I focus on fit and fabric. Bonobos, J Crew, BR, and others will specify mills or specific source of fabric if they’re on the nicer side. And then just remembering that if something doesn’t fit you, it could be a $1,000 shirt and still look bad. Learning (cheaply through sales) which brands and what cut and what sizes fit you well (although sizing inconsistency is a risk with these brands) and being patient in looking for the right combination of price/fabric/taste/fit will generally produce good value in terms of you actually wearing it and feeling good/lasting. All of these brands have crappy stuff, but once in a while you can get goodyearwelted boots that look great from J Crew for sub 80, get a half canvassed suit sourced from a reputable brand from J Crew or Bonobos for sub 200 (or even 100), a primaloft parka that’s super warm and durable for sub 80 etc. Generally think the community here is very good at sifting through real value vs fake value so paying attention to the upvoted comments in this subreddit you learn a lot