Key Wardrobe Staples Every Man Should Own |

If you’re a man looking to improve his wardrobe, then it’s often a good idea to step back and focus on the fundamentals. For almost every lifestyle, your attire should be built around a few key items.

You might start the process of rethinking your wardrobe with a thorough declutter, followed by an investment in the basics. Once you have those foundational pieces in place, you’ll be able to construct a wardrobe that’s stylish and versatile.

So, what are these essential pieces?

The classic white shirt

A well-fitted white shirt is a wardrobe staple both for men and women. It can be worn to the office, or on a night out. There are a number of different collars and fits to choose from. For a formal occasion, a button-down collar might be preferable to a band. But the fact that you can dress a white shirt up (or down) with the right layers means that it’s probably a great fit for any setting. Pair it with a suit and you can attend a wedding; pair it with a pair of jeans and you can go for Sunday lunch.

A staple pair of jeans

Jeans are another wardrobe staple. Try to avoid fits that distort the form of your legs too much. Straight-cut or slim-fit are the safest bets.

After an uncertain period in which athleisure began to dominate, jeans have made something of a triumphant return. They’re a classic choice that’s unlikely to go away in years to come – and you can dress them up or down with the help of a blazer or a football shirt.

Quality knitwear and layering pieces

During autumn and winter, knitwear provides a valuable means of adding texture and practical warmth to any outfit. Here’s where you can afford to express yourself, since there are more varieties of knitwear than any of us can reasonably wear. For versatility, however, neutral tones tend to be preferable. You can pick out a merino or crew-neck jumper, and don it whenever the weather looks like it might be colder. Ideally, you’ll want one that’s thin, and another that’s thick enough to cope with winter.

Smart tailoring: Navy blazer or suit

While black might seem the obvious choice, navy blue is arguably the classic one. You can pick out a full navy suit, or just a blazer, and have a quick means of elevating a casual outfit (or, making yourself ready for a major event).

The weight of the fabric, and the lining, will determine how suitable it is for different kinds of weather. Bear in mind that, despite the upsurge in hybrid working, it’s worth having access to at least one suit, for those occasions during which you really have to make an impact!

Versatile footwear: Clean trainers and classic leather shoes

If you don’t have the right footwear, then no outfit you throw together will really seem complete. Depending on the kind of lifestyle you lead, you’ll want a pair of formal leather shoes, as well as a pair of trainers. The former should be brogues or loafers in black or brown. The latter offers more scope for personal expression. But you should think not just about the way your shoes look, but how they function, too. If you’re commuting in wet weather, you might be glad that you opted for something waterproof.