When it comes to clothing essentials, there are plenty that tick all the boxes. However, if you want a selection that can be mixed and matched, here are a few of the most important pieces of clothing every man needs in their wardrobe.
Double-Breasted Blazer
The first thing you need is a double-breasted blazer. Whether you are scrolling through 3 Wise Men, GQ, or watching TV, you will notice that this type of blazer is one of the go-tos when it comes to elevating an outfit.
A double-breasted blazer can be used to turn a casual outfit into something more formal, allowing you to wear jeans and a T-shirt to work, but you can throw the blazer on when you are about to meet clients or have a work meeting.
A Suit
No matter who you are or what work you do, every man needs at least one formal suit. As you get older, there will be more and more times when you will need one, and the sooner you find the perfect suit, the better.
Opt for a three-piece suit in a neutral color, such as brown, dark blue, black, or grey. These colors are perfect for almost any occasion, whether it is a job interview, a date night, or a wedding.
White/Neutral T-Shirts
You also should have a small collection of neutral or white fitted T-shirts. The humble white T-shirt can be worn with almost anything, dressed up or down, and worn on its own in Summer or as your bottom layer during Winter.
When you keep the colors neutral, it means you can match them with almost everything else in your wardrobe.
Button-Down Shirts
You can’t always wear T-shirts, and because of this, you need a couple of button-down shirts. Button-downs are simply the more formal version of a T-shirt, but can be worn in similar ways.
You can wear a short-sleeve button-down with shorts for a more upscale Summer look, and you can wear one with your blazer or suit if you are attending a super-formal or black-tie event.
Jeans
You can never go wrong with owning a good pair of jeans. They are a timeless and classic piece of clothing for a reason, and no matter your personal style, there is certainly a pair out there that will suit you.
Blue jeans are clearly one of the most common choices, but nowadays, you can opt for a black pair, or a brown pair if you want a more outdoorsy and cozy look.
Chinos
Similar to jeans, you need a great pair of chinos. While not always viewed as something very formal, chinos are great because they can be worn in both a formal or casual setting, and it depends on what else you wear.
For chinos, choose a pair in beige, camel, dark blue, or dark green. Chinos can be a bit more flexible, meaning you can use them for a pop of color and then add a white T-shirt to keep your look balanced.
Winter Jacket/Coat
If you live somewhere that gets very cold Winters, then you can’t overlook getting a jacket or coat. When it comes to picking one, keep things simple; choose a neutral color, make sure it keeps you warm, and then ensure the fit is correct.
High-quality coats and jackets can be very expensive, and therefore, you will almost definitely only buy and own one at a time. Because of this, take your time when choosing one; there is no rush.
Knitted Sweater
For Autumn and the warmer Winter days, a coat may be too much. Therefore, you need a light layer that keeps you cool without being so heavy that you get hot an hour or two after putting it on.
A knitted sweater is a super-stylish and chic choice that can tie any cold-weather outfit together. If you have the budget, buy one with a thicker knit and one with a slightly thinner knit for versatility.
Boots
While sneakers and whatnot are common, many men still don’t own a great pair of boots. Leather boots, in particular, such as Dr Martens or Chelsea boots, can be worn in both formal and casual settings.
Black is always a great color to choose, but you can also opt for a light or dark brown for a more rustic look and feel. While boots can be very expensive, if you have the budget available, getting a pair in both black and brown will give you far more styling options.
Accessories
Finally, fill a drawer with a few brilliant accessories. Baseball caps, a beanie or two, a scarf, a pocket square, and a couple of pairs of sunglasses are just a few of the things that should be available to you.
Accessories are great because they are the easiest way to elevate even the most basic outfit. Adding a scarf to a Winter look gives you a classic feel, while a pocket square can be the cherry on top of the perfect suit.
