Since I embarked on this journey, I've received a barrage of questions about shopping. As someone who isn’t overly particular about fashion, navigating the clothing scene in Hanoi can be quite a challenge. The casual men's clothing market here lacks vibrancy, with most stores leaning towards trendy styles. For someone "older" like me, finding items that match my taste can be difficult. I’m sure many can relate. So today, I’m sharing some of my personal shopping experiences. I hope you find these tips useful, even if only a few resonate with you. I prefer to skip lengthy introductions because, for me, shopping is simply about shopping. Let’s focus on effective choices that satisfy two criteria: looking good and being easy on the wallet. Let’s dive in!
Know What You Want
I always check my wardrobe when the thought “it’s been a while since I bought something new” crosses my mind. This habit helps me identify what I lack and what I have too much of. For example, if I already own four grey T-shirts in various shades, I won’t let myself buy another one, no matter how stunning it may look. This review process allows me to create a specific checklist of items I need, preventing impulsive purchases of unnecessary items.
Staying true to your style is crucial and closely related to “knowing what you want.” Avoid getting dazzled by unique pants or shirts that end up hanging in your closet unworn. A friend of mine faced this situation; known for his neat and somewhat "dandy" style, he impulsively bought a studded leather jacket and later regretted it because he had no idea how to style it.
Perfectly Pair with What You Have
This tip goes hand in hand with the previous one. When reviewing your wardrobe, always ask yourself: Will these new items easily pair with what I already own? The answers depend heavily on personal taste and fashion sense, but if you nail it, your wardrobe will boast high cohesion. For instance, if I own a grey blazer, I’d consider navy pants that pair well with it. Of course, those pants should also match several other items in my wardrobe to justify the purchase.
Basic, Basic, Basic – Simplify Your Outfits
I can’t stress enough how much I adore simple T-shirts and dark jeans. Trust me, having clothes in basic colors like white, black, grey, and navy is the easiest path to achieving a sophisticated style. Picture yourself comfortable in a T-shirt and jeans during the day; for an important evening event, simply add a blazer or light cardigan to elevate your look to polished elegance.
Moreover, basic items from most brands are generally more affordable than those adorned with intricate patterns or highlights.
Reasonable Investment
When allocating your budget for clothes and accessories, focus on their importance. Daily essentials like wallets, shoes, and glasses (especially if you’re nearsighted like me) warrant investment in reputable, high-quality brands. For glasses, I highly recommend Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight. For wallets, consider Bellroy, an Australian brand known for noteworthy designs and durable leather. Aim to own at least two pairs of high-quality leather shoes - one black and one brown in versatile styles like oxfords, derbies, or brogues.
As for clothes, which you change daily, quality doesn’t need to be the top priority, provided they look good and fit your style. Once again, I emphasize basic clothing: reasonable prices, easy to find, and suitable for many occasions.
Shopping Sales
There’s nothing better than quickly spotting sales and clearance events at stores. Being among the first to grab sale items boosts your chances of finding your size. When you find something you love at a bargain, don’t get overly excited - remember to check for any tears or defects, as most stores won’t allow returns on sale items.
Purchasing from websites like ASOS or Zara can be a mixed bag due to varying sizing standards. The key is to read their size charts carefully and compare them to your own measurements. For example, ASOS sizes tend to run large; at 1.78 meters tall and weighing 65 kg, I typically wear a size S. Conversely, Zara’s size M fits me perfectly. Speaking of Zara, if you have friends or services that can order online during sales, opt for Zara USA.
Why? The high obesity rate in the USA means sizes S and M, which are popular among Vietnamese men, often remain in stock for longer, even during sales. This explains Zara's global success but struggle against local brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger in the USA.
I apologize for not recommending many shops in Hanoi for in-person shopping, as I’m more of an online shopping enthusiast. For the past two years, I've frequented Highway, a store filled with basic items at reasonable prices. I hope you discover something that suits you there. That’s all for now! If I gather more tips in the future, I’ll be sure to share them with you.
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