Digging through the wonderful English Cut, a blog by Savile Row tailor Thomas Mahon, I came across a few particularly relevant articles that I thought I’d highlight:
In “what if you only have £200?,” Mahon provides tips on what to look for in a off-the-rack suit. In short — disregard the brand and look for the best-fitting single-breasted (2 or 3 button) gray or blue wool suit that you can find. Pants can go either plain front or pleated. For more details, about lapel and sleeve buttonholes and pockets, check out the blog. Incidentally, he’s a fan of Marks and Spencer.

And, as we’ve always advocated on these very pages, pair the suit with a light blue or white shirt, French cuffs and basic cufflinks.
What if you have more than £200? Well, first figure out just what level of tailoring you can afford (my favorite line regarding a man who can afford true bespoke: “Congratulations. You’ve arrived. The highest rung on the ladder.”) If you’ve arrived, read all about how to pick a bespoke tailor and the dish on Savile row.