As a man, it’s essential to have a wardrobe that is versatile, timeless, and stylish. Whether you’re just starting to build your wardrobe or you’re looking to refresh it, there are certain essential items that every man should have. In this article, we’ll go over 21 basic wardrobe essentials that every man should have, how to wear them, and when to wear them.
Dress Shirts
White Dress Shirt
A white dress shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that every man should have. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn with a suit for formal occasions or dressed down with jeans for a casual look.
Light Blue Dress Shirt
A light blue dress shirt is another classic piece that every man should have in his wardrobe. It’s a great alternative to a white dress shirt and pairs well with grey, navy, or khaki pants.
Checked Dress Shirt
A checked dress shirt is a great way to add some pattern to your wardrobe. It can be worn with a suit or dressed down with chinos or jeans.
Related: 8 Tips for Building a Timeless Men’s Wardrobe
Striped Dress Shirt
A striped dress shirt is a more casual option that can be worn with jeans or chinos. It’s a great way to add some personality to your outfit.
T-Shirts
White T-Shirt
A white t-shirt is a basic wardrobe essential that can be worn with almost anything. It can be dressed up with a blazer or dressed down with shorts.
Black T-Shirt
A black t-shirt is another essential piece that every man should have. It’s a great alternative to a white t-shirt and can be paired with jeans or chinos.
Grey T-Shirt
A grey t-shirt is a versatile piece that can be worn with almost anything. It’s a great option for a casual outfit or for layering under a sweater or blazer.
Related: How to Style Men’s Suits for Any Occasion
Polo Shirts
White Polo Shirt
A white polo shirt is a classic wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down. It’s a great option for a casual outfit or for a more formal occasion.
Navy Polo Shirt
A navy polo shirt is another classic piece that every man should have in his wardrobe. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn with chinos or jeans.
Striped Polo Shirt
A striped polo shirt is a stylish option that can add some pattern to your wardrobe. It can be worn with shorts for a casual look or dressed up with chinos for a more formal occasion.
Related: 10 Must-Have Items in Every Man’s Wardrobe
Jeans
Dark Wash Jeans
Dark wash jeans are a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. They can be worn with a dress shirt for a smart-casual look or with a t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Light Wash Jeans
Light wash jeans are a great option for a more casual look. They can be worn with a white t-shirt and sneakers for a classic look.
Black Jeans
Black jeans are a stylish option that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. They can be paired with a blazer and dress shoes for a dressier outfit or with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual look.
Chinos
Khaki Chinos
Khaki chinos are a classic piece that can be worn with almost anything. They can be dressed up with a dress shirt or dressed down with a t-shirt.
Navy Chinos
Navy chinos are a versatile piece that can be worn with a variety of colors. They can be paired with a light blue dress shirt for a classic look or with a white t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Grey Chinos
Grey chinos are a stylish option that can add some variety to your wardrobe. They can be paired with a black polo shirt for a classic look or with a white t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Shorts
Khaki Shorts
Khaki shorts are a classic piece that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. They can be paired with a polo shirt and loafers for a dressier outfit or with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual look.
Navy Shorts
Navy shorts are a versatile piece that can be worn with almost anything. They can be paired with a white t-shirt for a classic look or with a patterned polo shirt for a more stylish outfit.
Patterned Shorts
Patterned shorts are a great way to add some personality to your outfit. They can be paired with a plain t-shirt for a more casual look or with a dress shirt for a more formal occasion.
Blazers
Navy Blazer
A navy blazer is a classic piece that every man should have in his wardrobe. It can be worn with a dress shirt and dress pants for a formal occasion or dressed down with jeans for a more casual look.
Related: How to Wear a Blazer: A Style Guide for Men
Grey Blazer
A grey blazer is a stylish option that can be paired with a variety of colors. It can be worn with chinos and a polo shirt for a smart-casual look or with jeans and a t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Patterned Blazer
A patterned blazer is a great way to add some personality to your outfit. It can be paired with a dress shirt and dress pants for a formal occasion or dressed down with jeans for a more casual look.
Dress Shoes
Black Dress Shoes
Black dress shoes are a classic piece that can be worn for formal occasions. They can be paired with a suit or dress pants for a stylish look.
Brown Dress Shoes
Brown dress shoes are a versatile piece that can be worn with a variety of colors. They can be paired with khaki chinos and a white dress shirt for a classic look or with black jeans and a black polo shirt for a more casual outfit.
Loafers
Loafers are a stylish option that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. They can be paired with jeans and a t-shirt for a more casual look or with dress pants for a formal occasion.
Sneakers
White Sneakers
White sneakers are a staple piece in any man’s wardrobe. They can be worn with almost any outfit, from jeans and a t-shirt to chinos and a blazer.
Related: 12 of The BEST-LOOKING Sneakers You Need To Buy in 2023.
Black Sneakers
Black sneakers are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down. They can be paired with black jeans and a black polo shirt for a sleek look or with shorts and a white t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Athletic Sneakers
Athletic sneakers are a great option for the gym or for casual wear. They can be worn with joggers and a hoodie for a sporty look or with jeans and a t-shirt for a more casual outfit.
Accessories
Leather Belt
A leather belt is a classic piece that can add some style to any outfit. It can be paired with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual look or with dress pants and a dress shirt for a formal occasion.
Related: How to Choose the Right Belt for Your Outfit
Leather Watch
A leather watch is a timeless accessory that every man should have. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual to formal.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a practical and stylish accessory that can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. They can be worn with almost any outfit, from shorts and a t-shirt to a suit and tie.
Related: The Best Men’s Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
Tie
A tie is a formal accessory that can add some sophistication to any outfit. It can be paired with a dress shirt and dress pants for a formal occasion or with a blazer and jeans for a more casual look.
Pocket Square
A pocket square is a stylish accessory that can add some color and personality to a suit or blazer. It can be paired with a dress shirt and dress pants for a formal occasion or with a blazer and jeans for a more casual outfit.
Concluding
In conclusion, these 21 basic wardrobe essentials are must-haves for every man’s wardrobe. By having these pieces, you can mix and match to create endless outfit possibilities for both casual and formal occasions. Remember to choose pieces that fit well and are comfortable, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal style to each outfit.
More Questions Answered
Do I need to buy all 21 pieces at once?
No, you can start by purchasing a few key pieces and building your wardrobe over time.
How do I know which colors to choose?
Choose colors that complement your skin tone and personal style.
Can I wear sneakers with dress pants?
Yes, you can wear sneakers with dress pants for a more casual look.
What type of sunglasses should I choose?
Choose sunglasses that fit your face shape and provide adequate UV protection.
How do I choose the right size for a leather belt?
Measure your waist and choose a belt size that is one or two sizes larger.
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