Nov 14 min read

Wardrobe Essentials Every Man Should Own - outfits for men

Updated: Nov 8

A guide to timeless pieces that form the foundation of a versatile wardrobe. Outfits for men who want to stand out!

I was recently at a meeting in London at a large office on Baker Street. Now, I know I am old fashioned in some ways, but I was shocked at the casual attire that most of the men were wearing. When I am in Rome, almost without exception the men look well-dressed and refined, looking as if they mean business, but in London they looked as if it was “dress down Friday”!

It probably isn’t a very popular view, but I really feel that if you want to get ahead of the competition, you have to look the part and dress for the part. Dress for success, dress for the job you want, but above all, dress as if you respect yourself and you will, in turn, be respected.

So, what should a well-dressed man have in his closet now?

A single-breasted suit in navy or grey

A simple, elegantly cut, single breasted suit will be your go to for an outfit for men. Obviously worn for work, it will also look good for evening visits to the theatre, smart suppers or drinks parties.

Plain white shirt

This is an absolute must. Worn with a tie preferably – remember we are dressing to impress - it is always an elegant piece worn under a smart suit. Or, you can wear it open-necked with chinos or blue jeans, for a more casual look.

Plain pink or blue shirt

These classics, like the white shirt, will look amazing with your suits and just as good with chinos or jeans. Invest in good quality, heavyweight cotton so they don’t crease too much.

Dinner Jacket (Tuxedo)

Every gentleman should own one. You never know when you might need it. Stick to black and it won’t go out of fashion.

Blue Jeans

Jeans have become a staple of everyone’s wardrobe these days, but to be truly classy, make sure they sit on your hips, not high waisted and definitely not so low that you show your boxers, or worse your backside!

White T shirts

A classic white t-shirt will never go out of style and will never let you down.

Grey or blue T shirts

Great with jeans or a blue chino for your weekend off-duty look.

Navy cashmere sweater

This will look cool with a white t-shirt and jeans, classy with a white shirt and chinos, great under your bomber or blazer for that extra bit of warmth and is a great piece for popping on to travel in, be it on the train or a plane, as it is light-weight and will fold easily into a hold-all or briefcase. What’s not to love!!

Sports Jacket/blazer

Investing in a good quality, blue blazer, will be something you will never regret. They never go out of fashion and if you go for a classic shape, in a wool/cashmere blend, it will last you for ever.

Trenchcoat

My husband is still wearing his Burberry trench that he bought in the 1980’s. It still looks smart and current and a trench will look good over a suit for a more casual look.

Again, invest in a good one – it will pay you back in spades!

Crombie Overcoat

There are town Crombies and Country Crombies! The town one should be in a navy blue with a velvet collar. The Country should be in a tweed. They can be worn over suits (tweed in the country) and over chinos or jeans for a more casual look.

Bomber Jacket/Harrington

Steve McQueen rocked this look and what better Icon is there than him for looking cool!

This is your answer for a smart casual dress code, worn with a cashmere sweater, white T-shirt and chinos.

The Harrington brand is a classic and comes in a number of colours, the most useful being a stone or blue.

Chinos

Chinos are your classic smart/casual wear. They look just as good with a blazer and shirt, as they do with a t-shirt and bomber jacket. With or without turn-ups – your choice!

Essential Shoes

Brown brogues

Brown brogues are a classic and work just as well for the town or the country. But please NEVER wear them with a black, navy or grey suit!

Never bright orange/light tan colours:- dark brown or oxblood only.

Black lace-up shoes

Classic black leather tie-up shoes are a must for any classic wardrobe. Wear them with your suits, or your jeans. Keep them cleaned and shiny and they will serve you for years to come.

Good pair of classic suede loafers

Brown jodhpur boots or similar to go with jeans, smart trousers, etc.

Ties

I know that ties are not worn as much these days, but if you want to stand out from your peers, then a tie is the way to go. You will look instantly more put together and smarter, without trying too hard!

You will need at least three types, for casual, very formal and smart but flamboyant for wearing with a suit.

Cufflinks

Never too ostentatious, silk knotted are good for casual and for a more formal look, metal/gold or silver pairs are good for suits. Gold is always a winner for evening wear, as it is understated and classic.

Briefcase

I think a briefcase always looks smarter than a “man bag”. Obviously, it depends on the type of job you have as to the style of case or bag you choose, but always buy the best you can afford, as a good quality bag will stand up to the wear and tear it will receive on a daily basis.

Belt

Black for a formal suit and plain brown for casual trousers. Keep the buckle “subtle” and not too large.

Sunglasses

You can never go wrong with a pair of aviator sunglasses.

And lastly –

Handkerchief

A true Gentleman should always have a clean handkerchief in his trouser pocket and in a pocket square in a suit or blazer pocket – just don’t match it to your tie!