C’mon guys, you’re an adult. Even if you have a casual dress code at the office, there is no excuse for not having these clothing items in your closet. Here are the essentials.
1. A Suit
If you only own one thing from this list, above all it should be a well-fitted suit. Go and get fitted for a suit, even if you don’t buy on the spot. You’ll at least find your proper size and fit. (It’s more than small, medium, large and so on.)
It was once said that if you were going to only own one suit it should be black. Nowadays, a black suit is often seen as too formal for everyday wear. Navy has become the most popular suit color, and it’s versatile enough that it can be worn for just about every occasion; a job interview, at the office, court, a wedding. If navy isn’t your thing, gray is a nice alternative. Choose a lighter gray suit for a bolder look, or stick to a dark gray for a more traditional feel. Many find a gray suit is easier to match with shirts and ties as well.
Once you find that perfect suit, don’t skip on the tailoring. For a perfect fit, your arm and pant length will likely need to be tailored.
2. Dark Denim Jeans
A nice pair of dark jeans can be dressed up with a coat and tie or worn casually with a t-shirt and sneakers. Choose a style that you’re comfortable in, but avoid carpenter jeans, wide leg jeans and any jeans with holes, tears or bleach marks. Make sure they fit well in the waist and length. Men’s jeans typically come in a wide selection of waist and length sizes, but have them tailored if they are too long. You don’t want the pant leg touching the floor and fraying.
3. Chinos
Chinos are a lightweight cotton pant. They’re a little more dressy than jeans, but more versatile than dress pants. Wear them to the office, date night, even a backyard bbq. Chinos come in a variety of colors, but you’ll get the most use by going with a classic khaki.
4 & 5. Two Dress Shirts
Classic White
A timeless classic, a white button-down dress shirt is a must for any man's wardrobe. You’ll need it for your new suits, but you can also wear it with a pair of chinos.
Basic Blue
Like the white button-down dress shirt, a blue dress shirt is a versatile classic. It will match with your navy and grays suit, but you can also pair it with dark jeans for a smart casual look. To add some depth, choose a subtle windowpane plaid design.
6. Sport Coat/Blazer
You won’t always need a full suit, but may need a sport coat that you can wear with dress pants, chinos or even jeans. You don’t want to be too loud with a sport coat, but don’t be afraid to choose a subtle plaid or textured design. Keep it slightly more casual with a darker brown or blue shade. Black or gray sport coats are generally more formal. Choose the same fit and size as your suit jacket, and have the sleeve length tailored.
7. A Sweater
Having a nice sweater in your closet is a must. It’s an item that can easily be dressed up or down. Layer it over a dress shirt and pair it with your new chinos or jeans for a smart look. Again, this is a sweater guys, not a hoodie or sweatshirt!
8. Polo Shirt
Every man should own a polo shirt. 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, so pick a solid color that will go with both. (It’s ok to pair a blue or navy polo shirt with jeans, but don’t pair tan or brown polo shirt with chinos.)
9. White T-Shirt
The perfect-fitting white t-shirt is essential for every man. You may need to try a few different brands and sizes to find the perfect one, but it is out there. Find one that is long enough to tuck in under a dress shirt, but you can wear untucked with your new pair of jeans and sneakers. Crewcut or v-neck is ok; pick what you like. Make sure you keep it crisp and clean and replace it when needed. (Don’t toss out the stained or dingy looking t-shirt though. Cut it up as use it as a rag for those rare times you clean your pad.)
10. Cold-Weather Coat/Jacket
Ok guys, time to ditch the hoodie and get a real cold-weather jacket. There’s tons of styles from bomber jackets to field jackets. Find something that fits your style and your body.
11 & 12. Brown and Black Leather Dress Shoes
Yes, you need one pair of black and one pair of brown leather dress shoes. An oxford, derby, brogue, monk strap or loafers are all acceptable styles. Mix it up a bit and have one style in black and one in brown. And remember, the better the quality the longer they will last.
13. Plain Sneakers
For those casual days, having a clean, minimalistic pair of sneakers is a must. Keep the styling simple. A one or two color design will allow for more versatility and ensure they match most of your wardrobe.
