Upgrading your wardrobe
How to upgrade your wardrobe in 30 days
By sneakersInn team · Updated
You can upgrade your wardrobe in 30 days with a four-week plan: clear out what doesn't work in week one, fix the fit of what you keep in week two, fill the gaps with versatile basics in week three, and finish with shoes and one standout piece in week four. You don't need to buy much; most of the change comes from removing and fixing.
| Week | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audit and clear out | You know what you own and what's missing |
| 2 | Fix fit and care | What you keep looks better immediately |
| 3 | Fill gaps with basics | Everything works together |
| 4 | Shoes, accessories, one standout piece | Outfits look finished |
Week 1: Audit and clear out
- Day 1 to 2: Take everything out. Try it all on.
- Day 3: Make three piles: keep (fits, you wear it), fix (needs a tailor or repair), go (doesn't fit, worn out, unworn for a year).
- Day 4: Donate, sell or give away the "go" pile.
- Day 5: List what's left by category: shirts, trousers, tees, knits, shoes.
- Day 6 to 7: Write a gap list. Compare against the 5 clothing basics every man should buy before anything else.
Week 2: Fix fit and care
- Day 8 to 10: Take the "fix" pile to a tailor: hem trousers, take in shirts, replace buttons. See how to work with a tailor in Accra.
- Day 11: Polish and clean every pair of shoes.
- Day 12: Wash, iron and hang everything properly; buy good hangers.
- Day 13 to 14: Build five outfits from what you own. See the 5 outfits every man should be able to put together.
Week 3: Fill gaps with basics
Buy only from your gap list, in neutral colours:
- White and light blue shirts
- Plain tees in white, black, grey
- Navy chinos, dark jeans
- One knit or overshirt
See how to build a wardrobe from scratch on a budget.
Week 4: Shoes, accessories and one standout piece
- Day 22 to 24: Fill shoe gaps. White leather sneakers and brown derbies come first. See the 5 types of shoes every man should own.
- Day 25 to 26: A watch and a brown belt. See the 5 accessories.
- Day 27 to 28: One standout piece you love: a print shirt, a jacket, a bold sneaker.
- Day 29 to 30: Photograph your ten best outfits so getting dressed is easy.
How much should I spend?
As little as possible. The clear-out and fit changes cost little and make the biggest difference. Spend most on the pieces you'll wear most. See what to splurge on vs what to save on.
Questions
What if I can't buy everything in week three?
Spread purchases over a few months. The order matters more than the speed.
How do I keep it upgraded?
Before buying anything new, check it goes with three things you own. See quality vs quantity.