Men's wardrobe essentials under Rs 899

A good wardrobe is a small set of clothes that work together. This guide to men's wardrobe essentials under Rs 899 lists the pieces to start with and shows how to shop with the Price Store sections on Asort, which include items under Rs 299, Rs 499 and Rs 899. Prices and listings change, so check each item on asort.com before you plan a budget.

Start with a colour plan

Pick two or three base colours, for example navy, grey, black, white or olive. Add one accent, maybe maroon or mustard. With this limit almost everything you own will match, and getting dressed takes two minutes.

The essentials

Two or three plain T-shirts come first. White, grey and navy cover most days, so look for a clean neckline and a fabric that holds its shape after a few washes. A polo sits between a T-shirt and a shirt and works for a casual office, a family visit or a short trip. A light solid shirt or a small check goes to work and to functions, and Asort's men's store lists Shirts as a category.

Dark blue or black jeans are easiest to repeat, in a straight or slim fit that suits your build. Cargos or chinos give a relaxed look, and Asort groups Jeans and cargos together. Joggers or trackpants cover home, travel and the gym, and breathable fabric is worth looking for. One pair of white sneakers and one pair of casual or formal shoes handle most situations. A simple watch or belt makes basic clothes look planned.

Staying within budget

Decide the total first, then split it. Spend a little more on what you wear most, usually jeans and shoes. Use the under Rs 299 and under Rs 499 sections for basics such as T-shirts, and the under Rs 899 section for pieces that need a better finish, such as a shirt or joggers. Buy fewer things and make them good ones. Ten pieces you wear weekly beat twenty you never touch.

Five outfits from the same pieces

1. White T-shirt, dark jeans and white sneakers for an easy weekend.
2. Polo, chinos and casual shoes for a relaxed office day.
3. Shirt with sleeves rolled, jeans and a watch for coffee with friends.
4. Grey T-shirt, joggers and sneakers for travel or the gym.
5. Shirt, dark trousers and formal shoes for an interview or function.

Care so clothes last

Wash dark colours separately for the first few washes. Turn T-shirts inside out. Dry colours in shade, not harsh afternoon sun. Fold knitwear instead of hanging it, since hangers stretch the shoulders.

Check before you buy

Read the size chart, fabric details and return policy on the product page. Hold a shirt that fits you well against the chart and compare chest, shoulder and length. Online sizes vary, so this one habit prevents most returns.

Mr Huffman (Comfort Made Classy) and Ifazone (Clean Style. True Quality) are Asort labels that may suit menswear shoppers. We have not tested these items, so judge from the product page and your size chart. For more ideas, see these must-have men's pieces and the Ifazone overview, or browse our men's grooming and menswear page.

Mistakes that waste money

Buying a shirt because it is on offer, then realising nothing in your cupboard goes with it, is the commonest one. Ordering a size by guessing comes next, and then the third pair of similar blue jeans. Before you add anything to the cart, ask which two things at home it will go with. If you cannot answer, leave it for now. A short wishlist that you revisit after a week saves more money than any sale.