The times of white collars are long gone, and professional men are now more dapper than ever. In today’s world, a successful man is always a noticeable one, and what he chooses to wear reflects his esteem, accomplishments, and diligence. Regardless of whether he is a big shot or not, a modern man is ever hungry for his professional goals, and not a lot of things can stand in his way towards achieving them. Such a man is presentable and memorable, and with a little help from his wardrobe, stylish and upscale. From head to toe, his appearance reveals his position and determination.

It is true that what we wear doesn’t define who we are, but nobody can deny that a road to success starts with a sleek suit (and usually finishes with a fancy watch). Being well-groomed is, therefore, important for acing the job interview, closing a business deal, and conciliating new clients and partners. Also, it’s easy and fun and it doesn’t always have to be expensive. Here’s what you need to look modern, fresh, and professional.

1. Dark Two-Piece Suit

Let’s start with the basics. A traditional two-piece suit in darker tones is a necessity in every working man’s closet. Whether it’s black, navy blue, or dark grey, shiny or matt, a suit is the foundation of a professional look. Since a dark suit can be paired with pretty much everything, you should establish it as your go-to item. But just because a dark suit is a safe choice, that doesn’t mean you can’t play with it when you feel a bit bolder. For a little pop of color, complement it with a vibrant pocket square or a patterned tie. And, if you’re not afraid of making strong fashion statements, wear it with a chic turtleneck.

Dress sharply with Nordstrom, Armani Exchange, or Calvin Klein, but be prepared to pay a price that goes from $500 to over a $1000. Low-cost suits that still look like a million bucks can be found with Topman, J. Crew, DKNY, and Banana Republic. If they are on sale, they can even cost under $100.

2. Light Two-Piece Suit

For a gentleman that finds pleasure in being daring and dandy, a light suit is absolutely essential. It brings variety and shows attitude. Dove-grey, pale blue, or chino variant is brilliant for sunbathed days, and you’ll certainly get noticed wearing one. A traditional business pinstriped suit can also be freshened up with brighter colors like tan and white. Since this suit is the heart of your outfit, complete it with nothing more than a white shirt and a black or a grey tie. If you choose to go chino, your choice of shirt can be a bit darker or even gingham.

Once again, you can find your perfectly tailored suit at Dolce and Gabbana, Jil Sander, and Michael Bastian at higher prices (around $1000), or turn to equally stylish yet inexpensive designers like DKNY, Perry Ellis, and Claiborne for prices around $200.

3. White Button-Down Shirt

Just like the dark two-piece suit, a crisp white button-down shirt is a fashion must-have for every classy man. Besides being word perfect with any type of suit, a white shirt can unmistakably contribute to the more casual looks. You can wear it with a pair of jeans, combined with an accentuated belt. For a statement piece, you should consider suspenders or a bow tie. Also, a plain white shirt is trim and elegant when coordinated with a V-neck sweater.

In addition to being amazing and practical, a white shirt is incredibly easy to buy. Gap, Eddie Bauer, and Guess offer their shirts with a price that goes around $50, which is just the right amount of money for a quality bargain.

4. Colored Button-Down Shirt

When we propose a colored shirt, it doesn’t include just solid tints, but also patterns and multicolored pieces. Solids can basically be of any color, from pale blues to vibrant oranges. Pairing them with a dark suit is not a big challenge, and it surely makes the look a lot more creative. When it comes to patterns, nothing is more exciting than madras, but polka dots and gingham are equally playful. Color blocking is a huge trend that men can best incorporate in their daily outfits through shirts. An amazing, sharp way of wearing a colored button-down shirt is underneath a waistcoat, with a complementary tie.

Colored shirts are usually the same price as plain whites, and designers like Benetton, Sisley, and J.Crew charge around $40 for them. Stunning, well-priced pieces can be found at Club Monaco and Armani Exchange for about $80.

5. Tweed Jacket

For breezy autumn days, choose tweed. It’s offbeat, European, and a bit eccentric. Tweed suggests different shades of yarn incorporated into the weaving, and therefore can be paired with pants of the same color as one of the minor shades the fabric offers. The most popular choice of tweed blazers are glen-plaid, broken-check, and district-check, and all of them are great with brogue boots and messenger bags. Pick a dark gingham shirt or a bright solid color for the authentic history professor look. Herringbone or tartan, you can get a hold of your tweed jacket at various prices. At Asos, J. Crew, and Marc Darcy, their average cost is $150 while Brooks Brothers, Hardwick, Aubin and Wills, and A. P. C. will charge for them around $500.

6. Waistcoat

Being one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, it’s a pure wonder that men often forget about a waistcoat. As a third piece of a black-tie suit, this dandy item is a privilege of every successful gentleman. However, a waistcoat can also be worn with style in a more casual manner, teamed with tan pants and black loafers, dark jeans and suede boots or formal pants and a tweed jacket. Whichever you choose, a waistcoat is just the right touch of bohemian every flamboyant man needs.

For a swanky piece of clothing that it is, a waistcoat is not very expensive. The most affordable pieces are at Asos, for under $50. Mid-priced brands are Topman, River Island, and Reiss, and their price range goes from $70 to $150. Since a waistcoat is not something you are going to wear often, you can indulge yourself with a really extravagant one at Ted Baker for $250.

7. Dark Jeans

Getting to wear your favorite pair of jeans is the best part of every casual Friday. You can always complement them with dress shoes, but you can also insist on being relaxed all the way through with leather laced-up boots. The choices of shirts that go with dark jeans are endless and can be tucked in and finished with a wide leather belt, or let to hang loosely over. Whether you round it up with a blazer or a sweater, a pattern or a pop of color, with jeans you can’t go wrong.

With some luck, fellas can find the perfect type of jeans at Nordstrom and Lucky Brand for under $100. Mavi, 4 Stroke, J Brand, Acne, and Raven jeans cost go in the range of $150 to $200.

8. Trench Coat

Speaking in a subtle and polished way, the Burberry trench coat is just what you need to stay handsome and trim in poor weather. This luxury fashion house made it iconic, but you can always try other designers that suit you well. Choose beige, black, or navy blue as essentials, or be prominent with deep reds and greens. Apart from perfect shoes, you’ll need a luxurious scarf to complete your trench coat, a Humphrey Bogart hat to stay within a theme, and an umbrella to round it all up.

When it comes to this evergreen piece, retailers like Topman and Zara hold charge for them under $150. Others, like Reiss, Agnes B, Paul Smith, and Acne value their quality from $200 to $800. The celebrated Burberry approximately costs $1500.

9. Black Leather Shoes

When you go shopping for fashion essentials, the first thing you’ll need to be looking for are shoes. Black lace-ups are the key piece of any professional style, and the best of them are the oxfords. Keep their contour slim, and toe rounded, never square. They are downright with suits and jeans both, and can deliver in any occasion. For a little twist, you can try black…