If only the "without great expense" part was achievable outside of fiction.

Well to do women had the practice of wearing a dress a couple of times and donating it, so a thrift store habitue could be well-dressed on a budget if a year or two out of fashion.

There are a few places where one can find men's bespoke gear but it tends to be well used, and I am not about to try removing a sleeve at the shoulder so I can show the right amount of cuff.

You definitely may find a  perfect piece at a thrift though it's not easy in California.

Back to the original thread:  does anyone have some sartorial Dostoevesky?  I seem to recall that Rashkolnikov had some threadbare duds.    Someone once said (I think it was George Steiner) that you're either a Tolstoyian or Dosteoveskian....