So folks, I need some advice. I’m a midwestern guy living in Manhattan this summer. Since I’m only going to be here for the summer (at the moment; the plan is to return permanently after school finishes next year), I packed pretty light. Office clothes, mostly, and a small assortment of very casual stuff: Jeans, a few basic polos, and my favorite (read: loudest) Hawaiian shirts.
All of these are good for tramping around the city, going to museums and telectroscopes and such. I feel like it’s maybe a bit short of what’s proper for actually going out on the town, though. This huge city is overwhelming sometimes though–generally in a good way!–and I don’t know quite where to start with shopping.
So! New York dopers, what are your thoughts on some good places to get casual, stylish men’s clothing? I’m thinking of the button-downs, jeans, and so on variety, but I’m flexible. Relatively inexpensive is a plus. I’m not strapped for cash, but I’m trying to be frugal and come out of this summer with enough money to wipe out some bills. Helpful staff are a big plus, since I’m a bit of a fashion tyro. 
Once I’ve got the clothes, the next trick is working out where to go. I’m bisexual, but’ve mostly kept out of the dating/bar scene back home, to the extent that there is one, for various reasons. Here, I really want to check out some of the gay places, but again, the trick is picking 'em. I’m not terribly interested in the trendy exclusive velvet-rope club scene–my style is more neighborhood/dive bars. Great beer selection is a bonus. 
No particular “scene,” either–I’m just me, not swishy, not catty, not into leather, not a bear, yadda yadda. Most important thing is that a place be friendly. I came within a hair of checking out Stonewall and Barrage last night, but it got late (by midwestern standards anyway) and I chickened out.
Finally, I’m wide open to any and all suggestions of things and places to go, do, and see in the five boroughs. (Well, maybe not Staten Island.) What’re the good plays and dances on now? Musicals? Exhibits? Restaurants worth investigating? The summer is too short to see it all, but I’m gonna do my best anyhow.
Thanks everyone!