Let's be honest – looking sharp costs money. But here's the thing: you don't need to remortgage the house to dress like a proper Mod. I've been in this game long enough to know that style beats spending every time. Whether you've got £200 or £2000, I'll show you how to build a wardrobe that works.
The Essential Eight: Your Core Pieces
Before we talk budgets, let's nail down what you actually need. These eight pieces form the backbone of any Mod wardrobe:
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Two polo shirts (one white/cream, one colour)
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One Oxford shirt (white or blue)
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One pair of proper trousers (not jeans)
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One pair of jeans (dark, slim fit)
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One Harrington or similar jacket
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One pair of smart shoes
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One pair of casual shoes
Get these right and you can create at least 20 different outfits. That's not exaggeration – that's maths.
Budget Level 1: The £200-400 Starter Pack
Tight budget? No problem. Here's how to look sharp for under £400:
Polos (£40-60): Two basic polos. Skip Fred Perry for now – you can get decent alternatives that'll do the job. One white, one navy or burgundy.
Shirt (£25-35): One white or blue Oxford. Short sleeve if you're really watching pennies – more versatile in British weather than you'd think.
Trousers (£40-50): Sta Press are brilliant value. They hold their crease, don't need ironing. One pair in navy or black.
Jeans (£30-40): Dark indigo, slim but not spray-on. Check the sale section – last season's styles are still perfectly good.
Harrington (£50-70): The Harrington jacket is your biggest spend but most important. Navy or black. It'll work with everything.
Knitwear (£30-40): One crew neck jumper. Navy or grey. Layers under the Harrington, looks smart on its own.
Shoes (£80-100): This is where it gets tricky. One pair has to do everything. I'd go for desert boots – casual enough for jeans, smart enough for trousers.
Total damage: £295-395
Mix and match these and you're sorted. White polo + Sta Press + desert boots = classic. Jumper + jeans + same boots = casual sorted. Oxford shirt + trousers + Harrington over the top = smart enough for anywhere.
Budget Level 2: The £600-800 Improver
Got a bit more to spend? Now we can add quality and options:
Polos (£80-100): One Fred Perry, one alternative. The Fred Perry is an investment – it'll last years.
Shirts (£60-80): Two shirts – one Ben Sherman, one gingham check.
Trousers (£80-100): Sta Press plus a pair of cords for winter.
Jeans (£50-60): Better quality denim. Proper weight, proper fit.
Outerwear (£100-150): Harrington plus maybe a bomber jacket for variety.
Knitwear (£80-100): Knitted polo and a cardigan. More versatile than you'd think.
Shoes (£150-200): Now you can have two pairs. Loafers for smart, desert boots for casual.
Extras (£50): Tie, belt, maybe a scarf.
Total: £650-790
This gives you enough variety to not look like you're wearing a uniform. You can dress up, dress down, and everything in between.
Budget Level 3: The £1500+ Connoisseur
Money to spend? Let's do this properly:
Polos (£200): Three quality polos – Fred Perry, Lambretta, mix of colours.
Shirts (£200): Mix of Ben Sherman, Gabicci, different patterns.
Trousers (£200): Sta Press, tonic trousers, quality chinos.
Suits (£300-400): At least one proper Mod suit. Three button, narrow lapels.
Outerwear (£300): Harrington, parka, maybe a monkey jacket.
Knitwear (£150): Selection of jumpers, cardigans, tank tops.
Shoes (£300): Loafers, brogues, desert boots, bowling shoes.
Accessories (£100): Ties, pocket squares, braces, proper mod bags.
Now you're properly kitted out. Different looks for different moods. Summer sorted, winter sorted.
Smart Shopping Tactics
Sales Are Your Friend: Check the sale section regularly. Last season's gear is still good gear.
Build Gradually: Don't blow your budget in one go. Buy one quality piece a month.
Versatility First: That paisley shirt looks great but how often will you wear it? Basics first, statements later.
Size Matters: Better to spend on alterations than buy new. A £30 shirt that fits beats a £100 shirt that doesn't.
Sample Outfits for Each Budget
Budget Outfit 1: White polo + navy Sta Press + desert boots + Harrington = sorted for the pub
Budget Outfit 2: Oxford shirt + jeans + desert boots + jumper = smart casual nailed
Mid-Range Outfit 1: Fred Perry + cords + loafers + bomber = autumn ready
Mid-Range Outfit 2: Gingham shirt + Sta Press + desert boots + cardigan = work appropriate (depending on your work)
High-End Outfit 1: Suit + Oxford shirt + brogues + tie = wedding guest sorted
High-End Outfit 2: Knitted polo + tonic trousers + bowling shoes + parka = statement Mod
The Psychology of Building Slowly
Here's what nobody tells you: building your wardrobe slowly is actually better. You learn what works. You figure out your style. That Harrington you saved up for? You'll treasure it more than if you'd bought five at once.
Start with the basics. Wear them. See what you reach for most. Then add accordingly. Maybe you love jumpers more than shirts. Maybe you live in your desert boots. Build around what actually works for your life.
Maintenance Saves Money
Look after your gear and it'll last twice as long:
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Hang stuff up properly
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Rotate your shoes
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Wash at 30°C
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Use cedar blocks for storage
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Fix small problems before they become big ones
A £10 resole beats £100 on new shoes.
Where to Spend, Where to Save
Spend on: Outerwear (worn most, seen most), shoes (comfort matters), one really good polo
Save on: Basic t-shirts, underwear, simple jumpers (nobody can tell the difference)
The Bottom Line
You don't need everything at once. Start with those eight essential pieces, build from there, and remember – confidence is free. A bloke who knows how to wear £200 worth of clothes beats someone drowning in designer gear they can't pull off.
Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading your existing wardrobe, check our full Mod clothing collection. We've got options for every budget. And remember – looking good isn't about spending loads. It's about spending smart.
Ready to build your Mod wardrobe? Start with our best sellers – they're popular for a reason.