How to Build a Basic Wardrobe (Men)
Start with building a basic, casual wardrobe., Once you have a casual wardrobe established, you may move onto the semi-formal and formal wardrobe.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Start with building a basic
You will need: (at least) Underwear (boxers, fitted boxers or briefs, your choice) and under shirts (muscle or t shirt).
Make sure to purchase quality items that won't fade, stretch, or wear out.
Three Pairs of Jeans, dark blue and light blue.
Other colors like black, white and tan can fade in and out of style, but blue is classic.
Also make sure to avoid pre-torn or destroyed jeans.
Try buying jeans with a light distress or faded wash on the knee or thigh areas, but be careful.
Two Pairs of Khakis.
Make sure one is a more traditional color, such as British Khaki.
The other can be a bit different, like grey, navy or Nantucket Red.
There are many different kinds of cuts: straight leg, classic (more tapered) boot cut and loose.
Try them all and find the fit and style you like.
Three Casual Oxford Shirts:
Make sure to have 2 solid colors (blue and white are both classic) and one striped oxford shirt.
Four Polo Shirts.
Stick to the classic colors:
Navy, White, Black, Grey, Red, Yellow, Green.
You can add more exotic colors later.
Two Solid V-Neck Sweaters.
These should be neutral colors (Navy, Tan, Black, Grey, White).
One Casual Blazer.
It can be two or three button, but two button jackets are more casual.
Stick to solid colors; navy blue is best.
Avoid patterns for now.
One brown and one black belt.
Brown loafers or Docksiders.
Sperry Top-Siders are your best bet.
Sneakers.
Avoid very athletic looking sneakers or running shoes unless you are in a gym.
Stick to simple casual sneakers.
An example would be solid color canvas sneakers or simple leather sneakers.
One or two bags in your wardrobe.
Look for black and brown bags to start out.
Olive colors can be incorporated as well.
Messengers, totes, briefcases, and holdalls are always in so don't be afraid. -
Step 2: casual wardrobe.
You will need:
At least one good dress shirt.
If you are starting a new job that requires dress shirts, then you will want to get five: two white, two blue, one French blue.
One good pair of dress pants, 100% wool.
Stick to Khaki, Charcoal or Navy.
A more formal navy blazer or sport coat.
Ties.
These can really carry your wardrobe a long way; different ties can make the same suit look new.
A good tie should be solid and versatile, 100% silk.
There are so many ties to choose from, but in a formal setting, stick to solid color ties, simple striped ties, or subtle patterned ties.
Avoid very seasonal ties, they are only good for a short amount of time.
One good suit, either navy or charcoal, 100% year round wool, single breasted, 2 or 3 button Black Shoes and Belt Trench Coat or Overcoat, Khaki or charcoal.
Black Tie attire (optional), Tuxedo with bow tie, cummerbund, and white shirt. -
Step 3: Once you have a casual wardrobe established
-
Step 4: you may move onto the semi-formal and formal wardrobe.
Detailed Guide
You will need: (at least) Underwear (boxers, fitted boxers or briefs, your choice) and under shirts (muscle or t shirt).
Make sure to purchase quality items that won't fade, stretch, or wear out.
Three Pairs of Jeans, dark blue and light blue.
Other colors like black, white and tan can fade in and out of style, but blue is classic.
Also make sure to avoid pre-torn or destroyed jeans.
Try buying jeans with a light distress or faded wash on the knee or thigh areas, but be careful.
Two Pairs of Khakis.
Make sure one is a more traditional color, such as British Khaki.
The other can be a bit different, like grey, navy or Nantucket Red.
There are many different kinds of cuts: straight leg, classic (more tapered) boot cut and loose.
Try them all and find the fit and style you like.
Three Casual Oxford Shirts:
Make sure to have 2 solid colors (blue and white are both classic) and one striped oxford shirt.
Four Polo Shirts.
Stick to the classic colors:
Navy, White, Black, Grey, Red, Yellow, Green.
You can add more exotic colors later.
Two Solid V-Neck Sweaters.
These should be neutral colors (Navy, Tan, Black, Grey, White).
One Casual Blazer.
It can be two or three button, but two button jackets are more casual.
Stick to solid colors; navy blue is best.
Avoid patterns for now.
One brown and one black belt.
Brown loafers or Docksiders.
Sperry Top-Siders are your best bet.
Sneakers.
Avoid very athletic looking sneakers or running shoes unless you are in a gym.
Stick to simple casual sneakers.
An example would be solid color canvas sneakers or simple leather sneakers.
One or two bags in your wardrobe.
Look for black and brown bags to start out.
Olive colors can be incorporated as well.
Messengers, totes, briefcases, and holdalls are always in so don't be afraid.
You will need:
At least one good dress shirt.
If you are starting a new job that requires dress shirts, then you will want to get five: two white, two blue, one French blue.
One good pair of dress pants, 100% wool.
Stick to Khaki, Charcoal or Navy.
A more formal navy blazer or sport coat.
Ties.
These can really carry your wardrobe a long way; different ties can make the same suit look new.
A good tie should be solid and versatile, 100% silk.
There are so many ties to choose from, but in a formal setting, stick to solid color ties, simple striped ties, or subtle patterned ties.
Avoid very seasonal ties, they are only good for a short amount of time.
One good suit, either navy or charcoal, 100% year round wool, single breasted, 2 or 3 button Black Shoes and Belt Trench Coat or Overcoat, Khaki or charcoal.
Black Tie attire (optional), Tuxedo with bow tie, cummerbund, and white shirt.
About the Author
Ann Griffin
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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