Generally speaking, most men aren’t the best when it comes to fashion. Sure, plenty of fashionistos out there make it their mission to dress for success every day, but by and large, men view fashion as a low priority.
Again – this isn’t the case with all men – just most of them. Chances are you’re either a man who has a hard time taking fashion seriously or have a man in your life who you wish would dress better.
In either case, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into 10 wardrobe essentials for most men:
Denim
Everybody – man or woman – should own at least one pair of denim jeans that fit great and can be worn with just about anything. Chances are you own one or more pairs of jeans – the question is whether or not they look good and work with the rest of your wardrobe. What’s more, the era of distressed jeans has come and gone. While there’s still room in the world of fashion to rock the jeans you wore in high school, we’re willing to bet you’re better off with an updated pair of denim.
Khakis
We’re willing to bet most men are either wearing denim or khakis at any given moment. Assuming that’s true, it’s a testament to the need for one or more pairs of khakis in your wardrobe. These tan-colored pants serve as the go-to substitute for denim jeans, which means they’re essential for most men’s wardrobes. While denim and khakis aren’t the only options men have when it comes to pants, they represent the majority of practical everyday clothing below the waistline. With this in mind, most men would benefit from several pairs of khakis in their closets of varying shades.
Dress shirts
Even if you don’t need them for work, having several dress shirts in your closet will come in handy for a variety of situations, including photoshoots and formal gatherings. The best approach is to have a minimum of three dress shirts of varying colors. We suggest sticking to lighter shades in order to maximize the range of outfits you can put together. You can’t go wrong with baby blue, light gray, pink, and white dress shirts.
T-shirts
We’re willing to bet you already have several t-shirts in your wardrobe. That’s a testament to their comfort and versatility. While there’s nothing wrong with stocking up on cheap tees to have for sleeping or running errands, consider having several designer shirts for men in various colors. The comfort, quality, and style will be worth the extra upfront investment.
Polo shirts
Most men are divided into two camps: those who wear polo shirts and those who don’t. While they might not be your first choice for most situations, polo shirts are ideal for many outdoor recreational activities, including golf and tennis. With this in mind, consider having one or two polos in your closet if you ever need to wear one for a special occasion.
Dress shoes
There’s no need to get fancy with your selection of dress shoes. A black pair and a brown pair are all you need. Whether they’re Oxfords, loafers, or slip-ons is entirely up to you.
Sneakers
From running errands to spending a day at the zoo, sneakers are practical footwear for virtually any casual situation. They’re affordable, comfortable, and practically universal in terms of outfit appropriateness.
Suits
Renting a suit for special occasions is okay when you’re still in high school. But once you stop growing, it’s time to invest in at least one tailored suit, preferably dark blue or gray with a classic fit.
Sweaters
From crewnecks to turtlenecks to v-necks, the variety of sweater styles means most men can find the right fit for their look. Owning one or two hoodies doesn’t hurt, either.
Outerwear
Everyone man should own at least one nice coat. Not a jacket, not a windbreaker, but a high-quality coat that can keep you warm during the colder months of the year. It should look great and keep you warm!
You don’t have to love fashion to learn how to dress nicely. It comes down to knowing the right clothes and shoes to own.
Alex Farina is a freelance writer from Ohio. He enjoys writing about design, fashion, nature, and technology.
