A man can only wear so many items of clothing at any given time. As such, when building up a wardrobe, it’s worth thinking about quality. A few versatile, timeless items, that can be endlessly mixed and matched as the weather changes, will tend to be preferable to an endless supply of cheap ones.
But what are the most important items that no man’s wardrobe can reasonably do without? There are a few worth considering.
The tailored suit
Weddings, conferences, funerals, and other formal events: they all require a well-tailored suit. If you’re only going to be getting one of them, look for greys and blacks, which can be mixed and matched with colourful (or not-so-colourful) ties, depending on the event.
The quality of the fabric, and of the fit, are paramount. Look for a good, breathable wool blend, and make sure that your suit is professionally tailored. This investment will give you an incentive to stay in shape, on top of everything else.
The classic overcoat
When winter rolls around, you’ll want a quality overcoat. You can wear this over your suit during the week, or over your casual attire on the weekend. Classic colours, like black and camel, will tend to stay current, even as the seasons come and go. Invest in a high-quality one that will last a lifetime.
The leather dress shoe
To go with your suit and overcoat, you’ll need a suitable pair of dress shoes. Oxfords in black will work with just about everything, but you might also consider brown. You can wear these shoes with your suit, or with a pair of chinos if you want to make things slightly more casual.
Alongside your new shoes, you might look into wax and polish. This kind of footwear is built to be maintained, rather than discarded. Over time, you might find that it develops a pleasing patina.
The crisp white shirt
A good white shirt will look the part, wherever you’re wearing it – and it can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Look for a quality one in cotton. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, you’ll be able to obtain a shirt that doesn’t change shape in the washing machine.
The dark denim jeans
Jeans come in a range of different shades, from dark to light-wash. You can even buy them pre-distressed, for that rock-and-roll aesthetic.
But for sheer versatility, a dark pair of jeans is best. It can be worn with a blazer for a night out, or with a t-shirt for a relaxed stroll through the park. Avoid eccentric shapes; straight-leg and slim jeans are the timeless choice.
Conclusion
The best approach to building a wardrobe is to decide upon a budget, and then split it across the pieces we’ve mentioned. You might find that doing so helps you to limit your spending in the long term – and to make the right impression at every social event you attend!
