10 Basics No Man's Wardrobe Should Be Without
Every well-stocked men's wardrobe should include a selection of timeless basics that can be combined in many ways. Here are ten essentials that no wardrobe should be without.
Most men tend to be practical when it comes to their clothes. It has to look good and be comfortable. If the trousers fit, it's best to buy three of them at once. That saves a lot of time when you don't have to worry about what to wear in the morning. You also know that the item will fit well. The downside is that you end up looking the same every day and there's still a lot of work to be done.
Men, there is a trick that allows you to dress just as pragmatically and still achieve an individual style. The magic word is the basics. Basics are timeless, classic pieces that work for just about any occasion. They can be mixed and matched to create a personal style.
No 1: The white shirt
A white shirt is essential. It suits every occasion and every style. Whether you wear it for formal occasions with a suit or a casual look with jeans and white trainers, it is always a safe choice.
No. 2: The suit
Every man needs at least one well-fitting (!) suit in his wardrobe. Neutral colours like black or dark blue can be worn for different occasions. A well-tailored suit is the equivalent of a woman's little black dress. It makes men look serious, well-dressed and elegant.
No 3: The dark jeans
Why choose a pair of dark jeans? Because they are much easier to mix and match than light jeans. From casual to chic, any style is possible. And they can cost a bit more. Because quality jeans fit well, are durable and do not stain.
No. 4: The polo shirt
There was a time when the polo shirt was only seen as an item of clothing for elite university students. Now it's making a comeback, and that's a good thing. We see the polo shirt as a basic that every man should have in his wardrobe. It's the classic alternative to a shirt. The comfort of a shirt, but with more sporty elegance and sophistication.
5: The leather jacket
The leather jacket never goes out of fashion and represents casual cool, rebellion and heroism. It is a status symbol in many scenes (bikers, rockers, punks, pilots, bohemians, ...). A leather jacket always comes with a T-shirt or sweater, jeans and trainers.
No 6: The white Sneakers
White Sneakers are comfortable and go with just about any outfit. And we do mean any outfit. Not only do they look great with a casual street look, but they also look great with a white t-shirt or shirt with a suit. The important thing is (whatever the look): Clean shoes are essential - especially with white sneakers.
No. 7: Plain T-shirts
Every man probably has a T-shirt in his wardrobe. The best basic T-shirts are classic cotton, plain colours and no prints or other big, flashy embellishments. This is the best way to combine them.
No. 8: Chinos
Chinos are timeless and easy to wear. They are made from lightweight cotton-based fabrics. Another advantage of these trousers is that they have a tailored fit and stretchy fabric. This makes them comfortable to wear in the summer. Chinos are suitable for most occasions and can be combined with both casual and formal looks.
No. 9: Shorts
Shorts are a must for warm summer days. If you think you can't wear them in a smart and modern way, think again. We're not talking about swim shorts (although they should be in your wardrobe, too, and can be incorporated into your everyday look). This category includes Bermudas, linen and knitted shorts. They are comfortable to wear in hot weather and add a touch of chic to any look.
No 10: Tank top
You simply need a tank top. And not just because they're back in fashion. They are much more than just an undershirt and should be seen as a sleeveless T-shirt with many uses. Wear them with shorts or jeans, under an open shirt or with a leather jacket for a casual look.
Photos: Shutterstock