14. A Belt
Even if your pants are a perfect fit, you should own a classic leather belt. It will polish off your look for those times you tuck in your shirt. As far as color (black or brown), your shoes and belt should match. Rather than purchasing two belts, look for a reversible belt that’s black on one side and brown on the other. They’re easy to use and often the same price as a single color belt.
Men's Reversible Leather Belt
15, 16 & 17. Three Ties
A Dark Solid Color
Be it black, navy blue or burgundy. Even if you only wear a necktie once a year, it's good to have one on hand. You never know when the occasion may arise that you need to be looking sharp.
A Striped Tie
A striped repp tie is a wonderful way to add a pop of color without going overboard. It’s classic, preppy and stylish and can be formal enough for most occasions.
A Pattern Tie
This is your most casual tie. It’s bold and makes a statement. If you only have one pattern tie, go with paisley. If it’s your style, you can also substitute this tie with a pattern bow tie.
Burgundy Solid Color Necktie
About TieMart
TieMart is an online retailer of men’s neckties, bow ties and other accessories. A wide selection of pattern ties are available at TieMart, including popular paisley ties for weddings, traditional plaid ties for the office and collegiate two-color striped ties for graduation or school uniforms. And, yes, if you really want to put your face on a tie, it’s possible with a custom photo tie. TieMart ties are affordable and ship quickly from their Midwest location.
As a menswear enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of men's fashion, I can confidently speak to the importance of a well-curated wardrobe. My extensive experience in the field, combined with a passion for classic and versatile styles, positions me as a reliable source for advice on essential clothing items for men.
Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Well-Fitted Suit:
- A well-fitted suit is a cornerstone of any man's wardrobe, offering versatility for various occasions.
- Modern preferences often lean towards navy suits for their adaptability in professional and semi-formal settings.
- Gray suits, both light and dark, are also recommended for their timeless appeal and ease of coordination with shirts and ties.
- Emphasis on the importance of tailoring to achieve a perfect fit.
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Dark Denim Jeans:
- Dark jeans are highlighted as a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
- Specific recommendations against certain styles such as carpenter jeans, wide leg jeans, or distressed jeans.
- Emphasis on proper fit and the option to have them tailored for the right length.
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Chinos:
- Chinos are introduced as a more dressy alternative to jeans, suitable for a variety of occasions.
- Classic khaki is suggested for its versatility, and the recommendation to wear them to the office, date nights, or casual gatherings.
4 & 5. Two Dress Shirts:
- Classic White: A timeless and essential white button-down dress shirt for formal and smart-casual looks.
- Basic Blue: A versatile blue dress shirt, recommended with subtle designs like windowpane plaid for added depth.
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Sport Coat/Blazer:
- The necessity of a sport coat for occasions that don't require a full suit is emphasized.
- Suggestions for subtle patterns and darker shades for a slightly more casual look.
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Sweater:
- A sweater is deemed a must-have item for its versatility in dressing up or down.
- Layering options over dress shirts for a smart look are suggested.
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Polo Shirt:
- Every man is recommended to own a polo shirt for casual wear.
- Emphasis on choosing a solid color that complements both jeans and chinos.
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White T-Shirt:
- The importance of a well-fitting white t-shirt is stressed for various outfit combinations, both tucked and untucked.
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Cold-Weather Coat/Jacket:
- A call to replace hoodies with more stylish and functional cold-weather jackets is made.
11 & 12. Brown and Black Leather Dress Shoes:
- The necessity of owning both black and brown leather dress shoes, with a range of acceptable styles.
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Plain Sneakers:
- Clean and minimalistic sneakers are recommended for casual occasions, with a focus on simplicity for wardrobe versatility.
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Belt:
- The recommendation for a classic leather belt, with a reversible option to match both black and brown shoes.
15, 16 & 17. Three Ties:
- A dark solid color tie is suggested for formal occasions.
- A striped tie, particularly a repp tie, is recommended for a pop of color without being too bold.
- A pattern tie, preferably paisley, is suggested as the most casual tie option.
In conclusion, building a wardrobe around these essential items ensures a timeless and versatile collection, aligning with classic men's fashion principles. These recommendations encompass various styles and occasions, offering a comprehensive guide for men looking to enhance their personal style.
