Debonair. Charismatic. Suave. A classic “rat pack” – where Neal Caffrey lacks in scruples, he makes up with incredible dress sense. USA Network’s White Collar (running 3 years now) is a guilty pleasure and smorgasboard of well cut suits, designer brands and beautiful scenic-scapes, but what many fail to realise is that while Neal Caffrey is often togged in the finest suits from Gucci, Paul Smith and Prada- he wasn’t always. When our favorite White Collar smooth criminal first started, he was just out of prison, broke and before he met June at the thrift store, he would have to make good with whatever he could get his hands on. Any man can walk into a big label boutique and walk out looking like a million bucks, but it takes someone with Neal’s panache and style to make any outfit look luxuriously bespoke.
White Collar Style: Dress Like Neal Caffrey
The gauntlet is thrown, the challenge is set. How does one without Neal’s incredibly good fortune (meeting June) and his white collar skills (scamming $120 million) dress Neal Caffrey style? Here’s 5 easy tips to pull off that White Collar Style under $800:
1. It’s all about the suit ($350 – $450)
It might not be bespoke or couture like Neal’s wardrobe but you can still look like a sartorialist by observing 2 key suit rules- First, it’s all about fit, even if you’re buying off the rack ($299 to $399), please do spend ($50 to $70) on a good tailor to get the suit jacket taken in and tapered to your physique. Second, if you’re not up to the hassle there’s always Indochino, the online atelier covers the whole gamut including shirts, ties, cufflinks and yes, tie clips.

Thomas Pink- The Equestrian Stripe features a semi cutaway collar, double cuff with mitred stitch detail and contrasting navy yoke.
2. You can afford his shirts: Thomas Pink ($100 – $140)
The shirt is essentially the backbone of your outfit- it’s the first thing you throw on and the first thing the ladies button. While the suit is the frontline in your sartorial arsenal, the shirt is the support that adds flavour (and texture) to otherwise crowd-blending formalwear. Thomas Pink sponsors White Collar and while you might not be able to always afford Prada, Paul Smith and Gucci suits, shirts from Thomas Pink are one affordable luxury you should be able to afford. Or if you’re not intending to spend that kind of cash- just remember, your tailor is your best friend, get him to alter shirts to your build.
3. Keep refreshing your collection of Neck Ties ($5 – $60)
Neal has always been a snazzy dresser and if you’re lacking the walk-in wardrobe in the corner of his apartment, his wallet or otherwise have a partner who frowns on splurging on new shirts and suits each week, neck ties are like the outwear counterparts to underpants- wear a different one every day; Most importantly, neck ties can instantly brighten or darken the tone and style of your look without enormous expenditure. You can either go expensive with John Varvatos [here] or classy and ridiculously affordable [here]. The smooth criminal pays attention to details: Do buy vintage tie clips (they’re the only ones that can fit slim neck ties), alternatively- search ebay for [tie clip 1″]. Also, get your hands on some pocket squares.
4. Classic, functional shoes ($90)
Make the ultimate style statement with these fashion shoes with high-reaching upper, plain round toe and polished finish. I expect Neal Caffrey’s shoes to say “I’m dressy but in a pinch, my ankle high half boots give me the support I need when I’m trying to escape from irate mob bosses or FBI agents.” [Shop here]
5. Don’t forget the hat ($80)
Neal Caffrey’s style and modus operandi is all about one-up-ship and keeping 2 steps ahead. When folks were using button down cuffs, he was about the cufflinks, when slim ties were in again, he was adding vintage tie clips. Where men were into classic dressing once again, he went completely retro with “rat pack” linen hats. [Shop here]
Total Damage: $765
- Paul Smith jacket, pants and shirt, Dries Van Noten tie, Ferragamo belt and shoes, vintage tiebar and cufflinks at Ilene Chazanof Decorative Arts NY, pocket square at Paul Stuart NYC – White Collar USA network
- Paul Smith suit, shirt and belt, Hugo Boss tie, Magnanni shoes, vintage tiebar, Thomas Pink cufflinks- White Collar USA network
- Dolce and Gabbana suit and shirt, Hugo Boss tie, Magnanni shoes, vintage tiebar at Ilene Chazanof NYC- White Collar USA network
- Calvin Klein suit, Dolce and Gabbana shirt, Hugo Boss tie, vintage tiebar at Ilene Chazanof Decorative Arts, NYC- White Collar USA network
- John Varvatos double-breasted jacket, Pringle trousers, Thomas Pink shirt and tie, vintage tiebar, cufflinks at Dino Baldini, NYC – White Collar USA network
- Paul Smith suit and shirt, Hugo Boss tie, vintage tiebar, Dino Baldini cufflinks, Paul Stuart NYC pocket square – White Collar USA network
- Dolce and Gabbana suit and shirt, Dior tie, Prada belt, Magnanni shoes, JJ Hat Center straw fedora, vintage sterling tie bar – White Collar USA Network
- Gucci suit, Hugo Boss tie, Paul Smith shirt, vintage Georg Jensen clip, Ferragamo shoes and belt – White Collar USA Network
- Stetson Cloth Men’s Palmdale Stingy Brim Linen Hat – If only to annoy uptight Federal Agents
- white collar style with Aldo WACEY dress lace up shoes 2
- Wacey Dress Lace Up Shoes from Aldo
- A good selection of neck ties can alter a suit to suit any mood (no pun intended)
- Made from 100% two-fold cotton, the Slimfit Traveller is the tailored version of Thomas Pink Traveller shirts.
- Thomas Pink- The Equestrian Stripe features a semi cutaway collar, double cuff with mitred stitch detail and contrasting navy yoke.
- White Collar Style with Indochino
- Gucci suit, Burberry shirt, Dior tie, Prada belt, vintage tie bar. – White Collar USA network
Anonymous
September 9, 2011
Awesome article, been looking for something like this for some time. Very helpful indeed! Keep it up!
Taylor Campisi
November 29, 2012
great article can’t wait to show this to my guy friends.
Griffin_Palmer
December 6, 2012
Reblogged this on The Lifestyle of Griffin J. Palmer and commented:
Hes got style
Gladys
March 17, 2013
Remarkable issues here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and I’m taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Chemises Paul Smith Polo
April 15, 2013
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You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Anonymous
May 10, 2013
Under 800$ ?!!! I don’t think that we can be dressed with those suits brands. A J.V suit costs 1.8k$ and gucci or versace are just under this price. Just Boss, and just the suit costs 900$. (France).