When on a budget, these are the types of details to look out for when shopping for simple basics that have a more nuanced style, and consequently look more expensive than they are. This is because people will assume your attention to detail has led you to overpriced designers.

The struggle for beginners is balancing uniqueness with flashiness. Those new to dressing well often over-correct with picking unique items that stand out in a louder way. There’s nothing wrong with wearing items like this, but the eccentricity of a garment is directly proportional to how long you can wear it. The trendier or flashier an item is, the shorter it will be stylish, generally speaking. To nail this style principle it’s all about finding items that play on the classic elements of a closet staple in very subtle ways.

Take this short-sleeve henley from L.A.-based Buck Mason, for example. Four buttons at the collar create a longer, vintage-inspired placket, while the banded sleeves and curved hem add trendy, stylish touches which sets it apart from your basic tee that gets lost in your dresser drawer. At $50, it’s not much more than a henley you’d find at competing mall retailers, but it sports far greater quality. The soft and durable pima cotton is milled and sewed right in Los Angeles. It’s a solid investment, as it will instantly become one of the most durable, versatile pieces in your summer wardrobe. (Shane has since bought 2 more.)

They’re currently sold out and available for waitlist, but we’ve compiled some more options and outline the details we think that make them unique: