I've gotten quite a few questions about... shopping. As someone who isn’t too fussy when it comes to clothes, I’ll admit, shopping in Hanoi can be a bit of a challenge. The casual men's fashion scene here isn't exactly booming, with most stores focusing on trendy, fast fashion. So, for someone like me who’s a little "older" and looking for something timeless, it can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’m sure many of you have felt the same.
So today, I’m sharing some of my personal shopping tips. Hopefully, you’ll find them useful. Even if just one or two tips stick, I’ll consider it a win. Shopping doesn’t need long introductions - it’s just shopping! Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the most effective strategies to look good while keeping your budget in check.
Know What You Need
Whenever I think it’s time to update my wardrobe, I make a habit of taking inventory of what I already own. This helps me figure out exactly what I’m missing (and sometimes what I have way too much of). If I’ve already got four grey T-shirts in slightly different shades, there’s no way I’m buying another, no matter how tempting it might look. Doing this helps me avoid adding unnecessary clutter and makes sure I only buy what I really need.
This ties into another important point: stick to the style you know works for you. It’s easy to get distracted by clothes that look great on the rack but don’t fit your personal style. Trust me, you’ll end up buying something you won’t know how to wear. I had a buddy who’s always rocking a clean-cut, "princely" look, and one day, on impulse, he bought a studded leather jacket. Guess what? It never saw the light of day because he couldn’t figure out how to fit it into his wardrobe.
Pair New Items with What You Already Own
This second tip follows naturally from the first. When you’re checking out new clothes, always ask yourself: “Will this work with what I already have?” It might sound basic, but this can make or break your wardrobe. If your new purchases can easily be mixed and matched with the rest of your closet, you’ll get much more mileage out of them. For instance, if I already have a grey blazer, I might consider grabbing a pair of navy blue trousers. Not only would they pair well with the blazer, but they’d also go with a ton of other items I already own. This kind of versatility is key to making sure your wardrobe feels cohesive without breaking the bank.
Keep It Basic – Simplify Your Wardrobe
I can’t stress this enough: you can never go wrong with basic pieces like plain T-shirts and dark jeans. Trust me, sticking to neutral colors like black, white, grey, and navy is the easiest way to stay stylish without much effort. Picture this: you’re rocking a T-shirt and jeans during the day, and when you’ve got a more formal event later on, just throw on a blazer or a lightweight cardigan. Instantly polished.
The beauty of basics is that they usually come at a lower price point compared to more intricate, patterned clothing. So not only do you look good, but you save money, too.
Smart Investment
When it comes to budgeting for clothes and accessories, prioritize the items you use the most. For me, that means investing in quality wallets, shoes, and glasses (if you’re nearsighted like me). These are the things you use every single day, so it’s worth spending a little extra on reputable brands. For glasses, I’m a big fan of Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight - both stylish and well-made. Wallets? I’d recommend Bellroy, an Australian brand that’s been killing it with durable and sleek leather goods. As for shoes, every guy should own at least two pairs of high-quality leather shoes. Go for versatile styles like oxfords, derbies, or brogues - one in black and one in brown, and you’re set.
As for your everyday clothes, don’t stress too much about getting the highest quality. Just make sure they look good and fit your personal style. Again, basics are your best bet here - affordable, easy to find, and perfect for a variety of occasions.
Be Smart About Sales
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of snagging a great item at a discount. But here’s the trick: you’ve got to be quick to catch those sales early. The sooner you check out the sale racks, the better your chances of finding your size before everything’s picked over.
But, a word of caution - don’t let the excitement of a deal make you forget to check for any defects. Most stores won’t let you return sale items, so always double-check for tears or stains before heading to the register.
If you’re shopping online, sizing can be a bit tricky. Websites like ASOS and Zara often have slightly different sizing standards, so always consult the size charts. For example, ASOS tends to run large - I’m 1.78m tall and weigh 65kg, but I usually wear a size S there. Zara, on the other hand, fits true to size for me with a medium.
Pro tip for Zara lovers: if you’re shopping online during a sale, try Zara USA. Sizes S and M, which are popular in Vietnam, often stay in stock longer in the U.S. because of the higher obesity rate. This gives you a better shot at grabbing those sizes even after the sale starts.
Final Thoughts
I don’t have a ton of specific shopping recommendations for Hanoi since I’ve been hooked on online shopping for the last two years. But if you’re in the city, I recommend checking out Highway. They’ve got a lot of great basics at reasonable prices, and you might just find something that fits your style.
That’s it for now. If I come across more useful tips, you can bet I’ll be sharing them.
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