Walmart? The answer is a resounding yes.
Walmart offers frugal-minded men the means to start a core wardrobe from scratch. On top of that, it gives you the tools to establish a summer-themed closet to be the envy of all.
Click below to watch the video – $100 Challenge – Building Stylish Warm Weather Outfits from Walmart
