The Starter Lookbook

A foundation for the years when your wardrobe, your grooming and your home are still taking shape. Buy once, buy well, and stop thinking about it.

How the guide works

Starter

Everything on this page. Dependable, affordable and easy to replace.

Advanced

The upgrade path, matched to your build and budget.

In a private session

Premium & custom

Investment pieces, bespoke makers and tailoring.

In a private session

Where to shop

Generalist stores

  • Nordstrom Rack
  • Saks OFF 5TH
  • Macy's
  • K&G
  • Vintage stores
  • Ross

Grooming

Clothing

Start at Burlington

Athletic

  • Your nearest outlet store
  • 90 Degree by Reflex

Lounging

  • Gap pajamas

Black tie

  • Black peak-lapel tuxedo
  • White shirt
  • Black bow tie
  • Black oxfords

Versatile suit

  • Navy notch-lapel suitSecond-hand
  • Grey notch-lapel suitSecond-hand

Footwear

Leisure & home

  • Suede gum-sole loaferSecond-hand

Sneaker

  • KOIO leather sneaker

Oxford & brogue

  • Meermin

Boots

  • Meermin

Loafer

  • Meermin

Accessories

Luggage

  • Nautica
  • London Fog

Candle

  • Marshalls

Maintenance

Home

Start at Ross, Marshalls or TJ Maxx

Artwork

  • Second-hand or Facebook Marketplace

Bedroom furniture

  • Bed with a headboard
  • Two nightstands
  • Ottoman

Do's & don'ts

Do

  • Subscribe to your grooming products through Amazon or your shopping platform of choice
  • Choose your image archetype
  • Choose your image model
  • Schedule all your barbershop visits in advance
  • Rotate your wardrobe seasonally
  • Allocate 10% of your earnings to your image if you're in a customer-facing role
  • Find one fragrance boutique and stick to it
  • Record your body weight every two weeks
  • Record your body composition twice a year
  • Keep a year-at-a-glance calendar

Don't

  • Buy 2-in-1 products, like combined shampoo and body wash
  • Buy scented detergents
  • Keep clothes in your wardrobe that you don't wear
  • Use the same towel for your face and body
  • Buy a fragrance within an hour of trying it in-store
  • Buy a fragrance because you saw it in a commercial
  • Wear items your partner bought for you to the office
  • Buy cheap bedding
  • Wear the same jacket two days in a row
  • Buy your clothing from Costco or big-box retailers
  • Wear white socks outside of the gym or sports
  • Wear a tie and pocket square in the same matching fabric
  • Buy or wear hybrid dress shoes
  • Wear clip-on ties

This is the starting point. Yours begins with a conversation.

Book a session for advanced, premium and custom recommendations built around your body, career, city and budget.

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