In my first school as a full-time teacher, I had this Principal, cool as a fan, Alcorn State/SWAC Alum. He was never flashy and for the longest time, drove a station wagon. <--just an example of how he was never flashy with his money.
Yet he used to encourage the teachers to once a year, take a credit card and splurge. His thing was, he definitely wanted us to look the part as well as be the part. What I realized was that one of the reasons the school under his leadership had so much respect from those on the outside that came in an observed was the way the teachers dressed. Our scores and student behaviors were no different from a typical Title I school in the hood of Memphis. Yet people were actually saying positive things about the school based upon how well the teachers dressed.
I even know of a colleague in higher ed that got a big promotion simply because our Chancellor thought he wore his suits well.
I get compliments from time to time. But again, clothes are not my number one priority. I will get the most affordable stuff and make it look right. Plus, I like to show my mentees from time to time that I can make it do what it do.
Some brothers I know have found their best bargains at thrift stores.
...just some interesting observations