July 11, 2023

12 Men’s Wardrobe Essentials to Sharpen Your Style

Fashion, Clothes, Men's Wardrobe

Clothing trends come and go, but a classic wardrobe never goes out of style. When you want to dress smart with only a few versatile pieces, you need to build a dependable foundation for your wardrobe that starts every outfit off strong. 

With these 12 men’s wardrobe essentials, you can transcend fast fashion and achieve a timeless look within minutes.

Tops
Graphic tees and patterned button-ups can be fun additions to your wardrobe, but building a smart wardrobe begins with choosing neutral, versatile tops. Keep these four men’s wardrobe essentials in your closet to stay prepared, no matter where life takes you.
1. White T-Shirt

The humble white T-shirt is a classic clothing item that withstands the test of time. A well-tapered tee can be all you need to complete a polished, everyday look. 

Or, when layering with a nice jacket or blazer, it can perfectly complement a smart casual look. Once you find the perfect white T-shirt, you’ll probably want a few in your closet to prime your closet for every occasion.

A great staple T-shirt should fall between your waist and hip to help build your outfit. Choose an athletic fit T-shirt made of sturdy, but soft material to ensure your ultimate closet staple is versatile and long-lasting — irreplaceable instead of needing replacement after a few wears.

2. Polo Shirt

If you want to add more color to your wardrobe, your polo shirt is a great place to start. Polos naturally add a touch of sophistication to your outfit, giving you room to introduce muted tones like light blue or sage green into your wardrobe that offer versatility.

For the cleanest look, your polo shirt should have durable fabric, as well as sleeves that end mid-bicep and gently hug your arms.

3. Crew Neck Sweater

Style savvy men know that chilly weather isn’t an excuse for a sloppy look. Dressing for success is a year-round commitment that a crew neck sweater can help you achieve. When fitted at the chest and shoulders without being restrictive, a long-sleeve sweater in gray or black can spruce up any casual outfit while making you feel prepared to take any challenge.

Choose a wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking sweater to look fresh throughout the day, whether you’re behind a desk or on the go.

4. Button-Up Shirt

Formal dress codes are making their way out of offices, but that doesn’t mean button-up shirts are out of style. A plain white, black, or blue button-up shirt can be your go-to clothing item for all your smart casual and semi-formal events, whether you’re elevating your interview outfit or repping your company at an award ceremony.

Unlike dress shirts, which tend to be restrictive and limited to formal events, button-down shirts that are breathable and lightweight can add elegance to your capsule wardrobe. Choose a camp collar if you want to lean on the casual side of fashion, or choose a button-down collar if you want the classic feel of an Oxford shirt while achieving a semi-casual, sporty look.

Bottoms
No outfit is complete without pants that make you look suave and well-groomed. These four men’s wardrobe essentials can mix and match with your tops, so you can match any dress code with ever-present classiness.
1. Versatile Shorts
If you want a pair of pants that matches the flexible lifestyle you want, you need a versatile pair of shorts that give you freedom of movement whenever warm weather hits. Premium, neutral-colored shorts can complete a show-stopping casual look, whether you’re treating potential business partners to dinner or heading out to the beach or on a boat.
2. Dark Wash Jeans

A classic pair of jeans is a timeless element of men’s style that you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over again. Durable, dark wash denim can offer an upscale casual look while still being practical enough for the times you need to play handyman or mechanic at home.

The best blue jeans are well-fitted at the waist — with or without a nice leather belt — and accentuate your lower body. However, you should still be able to move with ease.

3. Joggers
While sweatpants can fit loosely, joggers are slim-fit menswear items that offer the perfect blend of comfort and style. Choose joggers with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric for comfortable summer wear.
4. Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants are versatile, and they never seem to go out of style. They add a sophisticated, vintage feel to cozy and casual outfits. However, they can also look stylish with a modern twist. Wear your corduroys with a T-shirt for a chic everyday outfit, or layer them under a bomber as the weather turns cool. Throw on a pair of Chelsea boots to round off the look. 

Compared to chinos and khaki pants, corduroys are much less form-fitting, which means you can get a relaxed fit for extra comfort — all without sacrificing style.

Outerwear
With business formal dress codes on their way out of offices, suits and blazers can always be rented when you need them. However, there are two types of jackets a man’s wardrobe simply can’t do without.
1. Staple Jacket