Some men may be under the impression that to be considered “stylish”, they should be chasing trends and stocking their closets with of-the-moment pieces. In truth, though, that’s hardly necessary. A great wardrobe starts with the fundamentals. Clean, well-made basics made with high-quality materials never go out of style. They’ll also stand the test of time, unlike disposable garments from fast-fashion retailers. Here are 7 wardrobe staples every man should have in his closet:
A Good Pair of Jeans
Denim jeans have been a wardrobe staple for men since the 19th century, and you can’t go wrong with a pair in a classic color. They go with almost everything and can be dressed up for occasions that call for a bit of formality, or down for laidback, lazy days.
Good jeans should be slim-fitting but not too tight. The fabric should be stiff, but not so stiff that it would limit your movement. The hems should never touch the floor—that trend went out in the ‘90s. There can be an overwhelming amount of choices at the store, so when in doubt, ask for a slim-fit, straight cut selvedge pair in a blue on the darker side of the spectrum. Otherwise, feel free to buy whatever pair you think flatters your figure the most.
The Plain Crewneck Tee
Plain t-shirts with a crewneck collar are an everyday classic with a near-limitless number of applications. Like denim jeans, they can be styled up or down depending on the occasion or the wearer’s preference. Get them in the classic monochromatic colors of white, black, and grey. It’s also worth throwing in a few color options, just for variety. They’ll go with everything you own, from your dressiest shoes to your most beaten-up pair of trousers.
Just because the style and color are basic doesn’t mean that you should skimp on t-shirt quality, though. The ones that come in a six-pack at the big box store will most likely only survive for a couple of months. After a few runs in the washing machine, they’re bound to develop unsightly holes and loose threads. Choose black heritage T-shirts made with high quality, all-natural cotton where possible; they’ll feel better against your skin and last longer, too.
A Selection of Dress Socks
Most men consider socks an afterthought, if they think about them at all. However, there’s nothing more unsightly than thick athletic socks jammed into a formal shoe. Dress socks help maintain the clean lines and dignified air of a great suit. They don’t have to be attention-grabbing, but they should complement your outfit.
The best dress socks for men are made with a blend of both natural and synthetic fabrics to effectively wick away moisture while maintaining elasticity and a slim profile. As for styles, height, and color, the sky’s the limit. Most men stick to classic hues like black and grey, but a flashy pattern or color can elevate certain looks.
A Well-Made Pair of Chinos
Chinos hit the sweet spot right between the formal dress pants that come with your suit and your favorite pair of denim jeans. Without sacrificing comfort or style, they can help break up the monotony of wearing jeans every single day. You can even wear them to work if your office employs a smart-casual dress code. They’re available in a variety of colors, but you should endeavor to have them in both a light, neutral shade as well as in a dark, solid hue.
As with jeans, a good, slim fit is universally flattering. The chinos should stick close to the body, but not be too constricting. Its ends should be tapered at the ankle for a clean look. Some men may appreciate the extra flexibility of chinos made with stretchy fabric blends.
The Sport Coat
Also known as a sport jacket or blazer, the sport coat can elevate even the plainest white button-down and khakis combo. It’s for those tricky occasions that are just formal enough to call for a jacket, but not a full suit ensemble. Sport coats are usually available in more rugged fabrics and are constructed with a loose fit to allow for some layering underneath. Go for a navy blue or dark grey in the color department for a safe option that should go well with most things you already own.
An Immaculate Pair of White Sneakers
Style rules have relaxed enough that you can pair white sneakers with everything from a suit to your rattiest pair of jeans and a statement tee. Whether you’re a fan of the clean-cut look of Stan Smiths or are more into the skateboarding aesthetic, the important thing to remember is to keep them pristine.
To keep white sneakers looking as fresh as the day you bought them, shell out a little extra for a sneaker protector product. These spray-on products should help protect your kicks from any incidental scuffs and stains. Storing them in the box they came in or a shoe bag should also help improve their longevity.
The Timepiece
Nothing says “I’ve got it together” more than a classy wristwatch. It doesn’t have to be an investment timepiece that costs as much as the down payment on a car—there are plenty of acceptable options available in a variety of price points, from sophisticated dress watches to sturdy dive watches. There are even stealthy hybrid styles available for men who absolutely must have access to all the features of a smart watch but don’t want to compromise on the looks and style factor of a traditional timepiece.
Upping your style game doesn’t necessarily have to mean going shopping every two weeks. Trends come and go all the time, and becoming a slave to them can be exhausting! It’s far more important—and advantageous—to invest in quality menswear that is appropriate for a variety of occasions. Doing so will help you make better use of your money and keep your closet clutter-free.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
