Fashion is a fickle thing. Seasons change, trends flux and what’s “in” one day is “out” the next. Style, however, is a different matter. The key to great style? A reliable selection of clothing essentials that makes for a firm foundation to build on with those pesky, oh-so-undependable trends.
Building a wardrobe full of men’s essentials involves picking up the best basics that will stand the test of time and never go out of style. From layering pieces to shows and accessories, we’ve created 10 building blocks for every man’s wardrobe that shouldn’t be overlooked.
1. White sleeves
Invest a bit of extra money into a classic white work shirt and you will reap the reward. It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit to work every day, or if you only wear one when you attend wedding or church, you need a crisp white long-sleeve. It goes with every suit and tie and even elevates every casual pants. Get multiples if you can.
2. Suits
You may not wear a suit every single day, but every gentleman must have a well-tailored suit in his wardrobe. The cornerstone of every gentleman’s wardrobe is the suit. It is our modern version of armour and will always stand the test of time.
In simple terms, a suit is a two-piece set of jacket and trousers from the same cloth. Classic suits are also quite versatile and you can mix and match trousers to create more outfits. They also have multiple uses like interviews, conferences, board meetings and much more. However, stay away from the same old black suits and go for a timeless midnight blue instead.
3. Polo shirt
Polo shirt is another classic that never goes out of style. Polos are great casual wear when going anywhere – the store, a casual lunch or wherever you don’t need to be dressed up. You can wear it with jeans or chinos trousers for the ultimate cool weekend look.
4.Dark jeans
Straight jeans flatter most body types and are way more comfortable than skinny jeans. For a business casual look, a dark blue or black pair of jeans is also appropriate for casual meet-ups, dress-down Fridays, client meetings and conferences. They can be worn with a blazer, sports coat, a polo or your favourite T-shirt.
5. Belts
A belt is always the most neglected part of the ensemble. As a stylish gentleman, you should already know the Golden Rule of Menswear: “Always match your belt with your shoes.” Your belt should be the exact same colour as your shoes. Black and brown are preferable for a corporate look.
6. A statement tie
Your tie should always be darker than your dress shirt. A bold tie should be paired with a subtle shirt, and your tie should always match your suit and shirt. For a start, you should have at least eight good quality silk ties if your work or favourite dress code is always suit and tie.
7. Cufflinks
Every man needs a good pair of cufflinks. As long as you have long-sleeved shirt with the right holes in the cuff, you can work them into just about any outfit to put a personalised stamp on your look. They are very useful, even though many men do not consider them so. They should be stylish enough that they can be worn with shirts or suits.
8. Derby shoes
Women notice shoes and you should consider the lace-up shoes; the shinier the better. These are less formal than Oxford and easier to get into your foot as the laces are quite flexible. If you’re looking for a dress shoe that can be worn casually, a pair of tan Derbies works as well with jeans as it will with more traditional tailoring. And, just to let you know, the Derby is the foundation of most shoe collections.
9. Wristwatch
Nothing is more elegant than checking the time on a wristwatch, not staring at your phone. Want a timepiece that will go with your work wear? Aside from your shoes, it’s the next thing people will notice. Pick a watch that is sleek and stylish. Never wear a sports watch with a business suit. You can get a proper dress watch, like a classy piece, either a leather or a chain watch.
10. Flat sandals
Shoes are an important part of every wardrobe and you need to have a good selection of pairs. Flat sandals are an essential too. They go well with traditional wears.
