When you’re building a wardrobe, you have to start from the ground up. These essential pieces act as a foundation that your personal style can solidly stand on.
This list also isn’t made for a specific application or type of person, but a wide variety. Unless you spend all your time in the office, at home, or on the street you’ll need versatility built into your wardrobe.
1. T-Shirt(s)
It’s easy to think of a t-shirt as just an undershirt that comes in 3-packs, but splurge a little on a perfect fitting tee and you’ll be rocking it proudly all the time. White, Navy, Black, and Gray are great choices to start and you should absolutely get more than one color, no need to be monochromatic. Crew neck, V-neck, or Scoop neck? Whatever one looks best on you.
You can wear them alone or under jackets and blazers to strike a balance. What other article of clothing can (comfortably) be worn at home in your PJs, to a Sunday Funday, to an art show, and Casual Friday. The T-Shirt is King.
2. The White Oxford
Instant class. Find one with a tailored fit and keep it crisp and clean. You’ll look stylish, dapper, and professional all at once. The world of button-down shirts is filled with endless stripes, plaids, and colors, but you’ve got to start somewhere. The White Oxford is the perfect anchor.
3. Jeans: Ol’ Reliable
A great pair of dark blue denim jeans will get you through much of life’s troubles. Selvedge jeans are what’s in right now because they look great with just about anything. There’s nothing wrong with a solid pair of black jeans either, but if you have to pick just one, go with the ever-reliable dark blue denim.
4. Chinos: When Jeans Aren’t Enough
As wonderful as your favorite pair of jeans is, you’ve got to mix it up sometimes. Chinos aren’t baggy slacks anymore, they’re well-fitting and as trendy as you make them. Tan, Navy, and Olive are colors that will really take you places. You could argue they’re more versatile than jeans since they can be worn in a more casual work environment and also for a night out.
5. Casual Sneakers
Simple white sneakers are the go-to for street style because they go with just about everything. If you go that route, make sure you keep them clean. Clunky normcore dad sneakers are definitely trendy right now, but they won’t be forever. The slim, minimal, white sneaker though? That’s forever.
It’s not all about the plain white sneaks though.
A navy, grey, or black casual sneaker is fairly versatile too, but they likely won’t stand out or anchor the rest of your outfit unless you wear lighter colored pants. But they can definitely work. When you expand your wardrobe beyond the essentials, you can get all the slime green dad sneakers you like.
6. Dress Shoes
Brogues, Oxfords, Derbies. There are fierce debates about which is most appropriate, but just go with the style you like the most. Brown is going to be a more versatile choice, but black shoes can really sharpen a classy get-up. You don’t need to wait until a formal occasion to wear them out either. They can elevate a casual jeans and t-shirt outfit or put the finishing touch on a chino and blazer combo.
Don’t forget to keep them clean and shiny too or your dress shoes won’t be nearly as effective. Shoe shiners were/are a thing for a reason.
7. Boots
Chukkas, Chelseas, Captoes, and Cowboys. Boots are a category of their own, but they’re usually built to last.
Since we’re going for a versatile and essential wardrobe though, look for one that’s more middle of the road. Whatever your road may be between casual sneakers and dressier shoes. Brown boots tend to toe the line a bit better than edgier black rocker boots.
Chukkas are flexible and casual, while Alpine boots would be right at home on a mountain and at the office. Boots might be third in line behind casual sneakers and dress shoes, but they’ll take you way more places.
8. A Suit That Suits You
No matter what your profession or lifestyle, odds are you’ll need a suit more than once in your life. Might as well make it a good one. At the very least, you’ll want a blazer that suits you.
Skinny (or at least tailored) suits are where it’s at. You can do no wrong with a classic Navy suit or a timeless Black suit, but the sky’s the limit here. Tweed and corduroy bring some retro feel to the table, while patterns help to break up the stuffiness.
Just make sure your suit fits you like a glove.
Check out our Suit Up article for more info too!
9. Jacket
The jacket is an odd duck because you’ll likely be wearing it over multiple different outfits. It can complement those outfits or it can stand out on its own. Let’s look at three fair-weather jackets that value form only slightly more than function.
Bomber – A minimalist jacket that goes perfectly with a streetwear style in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Slightly classier than a Denim jacket, but less demanding than a Trench. Bombers are great at balancing cool and classy, with a healthy dose of badass.
Denim – The Canadian Tuxedo is cool again. No matter the shade of denim, this jacket is perfect for a rugged style. Keep it casual with a hoodie and jeans or up-the-ante with chinos and a button-down. Whatever you do, just own it.
Trench – Classy and practical. A well-fitting trenchcoat is the perfect jacket when you’re wearing a suit in the rain or any weather. Bombers and denim might be “cooler”, but the right trench will take you to the next level of fashion.
10. Accessories
This one’s cheating a bit, but the best way to extend the versatility of your wardrobe is by accessorizing.
Are you a hat guy? A solid black baseball cap or a herringbone derby can lock your outfit down.
How about a nice watch? From glittering and obvious to minimalist and subtle. It’s about more than just telling the time.
What sunglasses fit your face? Everyone might be wearing Wayfarers and Aviators, but maybe a Clubmaster or Round pair of sunglasses work better for you.
Maybe you want to upgrade from your college backpack? How about a trendy messenger bag or holdall. Or maybe you want to go full class with a curvy modern briefcase. You can’t fit everything in your pockets all the time.
The point is, find the accessory that works for you and use it to tie the whole thing together.
Where To Go From Here?
Take this essential foundation and discover your own style. Incorporate statement pieces to your tried-and-true standard get-ups. Become a trendsetter. Just do you.
