If any of you were in the chatbox this morning, you probably saw me freaking out when I was talking to Gyoin and Baldoraxx as they described their wardrobe to me. Based on what I read, it was apparent that a fashion guide was needed.
As a disclaimer, it takes a long time to develop one's sense of style, which will continue to evolve throughout the course of one's lifetime. My goal with this post is to provide those lost souls with a place to start as they work towards expanding their closet.
The Essentials: Here is a list of what EVERY man should have in his closet, no matter what.
Footnotes:
White oxford shirt: this goes with just about EVERYTHING. You can dress it up with a blazer or dress it down with a pair of jeans. If you find one that fits you well and is of high quality material (cotton will do just fine), buy multiple.
Dark-washed jeans: find a slim, fitted pair (read: not SKINNY but rather not BAGGY) so that you can mix and match them with a blazer or a casual t-shirt. Try many pairs made of good quality and don't be afraid do spend a lot of money on a good pair, as they will last you for years.
Dark, solid color tie: this is simple enough to go with anything. Neutral colors are the safest way to go if you want to be conservative. Once you get more comfortable you can get brighter colors or even ties with texture to add that extra bit of detail.
Navy blazer: there are so many things to do with a blazer. You can dress up just about ANY outfit and it can be worn to both casual and evening events.
"Adult" trainer shoes: those tennis shoes you wear at the gym are not meant for wearing when you dress to impress. Look for Stan Smith's, Chucks, or Vans.
Grey crew neck T-shirt: this is another versatile piece that can be worn alone or in layers. Grey goes with just about everything so you can pair it with a blazer and slacks for a semi-formal event or with dark jeans and trainers for Sunday morning brunch. When I don't want to think on the weekend my staple look is a grey t-shirt, dark jeans, and chucks.
Black V-neck jumper: this is a timeless piece that has saved me on many occasions. You can pair it with slacks for a formal look or with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual look. If I'm not in the mood to iron my oxford for work I just throw this baby over it and rush out the door. I also have this in gray and dark blue for layering.
Neutral-colored chino pants: pick a neutral color like grey or beige since these can be matched with a lot of other pieces. NO PLEATS, AND NO CUFFS
Black dress shoes with laces: you wear these with a suit, slacks, or even jeans when needed. Enough said.
Medium grey suit: this is a versatile piece and one of the most important parts of your wardrobe. Use it for important meetings, weddings, interviews, club parties, etc. You don't need a million suits, but rather one high-quality suit that is specifically tailored to your body.
Black belt without a huge buckle: in general, belt color matches shoe color. Unless you are in Texas rocking a cowboy look, don't get a huge buckle.
A nice watch: no, not the one you bought from Walmart. Buy a nice one from Fossil or another reputable designer. Nothing is sexier than a man that sports a nice watch. It is the pinnacle of sophistication and one of the few accessories we have as men.
Our society places high value on appearance, so there is no reason to not build your wardrobe and look the part in every aspect of your life. Obviously you want to look good at work, but you never know who you will bump into at the grocery store or at other social events. And all you married folk, that is no reason to look sloppy. I would call my man out if he looked a mess.
There is a wealth of information out there if you want to dive much deeper into this. I know most of you boys on here use reddit in some capacity, so go to the /r/malefashionadvice subreddit and click on the "Getting Started" guides on the right side to find more in-depth guides from our reddit fashionista community.
Let me know if you have any questions! And yes, I am superficial. Get over it.
If anyone has something to add, reply to the thread! Hope this helps!
As a disclaimer, it takes a long time to develop one's sense of style, which will continue to evolve throughout the course of one's lifetime. My goal with this post is to provide those lost souls with a place to start as they work towards expanding their closet.
The Essentials: Here is a list of what EVERY man should have in his closet, no matter what.
- White oxford shirt (multiple, if possible)
- A pair of fitting, dark-washed jeans
- Dark, solid color tie
- Navy blazer
- "Adult" trainer Shoes
- Grey crew neck T-shirt
- Black V-neck jumper
- Neutral-colored chino pants
- Black dress shoes with laces
- Medium grey suit
- Black belt without a huge buckle
- A nice watch
Footnotes:
White oxford shirt: this goes with just about EVERYTHING. You can dress it up with a blazer or dress it down with a pair of jeans. If you find one that fits you well and is of high quality material (cotton will do just fine), buy multiple.
Dark-washed jeans: find a slim, fitted pair (read: not SKINNY but rather not BAGGY) so that you can mix and match them with a blazer or a casual t-shirt. Try many pairs made of good quality and don't be afraid do spend a lot of money on a good pair, as they will last you for years.
Dark, solid color tie: this is simple enough to go with anything. Neutral colors are the safest way to go if you want to be conservative. Once you get more comfortable you can get brighter colors or even ties with texture to add that extra bit of detail.
Navy blazer: there are so many things to do with a blazer. You can dress up just about ANY outfit and it can be worn to both casual and evening events.
"Adult" trainer shoes: those tennis shoes you wear at the gym are not meant for wearing when you dress to impress. Look for Stan Smith's, Chucks, or Vans.
Grey crew neck T-shirt: this is another versatile piece that can be worn alone or in layers. Grey goes with just about everything so you can pair it with a blazer and slacks for a semi-formal event or with dark jeans and trainers for Sunday morning brunch. When I don't want to think on the weekend my staple look is a grey t-shirt, dark jeans, and chucks.
Black V-neck jumper: this is a timeless piece that has saved me on many occasions. You can pair it with slacks for a formal look or with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual look. If I'm not in the mood to iron my oxford for work I just throw this baby over it and rush out the door. I also have this in gray and dark blue for layering.
Neutral-colored chino pants: pick a neutral color like grey or beige since these can be matched with a lot of other pieces. NO PLEATS, AND NO CUFFS
Black dress shoes with laces: you wear these with a suit, slacks, or even jeans when needed. Enough said.
Medium grey suit: this is a versatile piece and one of the most important parts of your wardrobe. Use it for important meetings, weddings, interviews, club parties, etc. You don't need a million suits, but rather one high-quality suit that is specifically tailored to your body.
Black belt without a huge buckle: in general, belt color matches shoe color. Unless you are in Texas rocking a cowboy look, don't get a huge buckle.
A nice watch: no, not the one you bought from Walmart. Buy a nice one from Fossil or another reputable designer. Nothing is sexier than a man that sports a nice watch. It is the pinnacle of sophistication and one of the few accessories we have as men.
Our society places high value on appearance, so there is no reason to not build your wardrobe and look the part in every aspect of your life. Obviously you want to look good at work, but you never know who you will bump into at the grocery store or at other social events. And all you married folk, that is no reason to look sloppy. I would call my man out if he looked a mess.
There is a wealth of information out there if you want to dive much deeper into this. I know most of you boys on here use reddit in some capacity, so go to the /r/malefashionadvice subreddit and click on the "Getting Started" guides on the right side to find more in-depth guides from our reddit fashionista community.
Let me know if you have any questions! And yes, I am superficial. Get over it.
If anyone has something to add, reply to the thread! Hope this helps!
