Hmm. I'll reinforce some general advice, but I also want to be specifically helpful. Disclosure: I'm a white boy from Baltimore, I think my sense of fashion is pretty neutral, I hate displaying logos or graphic tees, and I'm 5'8'' and 170 lbs, pretty muscular.

The proper fitting of clothes will be stressed here and elsewhere because it is important. Something really expensive or good looking looks downright goofy if it's too big. Not only is getting the right size important, I would also recommend exercising and being fit. I'm also poor, I can very much relate, but I think I can wear a plain black v neck because I have an exercise regimen that lets me fill out the shirt and makes me/it look better on me, not because its $150 Versace shirt. Shit, I rock exclusively Merona, our favorite Target brand.

A few months ago, I could barely do two pull-ups. There was a monkey bar outside our housing that I went to every morning before breakfast and just tried to do as many as I could, and after five weeks I was doing 12 pull ups at a time. It was one of the largest catalysts for my newfound bent on self improvement (masturbation as it is).

Ok, so fitness. Push ups, pull ups, crunches, squats. Not a nickel on gym equipment (ok, maybe 25 bucks for a pull up bar to install in your doorway).

My favorite sweater. (This link won't appear properly)

www.hm.com/us/product/28716?article=28716-A#article=28716-A

I've never received more comments or compliments on any piece of clothing I've owned. It's relatively cheap and fits great universally on everyone who's ever tried it on because it's a little poofy (lol I haven't written the word poofy in a long time).

Clark's Chukka is a great shoe. Good for formal, informal, walking the dog, taking someone out. The sizes are a bit wacky, I had to order a size 8 for my 9.5/10 feet.

While I love jeans, I also would recommend a pair of non-white chinos, or "khaki" pants. Some gray chinos I own have stayed with me for a while now.

Good luck pardner. Try it out. But also, just know you look good, and then you do. Fake it til you make it.