As New York University students, there are two main things that unite us: complaining about tuition, and feeling like a total bum when we walk around SoHo. The world-class street fashion can be intimidating at first, but it should also motivate you step up your fashion game. After all, the only thing separating you from that guy you passed on the sidewalk whose outfit you admired is moneyed employment and about $200,000 in net worth. For the stylistically-minded but cash-strapped student, here is a list of NYC brick-and-mortar stores that offer fashion-forward menswear options at affordable prices. If you’re someone who can afford luxury labels, sorry, but this isn’t for you.

Tier 1: Actually dead-broke

The men’s section of your hometown thrift store might leave you thinking that only grandpas and plumbers consign their clothing. Luckily for you, NYC has the finest collection of thrift stores on the East Coast, because fashionable people have to offload their surplus clothing somewhere. Although consignment stores like 10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas and Monk’s Vintage Thrift are on the pricier end of the spectrum of thrift stores, they still offer wardrobe staples like soft tees, flannels, boots and blazers at value prices. Lower down the price ladder, Beacon’s Closet offers a wide selection of just about everything, and I’ve found several great sweaters there for under $20. The cheapest options can be found at the Goodwill on 8th Street but don’t let that fool you — you can always find a cool sweater, overcoat or pair of shoes for a steal.

Tier 2: Not totally broke, but still frugal

The majority of us fall into this category. Good thing we go to school in NYC, because we are a stone’s throw from several major brands that offer fashionable wardrobe basics at objectively reasonable prices. Take a day trip to Broadway in SoHo and hit up H&M, Zara and Uniqlo in one fell swoop. My personal advice: go to H&M for patterned shirts, Zara for streetwear items like distressed jeans and jackets and Uniqlo for everything else (especially the jeans). You can maintain an entire wardrobe by visiting only these stores. Their end-of-season sales are tailor-made for responsible splurging.

Tier 3: Mass retailers bore me and I have lots of disposable income

Here’s where things get bougie. If you are OK with dropping $150+ on individual purchases and are relatively progressive with your style, here are some stores for you. Acne Studios on Greene Street in SoHo has been one the faces of the rising Scandinavian minimalism aesthetic, offering deliciously elemental clothes. From suit jackets to sneakers, they do everything well, which you would expect from a $100 tee shirt. If minimalism isn’t your thing but leather jackets and the color grey are, swing by All Saints in the Meatpacking District. Their outerwear collection is as broodingly stylish as it is pricey.

Email Matthew Perry at [email protected].