Building a stylish, versatile wardrobe for your everyday styling is an arduous task at the best of times, even for the most fashion-savvy individuals. It involves time, patience and effort (and money), with a knack of knowing what works and what doesn’t, and when certain items have reached their expiry date.
Fear not, as you are not alone in this task that many men just don’t get right. Lucky for you, we have curated a list of wardrobe essentials that every man should own, lending a helping hand in curating your own wardrobe of versatile styling options for daily, weekend and occasional wear.
01. A SUIT
If you didn't hear it from us, you definitely would have heard it from your father or grandfather; “every man should own his own suit.” So, rule out the idea of a hired suit for that event you have coming up. Owning your own suit is a necessity, as there will be more than occasion in a man’s life where he will need to suit up.
When shopping for your suit, keep these three factors in mind:
All too often will you find that men are either in a suit that’s too big or too small for their body. Speak with your stylist in-store and ensure you are sized-up correctly, ensuring the jacket fits perfectly on the shoulders, with a snug, tailored fit throughout the body. Opt for a suit that is constructed with 100% merino wool. This will not only help regulate your body temperature, but merino wool is a natural fibre which has a range of benefits, including its durability.
02. SHOES
You wear them every day, so why not ensure that your shoes are not only stylish, but of the best quality; as they say you can tell a lot about a man by the shoe he wears. As a rule of thumb, invest in a Goodyear welted, Oxford black dress shoe. This will be your go-to for any formal events. Next, ensure you have a good leather shoe that can be worn both casually and formally. A pair of wingtip Oxford brogues are a great option. For all your casual ventures, purchase a crisp white leather sneaker. This will go with practically anything in your wardrobe, including your suit.
03. DENIM JEANS
One of the most versatile items an individual can own, a good pair of denim jeans will last you a lifetime if cared for properly.
Invest in a good pair of selvedge denim jeans that you can match with a range of outfits you put together; dark denim works with almost anything!
If you can avoid it, don’t wash your denim jeans for a good 6-8 months. This will give the denim time to mould to your body and develop its own colour and character. Washing your jeans constantly can ruin the dyeing agent of the garment, altering its appearance.
04. LEATHER JACKET
Do as the style icons of the past have done and wear a leather jacket. Practical, stylish and effortlessly cool, a leather jacket can be worn at any time of the year. Pair with a t-shirt for a casual-cool look, or over a knit or shirt for smart-casual occasions.
Our mentality to finding a good leather jacket is that it will find you. Don’t purchase a leather jacket online as each jacket’s cut is different to what you may have previously tried on.
Remember; if you put some significant spend behind the purchase of a leather jacket, it will last you a lifetime.
05. OVERCOAT
Keep warm during the cooler months with an overcoat. The perfect versatile piece, go a size up so you can wear over your suit, jackets or anything in between.
Keep your overcoat colour neutral and plain, and opt for a wool fabric for extra warmth and breathability.
