10 Essential Men’s Wardrobe Basics – Fashion Building Blocks Revealed

Is your guy fashion challenged to one degree or another? Our top 10 essential men’s wardrobe basics will help put him on the right path.

Yves Saint Laurent said “Fashion fades; style is eternal.” We will be talking about essential items that should be in any man’s wardrobe, the style basics. We are not going trendy but rather timeless. As such these timeless pieces should be of the highest quality possible, because quite frankly, they will never go out of style and quality shows.

Since these are investment pieces, make sure he gets help with initial size selection and gets finished up with custom tailoring for exact fit. A moderately priced piece that fits well is way better than expensive piece that does not fit.

10 Essential Men’s Wardrobe Basics:

1. Navy Blue Blazer

The Navy blue Blazer is the man’s equivalent of a women’s little black dress.

This is an absolute wardrobe essential. This item should be looked at as an investment piece, it never goes out of style. By the highest quality possible, and for goodness sake make sure it is tailored to fit.

We suggest the pictured Prada Wool Navy Two Button Men’s Blazer

2. Polo Shirt

A high quality polo shirt is a summer and springtime fashion staple.

Polo shirts are an upgrade from T-shirts because they have a collar, yet they they give a nod to the sporty and casual casual with the short sleeves. Remember, to think in terms of high quality and an investment.

We suggest a HUGO BOSS Grey Men’s Pascha Slim Fit Saltwash Pique Polo Shirt.

This is a great men’s fashion gift idea.

3. Solid Color Crew Neck Sweater

A good sweater is one of the most useful and versayileitems in any man’s wardrobe.

Remember, we are talking timeless and stylish not trendy. Go with the highest quality crew neck that the budget allows. We love cashmere as a fabric choice. Most guys may be averse to wearing cashmere because the high price or hassle of caring for it. They just don’t know the sensual experience that they’re missing. It certainly seems like it is you duty to make the introduction.

We suggest the BURBERRY Brit Jarvis Black Cashmere Crew-neck sweater.

4. Oxford Cotton Button Down Shirt

Every man should have both a white and a blue oxford button-down shirt. If we are just starting with one, go for the white.

These pair perfectly with a Navy Blue Blazer, suit, shorts or jeans. Some may find button-down shirts a little old-fashioned or stuffy, but they are timeless style icons and will never go out of fashion.

It is important that the shirt fits well and not be too baggy. Buy Quality.

We like Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Long Sleeve Oxford Button Down Shirt (besides you get a pony).

5. Dark Wash Jeans

Dark wash denim jeans are a staple of the American wardrobe for both guys and gals.

Everyone knows that jeans will not go out of style. The important thing for a wardrobe basic is to make sure that it is not trendy, but a solid, timeless,  good look. Please, no cuts or tears on these.

Sure, go with a designer jeans as long as they are basic and fit perfectly and not simply the fringe trend of the moment. We like Naked & Famous Denim Men’s Weird Guy Midrise Tapered-Leg Jean In Indigo Selvedge.

6. Oxford Dress Shoes

Oxford shoes are distinguished by have a closed lacing system.

They are a high quality dress shoe that generally have five or six laced eyelet holes on each side.  They go well with any suit or dressy casual look and are truly timeless.

For a wardrobe basics, 2 pairs are really needed, black and brown. If we are starting with just one pair, brown is actually more versatile; go with a light camel brown plain toe.

Check out the Aldo Men’s Bartolello Oxford

7. Overcoat – The Trench Coat

An overcoat is a critical piece in a man’s wardrobe because it often sets the first impression. It is the first thing a person sees.

Naturally, the type of overcoat will depend on the season and climate. Two coats to consider are the Peacoat and the trench coat. For more casual looks the pea-coat is the answer.

If your guy tends to dress up and where more suits then a good trench is just about the only coat that will complement a suit or sports coat.

Our suggestion is the Burberry Leather-trimmed Cotton Trench Coat.

8. A Good Leather Belt

Belts not only serve the obvious purpose of holding pants up but they also determine where pants will sit on the waist, a crucial detail for certain body types.

Belts provide a visual break between the shirt and the pants. Frankly, guys screw up belts all the time because they view them in extremes, either strictly as utilitarian items with no thought or class or, as an excuse to make an outlandish personal statement. For the style basic, there is a classic belt you cannot go wrong with for casual or business wear.

Here it is; black or brown, real leather, a square buckle and a single prong. Belts are basically simple, but it is amazing to see how badly a guy left unattended, can screw it up and end up in fashion no-no land.

Look at the Chocolate Brown Tommy Hilfiger New Denton Leather Men’s Belt.

9. Wool Navy Suit

If we could have only one suit, it would be a Navy wool suit.

It is perfect for business, and any occasion it is timeless. This suit can easily transition from work to a night out. Look for medium weight wool fabric which will be comfortable and wearable in all seasons.

Getting a guy to the point of looking drop dead gorgeous in a suit a two-step process. The first is getting a high quality suit. The second is getting it tailored properly for perfect fit. If you buy the suit, maybe he’ll meet you halfway and make a trip with you to the tailor.

How about the Tom Ford Classy Navy Blue Peak Lapels Wool 2 Button Suit?

10. Khakis/Chino Pants

A darker straight leg khaki pant is a fashion must-have, end of story.

Go with classic color in the darker tan shades. Remember, do not wear with a Navy blue Blazer unless he is trying to imitate an un-hip over 60 retiree. They pair nicely with a gray sport coat or an Oxford shirt. Let’s stick with the basics, on the khakis.

Check out the old reliable Dockers Men’s Easy Khaki D2 Straight-Fit Flat-Front Pant – remember the right fit for his body style.

You Didn’t Find It? Search It. It’s Here, For Sure.

Over 2,000 men were surveyed…and the survey says:

Results of men’s poll of their preferred fashion designers (by Ranker.com):

1. Ralph Lauren C
2. Hugo Boss
3. Burberry
4. Gucci
5. Prada
6. Dolce & Gabbana
7. Tom Ford
8. Levi Strauss & Co.
9. Christian Dior
10. Armani Exchange
11. Tommy Hilfiger
12. Lacoste
13. Nike
14. Banana Republic
15. Kenneth Cole
16. Dockers
17. Perry Ellis
18. DKNY
19. Ermenegildo Zegna
20. True Religion
21. Wrangler
22. Diesel
23. Paul Smith
24. Valentino S.p.A
25. Hermès