High Low: 8 Stylish Investment Picks and Their Budget Alternatives

Great style is independent from disposable income. That's not without tradeoffs in function, quality, or manufacturing, of course. Here are 8 stylish products with investment options and frugal alternatives so any budget can reflect your style – not the other way around.

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Walnut Media Console

As contemporary furnishings go, the ubiquitous media console is a must-have for every living room. Don’t rest your set or store your goods in just any old cabinet––keep things sleek and stylish and it will anchor the room.

$849

Article

Featuring veneered beveled doors and tapered legs, the stately Seno walnut media console offers distinctive style and fits within any interior decor style.

article walnut console high low

ikea walnut media console high low

$399

Ikea

With its solid ash legs and minimal style, the Stockholm television bench, also in walnut veneer, brings warmth and a natural look to your space. 

Cashmere Scarf

No fall wardrobe is complete without some solid neckwear. A cashmere scarf is the ultimate in luxury––not only because of its chill-blocking qualities but because of it's renowned softness. Universally recognized and appreciated. 

⇥ What the Heck is Cashmere Anyway?

$545

Alexander McQueen

From the iconic designer McQueen label, this fringed fabric scarf is made in Italy from 100% cashmere. 

mytheresa alexander mcqueen scarf high low

hickey freeman cashmere scarf high low

$40

Amazon

A versatile choice in style and substance, this Hickey Freeman scarf is also 100% Italian cashmere and features hand twisted fringe in a soft waterfall finish. 

Army Green Fall Jacket

When it’s just not cold enough for leather or Eider-down duck, stylish gents reach for a nice thick twill jacket or heavy shirt to block the wind while remaining stylishly front and center.

$195

Buck Mason

Cut from durable Japanese milled cotton sateen, Buck Mason’s Alfa Military shirt in dark olive green is thick enough to throw over a light sweater and is a reproduction of a US Army OG-107 Jacket, including all of the replicated design details.

buck mason military jacket high low

h&m twill shirt jacket high low

$35

H&M

Swedish power-brand H&M is a first stop for fast fashion, but the intricacies captured in this twill shirt jacket––like patch front pockets and button-up collar––give it a sophisticated edge.

Navy Twill Pant

The illusive in-between of comfy sweat pants and stiff denim. Twill pants are cut like jeans but are made of a fabric more like chinos making them a great balance for a smart casual style.

$200

Stag

Durable and lightweight are the hallmarks of a good pair of 5 pocket twill pants. However, this 100% cotton twill pant from Stag also features a vintage wash finish and some added stretch for versatile comfort year-round.

navy twill pant high low

goodthreads chino pant high low

$30

Amazon

With a unique jean-inspired silhouette, these slim fit 5-pocket stretch chinos from Amazon’s Goodthreads brand features a tailored cut that can be worn casually or more dressy.

Heirloom-Style Fisherman Sweater

For fall days that bring an extra nip of chill to the air, a textured wool sweater is essential. Perfect for layering under a lighter jacket, or, for milder days, overtop a tee, these soft and durable cable-knit pullovers will soon become your wardrobe go-to. Just ask Ransom Drysdale.

$179

L.L. Bean

A classic look from a classic American brand. This Heritage crewneck sweater from L.L. Bean features time-honored craftsmanship and uses premium Irish wool for outstanding warmth and style.

llbean fisherman sweater high low

amazon essentials fisherman cable sweater high low

$30

Amazon

This look from Amazon is equally versatile and comfortable and, best of all, it’s 100% cotton and machine washable: two things rarely found at this price point.

Glen Plaid Casual Pants

How do you nail smart casual? A casual cut pair of pants with details of dress pants. Case in point: These slim, tapered pants with a subtle glen plaid pattern. (The same pattern loved by Bond.) If you've ever wondered how guys pull off sneakers with dress pants, this is it. 

$190

PT Torino

These comfortable, tapered leg pants from Italian brand PT Torino come in a trendy mid-rise fit, feature a subtle glen plaid motif, and are made entirely of wool.

yoox casual pants high low

gap slim taper pants high low

$55

Gap

Featuring GapFlex technology, each pair of these polyester-cotton weave slacks are durable and comfortable enough to where at home or on the go.

Brushed Twill Shirt

The beauty of brushed twill (other than the feel) is its versatility: layer it on top, or underneath. 

$178

Todd Snyder

Todd Snyder's cool, American style is abundantly displayed in this brush cotton-cashmere shirt, featuring two-button sleeve plackets and a casually polished weekender vibe.

todd snyder twill shirt high low

brushed twill shirt high low

$80

J.Crew

Nobody does work-to-weekend quite like the iconic J.Crew brand. This soft brushed cotton twill is a lightweight alternative to flannel, but look and feels just as durable and rugged.

Sherpa-Lined Denim Jacket

Looking for an extra layer of warmth to add to the casual coolness of a jean jacket? The latest trend is vintage-styled Sherpa-wool lined denim that creates a fuller silhouette. 

$175

Madewell

This heavyweight, non-stretch denim from Madewell provides a structured look that is great for more put-together fall occasions.

east dane sherpa lined denim jacket

goodfellow co sherpa lined denim jacket high low

$50

Goodfellow & Co

Don't be afraid to pull off double denim as long as your mixing colors. Cool, comfortable, and casual.

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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.