Women used to rule the fashion world, but not anymore. Men’s luxury fashion is outpacing the growth of womenswear.
When was the last time you took a look at your wardrobe? Or a better question, how much thought do you put into your outfits?
You don’t have to buy luxury brands or be a fashionista to look good. All you need are a few quality made staples.
Then all you have to do is put the pieces together, and you’re ready to walk out the door with confidence knowing that you look good.
Let’s get started with the 13 items every man should have in his wardrobe.
1. Dark Denim Jeans
This is a wardrobe staple, and you should have a couple of pairs of dark denim jeans in your closet. Opt for jeans that are bit more fitted and cut to the right length.
You can then wear them with a t-shirt or polo for a more casual look. Or dress them up with a button down and a nice pair of shoes.
To wear dark jeans successfully make sure they are in good condition. You don’t want jeans that are fraying or have holes in them.
You also don’t want them so long that they are dragging on the floor. You should also stay away from the ones with bedazzling all over them. You are a man, not a fourteen-year-old girl.
2. Crisp White T-Shirt
You seriously cannot have enough of these. You can wear them with shorts or jeans for a casual look.
Or layer them with a sweater in winter. You could even throw one on under your blazer for a more modern look.
Whatever you do, make sure you replace them when they start to get old. You don’t want your crisp white tee to look more yellow and stretched out.
If white gets boring for you, don’t be afraid to buy your tees in a variety of colors. A fitted black or grey t-shirt can make just as bold of a statement but give a more sophisticated impression.
3. A Smart Classic Blazer
A blazer that fits you well is the perfect item to take your outfit from just ok to wow. Pick one in a nice neutral color like black, dark blue, or khaki. Or you can really stock your closet and have one of each.
You can pair your blazer with slacks or jeans to give your outfit a more professional and polished look. The key to rocking a blazer well is to make sure that it fits you through the shoulders and isn’t too long.
4. A Well Fitted Dark Suit
You should always have one suit that fits you well and is ready to wear. You never know what life will bring you and a well-fitting dark suit can get you through almost any event.
You can wear your suit to weddings, funerals, job interviews, and any other event that calls for more than jeans and a button down.
5. Classic Black Lace Ups
Whether you like it or not you will get judged by your shoes. Wear your old grungy sneakers with your dark jeans we mentioned earlier, and you backslide on the presentation scale.
A properly fitting pair of black lace-up shoes are a nice understated shoe that is versatile enough to go with almost any outfit. To make your shoes a success, they need to be in good condition.
So if you already have a pair of nice dress shoes, take a look at them. If they are cracking, have holes, or just look like they’ve seen better days, then it is time for a new pair.
6. New Socks and Underwear
No self-respecting man would be caught dead with holes in his sock and underwear. We get it, the ones with the holes might be your favorite pair, but it’s time to say goodbye.
You have plenty of options when it comes to what kind of underwear you choose to wear. Box Menswear can give you examples of different styles.
Choose a style and material that will keep you supported and cool throughout the day.
7. Two Quality Belts
If your pants have belt loops, then you should wear a belt with them. It will give your outfit a put together look.
At a minimum, you need a black and a brown belt. If you tend to dress more professional or formal, then you will want your belts to be made of leather.
If you are a more casual dresser than a sturdy webbing can look good too.
8. Warm Pea Coat
Standard coast can be tough to wear as they get bulky and stuffy. A pea coat is much more comfortable to wear and pair with your outfit.
Look for one made of warm materials such as wool. You’ll also want it to have sturdy stitching.
When you buy your coat, think about what you plan to wear under it. Sweaters and blazers can make a great fitting pea coat feel tight in the shoulders and armpit.
9. Signature Scent
If you don’t have a signature scent, then you are missing out on sending subtle queues to the opposite sex. Smells can trigger emotions, memories, and affect productivity.
Opt for a more sophisticated scent that will last throughout the day without you having to apply a ton of it. After all, you don’t want to be “that guy” wearing too much.
Quality scents will have top notes that are more citrusy. These scents tend to dissipate quickly.
Then there are middle and bottom scents that last longer. Middle scents tend to be floral, fruity, and spicy. While the bottom notes tend to be woody like balsamic, cedar, or patchouli.
Keep in mind that whatever scent you choose will react with your own chemistry. So what you smell in the bottle at the store may not be how it smells after an hour or two on you.
10. Sunglasses
This one is about style and sun protection. Your eyes are sensitive, and long term exposure can cause cataracts.
Plus don’t you want to look mysteriously suave in your dark jeans, dress shoes, button-down, and sunglasses? Think about your overall style and buy a pair of sunglasses that fit that.
Try on several pairs and look for ones that fit the size and shape of your face. You want the lenses to be large enough to block out the sun.
11. Sturdy Metal Watch
A decent watch doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Wearing a good quality watch can be the perfect accessory to any outfit.
Opt for a metal or leather watch for durability and a classic look. If you are someone who loves technology, then a smartwatch is a good choice too.
12. Chinos in Multiple Colors
Get a pair of chinos in both navy and khaki. These smart yet casual pants are perfect for when jeans are not formal enough, but a full-blown suit would be too much.
For a smart-casual look, pair your navy chinos with a crisp white button down. Complete the outfit with chocolate brown or light brown shoes and matching belt.
For khaki chinos, you can pair them with either a light or dark shirt. You could even give them a bit of an edge with a leather biker jacket.
When winter comes, you don’t have to pack them away either. Throw a sweater on over that crisp white tee, and you have a whole new outfit.
13. Leather Jacket
The trick to pulling off a good leather jacket is to find one that fits well and is a fresh cut and style. You could find the contemporary take on a bomber jacket. Or you could opt for a more biker look.
Whatever you do, don’t go for the oversized 80s leather jacket. You’ll look outdated, and the coat will look ill-fitting.
You want a jacket that can fit you through the shoulders and hit you at mid hip length. If the lining zips in and out, you will have even more versatility with it.
Stock Your Wardrobe
When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t need a ton of stuff. It is more important to have well-made pieces that fit you in all the right ways.
People will notice if your clothes and shoes don’t fit well or are old and worn looking. So don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune, focus more on finding pieces that suit you, and enhance your look.
Check our blog for more tips on how you can look your best.
