Written by Menswear Style in Essentials on the 2nd February 2015

Photography by Craig Landale

Men are becoming increasingly conscious of their appearance and have begun to understand the importance of being style-wise. This list of male wardrobe essentials isn’t a very long one. However, it should constitute certain key pieces that are timeless and sophisticated. After all, when it comes to building a classic wardrobe, it's worth investing money in clothes that will contribute to your personality. 

Gone are the days when owning a few pairs of jeans and a couple of good suits were all it took to complete a man’s wardrobe. Today the scenario is completely different and men are spoilt for choices in picking out clothes according to their age and body type.

To put together a timeless wardrobe, you will have to focus less on the passing trends and more on establishing your own style with the help of statement pieces. What’s in today may not be considered fashionable a few months later. So you’ll be better off going back to the basics, sticking to what you know best, and dressing comfortably. Here are a few must-haves in every man’s wardrobe. 

1. The Classic Blazer 

The blazer isn’t just a style staple, it is also a necessity. How many times have you watched male models donning this ever-stylish garment on the runway and winning second glances? Blazers can be also be worn to the boardroom just as easily. Even if you have just one blazer, you can count on it to bail you out of several fashion dilemmas. Take care, however, when sporting a blazer. Too many men end up making the mistake of wearing one that’s ill-fitted. The problem areas tend to be the shoulders, the sleeves and the hemline. Make sure yours fits well according to your height and weight.

2. Blue Jeans 

With a pair of well-fitted jeans in your wardrobe, you will always have something to fall back upon whenever you’re in doubt. Jeans are great because they provide you with comfort, style and functionality. And that’s exactly what you want from a foolproof wardrobe. It makes sense to own a few pairs of straight-fit jeans, team them up with a t-shirt and sneakers, and take casual-chic to a new level. Light-colored jeans are great for summers, while the dark shades can be worn any time. 

3. The Great White Tee 

A white tee should be your go-to garment on days when you feel too lazy or you just cannot decide what you want to wear. White is a regal colour and a versatile one too. Team it up with your favorite pair of jeans and a blazer and you’ll be good to go.

4. Button-Down Shirt 

Invest in a few button-down shirts since they can be extremely versatile and can be paired with just about anything. Putting on a clean, crisp shirt every morning can make you feel invigorated instantly. Don’t just buy them in white, go for other neutral colours as well. You can start with a basic light blue and start experimenting as you expand your wardrobe. 

5. Ankle-Length Trousers 

Smarten up your everyday look with a pair of slim-cut, slightly cropped trousers and say goodbye to those shapeless, baggy, ground-nibbling ones. Simply ask your tailor to keep them cropped at least an-inch-and-a-half above the ankles. Flaunt your vibrant socks or pair them with loafers to bring about a sense of nonchalance into your look.

6. The Eternal Leather Jacket 

The leather jacket has been around for decades and for a good reason – it’s just eternally stylish. You don’t have to be movie star to be able to pull it off. Simply pick one that fits you snugly (as opposed to tightly) and you’ll be ready to conquer the fashion world. Do not make the mistake of buying them without trying them on, though. You need to go out and find one that looks great on you. 

7. A Navy Suit 

I bet you already have a black suit somewhere in your closet, which has probably been worn to your high school graduation party, the prom, your second-cousin’s wedding that your mom forced you to attend, and so on. But you’ve come a long way since then and it’s time to leave the black one for funerals and say hello to the navy suit. Navy suits complement all skin tones, are perfect for laid-back as well as formal events, and look good with various shirt-and-tie combinations.

8. Khaki Chinos 

Somewhere in between the erudite trousers and easy-going jeans, come the ever-so-reliable khaki chino. Get them in different shades from tobacco to natural in a straight fitting and you’ll find that they can be worn to work just as easily as when hanging out with friends. A good pair of chinos are a blessing indeed! 

9. Dress Shoes 

This is the ultimate must-have when you’re looking to achieve a formal look. Whether you like them in black or shades of brown, make sure you keep them clean and polished to look suave and stylish.

10. Leather Belt 

For a refined look, always wear a leather belt with your trousers. You will do well in investing in a slim belt in black, brown and/or tan with an elegant buckle to keep things minimalistic. And yes, do not forget to match it with your shoes and make sure the leather is real. 

Conclusion - building a stylish wardrobe implies picking quality over quantity. It also means creating your own style instead of following others blindly. It is important to understand that what looks good on others may not suit you. All great things (including your wardrobe) take time to become perfect, so be patient. Dressing well is a big part of looking good. So do try and incorporate the above pieces into your wardrobe and make a style statement wherever you go.

We pick out style staples and wardrobe essential for guys, featuring 10 Style Staples for Every Man’s Wardrobe.