It's no secret that basics are often prioritized in women's fashion, and for good reason. These clothing items are neutral enough to easily be paired with any piece, while still being elegant and timeless enough to always stay fashionable. While men's fashion may overlook clothing basics at times, the same benefits still hold true. Basics represent those solid building blocks of a functional wardrobe that allow you to achieve sleek, effortless, and stylish looks every day. With that in mind, here are some great basics every man should have in his wardrobe:
White dress shirt
Although a common staple in everyone's closet, the importance of a good white button-down can never be overstated. Whether you wear it to work, formal events, or even to parties with a simple pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt always looks stylish and put together. For that reason, it's recommended to invest a bit of money in the right dress shirt, preferably a fitted one that makes minimalism look elegant and refined.
Jersey sweatshirt
A simple jersey sweatshirt is an everyday essential, whether you wear it alone to the gym or pair it with a beige coat and white dress shirt. It can be a great choice for nearly all casual occasions, especially if you choose one in a neutral shade like gray or black. For this look, it's recommended not to opt for a branded logo, although subtle branding may be a good option for adding a touch of luxury.
Classic polo shirt
Plain white t-shirts are a great wardrobe staple, but they're vital items you likely already have in your closet. Instead, stock up on more unique tops that still represent brilliant basics to enhance your style. For instance, you can go for a terry cloth polo shirt in a soft neutral color. A style like this is as functional and versatile as it gets, allowing you to create beautiful outfits for anything from everyday to business casual looks.
Dress trousers
Dress trousers such as chinos are a staple in many men's closets, and should be a vital basic in your wardrobe as well. These bottoms are as simple and classic as you can get, ensuring your everyday outfits never go out of style. What's more, these trousers can be worn to any occasion, whether it's work, a wedding, or even a midday lunch, especially if you choose a soft neutral such as beige that easily pairs with any clothing item you own.
Straight jeans
A timeless and beloved staple, jeans are as easy to dress down with a printed tee and white sneakers as they are to dress up with a leather jacket or an elegant button-up. While denim can come in various shapes and cuts nowadays, not all options are equally as good if you're looking for timelessness and versatility. In fact, a pair of straight-fit jeans in a darker wash would be your best choice in terms of classic and functional style.
Tailored blazer
A tailored blazer is another necessary clothing basic that can be worn with nearly everything. Formal events, business attire, smart casual dress codes, and even everyday looks can be elevated with the right blazer. For higher versatility, it's recommended to opt for neutral colors such as black, brown, navy, and gray as well, along with a plain option with no prints or patterns. If you can't find a blazer off-the-rack that suits you well, visiting a good tailor is always recommended to get that perfect fit.
Depending on your personal style and general lifestyle, wardrobe staples can mean different things to different people. However, the clothing basics mentioned above represent some of the best, most classic, and most flexible pieces every man should have in his closet for creating elegant and fashionable outfits.
About the author:
Peter is a fashion stylist and a writer from Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute of Creative Design he worked as a fashion stylist for few local fashion events. Beside fashion and styling, he enjoys traveling around exotic destinations and discovering new vintage stores. He's future plans are in creating his personal styling business.
