Your Definitive Guide to Wardrobe Investment Pieces
“Fashion fades; style is eternal” as Yves Saint Laurent once said. Fashion trends are fickle and seasons change, but style is a different matter. There are certain menswear clothing essentials that will keep your wardrobe fresh, season after season for years to come.
Now more than ever, the concept of the ‘capsule wardrobe’ is extremely appealing. The idea is to invest in timeless, quality pieces that fit beautifully. Capsule wardrobes take time to build though, as well as money but these timeless pieces are worth the investment and will be worn for years to come and never look ‘outdated.’
When it comes down to it, you only need several key quality pieces in your wardrobe to look smart wherever you go. With these 10 essentials, you can create numerous outfits for a variety of occasions.
Here are the key menswear essentials you should invest in to keep your wardrobe sharp all year-round.
For work, for weddings and everything in between, a high-quality, beautifully fitted suit will never let you down. Even if you don’t work in a corporate environment, that doesn’t mean you won’t need one at all. If you’re going to invest in a suit, opt for the classic. A charcoal or navy design in a slim fit is best. Always choose a suit crafted from pure natural fabric, such as wool or linen, because this material is both breathable and durable. You can tell if a suit is good quality by the subtle tailoring details such as working button cuffs or felt lining under the collar.
Your purchasing decision should include several dress shirts. The most versatile colours are light blues and whites as they will match nearly every pair of pants or jacket you pair them with. Mix up your selection with different weaves, such as herringbone or twill, and different collar and cuff styles. Cotton dress shirts work for any occasion and look as great with jeans as they do with a sharp suit.
A blazer is one of the first pieces people will notice when you walk into a room (or you log into a conference call). As it is a big ticket item, it will also be one of the highest investment decisions you make. With this in mind, stick to classic colors such as navy, grey or black. Invest in good quality, natural fabric such as pure wool, linen or silk. Whether you opt for a double-breasted or unstructured style, a blazer will instantly smarten up your look and it can be worn with jeans or smart chinos depending on the situation.
A mac is a menswear icon. This timeless classic is perfect for all seasons as well as the changeable British weather. It also extremely versatile as it can be styled both formally and casually. You can style it with any outfit combination; wear it over a suit or throw it over jeans and trainers. As this outerwear essential will never go out of style, it really is a worthy investment. Choose a quality trench coat in classic colour such as beige or stone.
High-quality chinos will sustain the wear and tear from your everyday activity. Select durable pants made from high quality canvas such as superior stretch cotton. These wardrobe staples will never let you down; as suitable to wear to work with a pair of lace-up Derbies and a deconstructed blazer as they are with trainers and a denim jacket, a pair of smart chinos offer exceptional wardrobe versatility.
A pair of dark blue denim jeans is the perfect cornerstone for your entire casual wardrobe. Not only is dark blue denim the most versatile, it will also age beautifully. Denim jeans can be dressed up and down and worn in a multitude of ways, from business casual office workwear to relaxed, off-duty style. Although originally made for miners and workmen, jeans are an essential item regardless of your personal style. Ultimately, they’re the garment equivalent of a blank canvas.
There’s no footwear more versatile than the humble Derby shoe. They are smart enough to be worn with a suit and will also seamlessly smarten up a laid-back look. Derbies in black or dark brown are best and choose a minimalist design crafted from upper leathers with a full leather lining.
Whether you prefer a roll neck or a crew neck, a merino sweater is a wise wardrobe investment. Merino wool is renowned for its exceptional, natural properties including softness, breathability, durability and natural elasticity. It’s these unique benefits that make classic merino knits a capsule collection essential.
Pub-friendly, work-suitable and extremely versatile, leather trainers effortlessly combine style with comfort. Invest in expertly crafted pure leather trainers with thick durable rubber soles and extra insoles for extra comfort. Exuding classic leisurely style, timeless trainers can be worn with casualwear or suits.
Refined accessories will complete your capsule wardrobe. After you invest in the key sartorial essentials you can start to incorporate the details. Go for brown and black leather belts and dress socks. Include gold or silver cufflinks and a silk white pocket square. A navy silk knitted tie is a core accessory piece to incorporate into your wardrobe.