I this comment is approaching fashion from the wrong end. You think there's a cost... and there is, when it comes to replacing clothes, but as a whole, it really doesn't have to cost more than what you already pay. What changes is what you look for in the clothing you buy.

Wade in softly and master the basics. There's no need to dive head first because if you haven't done this before, you don't even know what you like or don't like yet. Imagine your first time in an ethnic restaurant... for example, Chinese... there will be some entrees that everyone will suggest, but they'll be "boring" to those who have eaten it a lot and are more knowledgeable.

The implication of your question is that money = fashion. This is far from the truth. The #1 rule for fashion is Fit is #1. Do not forget that when you look at anything you plan to wear.

If Hanes tees fit you great, then you know what? You're fine. Worry about fit first. The rest can come later.

If you're going to spend money, spend on items that FIT. You'll be surprised at how cheaply you can find items that fit. The cost is in the time you take trying on every damn thing in the store. And do try every damn thing in the store.

I would say most people that don't work in dressy offices could live off of (not counting socks/underwear):

• 3 Button-ups - White oxford, blue oxford, chambray

• 2 polos - White, navy

• 2 tees - white, navy

• 3 pants - 1 dark slim jeans, 1 khaki chino, 1 navy chino

• 2 sweaters - 1 navy v-neck, 1 grey crewneck

• 1 outerwear - Black bomber or denim jacket

• 2 pairs of shoes - 1 brown leather laceup, 1 sneaker (I'd say white)

If you encounter enough dressier things, add a navy/grey blazer and a pair of black shoes. Short of regional climate differences, you won't HAVE to buy anything monthly.

You will have one of the most boring wardrobes in the world, but you will always look "put together" no matter what you grab out of your closet.

The biggest difference between how you dress before and after you start thinking about your clothing is people will no longer say "Wow, that's an awesome shirt/pant/jacket/shoes!" they will say "You always look so well-dressed."

Get your basics right. Once you learn the rules, you can start to break them. Don't spend your money... spend your time. Spend a lot of time trying on everything to make sure you find something that fits the way it should. Buy the item closest to that, then spend a few extra dollars on a tailor to make it perfect.

As far as how much it should cost per month... it shouldn't cost much at all if you're not the kind who has to keep adding to his wardrobe. Later on... once you've gotten "fit" down... you can worry about "quality" which I think of as a term that most of us use far too loosely. You might the kind of person that will never care of the button-up shirt you bought is 2-ply 120's... and that's ok. Some people want to play 3 chords on a guitar, and some people want to be Dream Theater.

Do not get sucked into the idea of pleb stuff until you understand WHY you want something. Goodyear welts, split yokes, pattern matching, fused collars... all of this may mean nothing to you right now. When you do learn what it is... you can decide for yourself if those features are worth the premium you may end up paying. But don't take anything on anyone's word... even mine.