There are some very versatile pieces of clothing that we should all own, helping us to always have something to wear and combine in different ways. If you want to know what essential items I’m talking about, stay tuned. If you’re just starting to want to dress better, then in my opinion you should have certain “essential” items.
What are considered essentials?
There are some items that are considered “essentials” because they’re versatile and can be worn on most occasions, or they can be the foundation of your closet, so to speak. You may already have some, but not others. It’s worth noting that I think it’s worth investing in good quality items when it comes to essentials, since you’ll be wearing them more often and want to avoid them getting old too quickly, shrinking, or wearing out prematurely.
How many essentials are there?
Let’s limit this list to 7 essentials, the lucky number. Because there will undoubtedly be some who believe there are more than 7, but you should always start with the most basic.
Plain white/black t-shirt
A black and white crew-neck t-shirt is essential because you can create so many outfits. But not just any white or black shirt is ideal here. You have to focus on the best quality possible. A basic shirt should fit you well; this means it should be slightly loose around the stomach and slightly fitted around the arms and shoulders to make you stand out.
Classic white button-down shirt or oxford shirt
A white oxford shirt is something every man should own. You can wear it formally, semi-formally, or even casually. You can wear it with sneakers or shoes, even jeans or chinos. It’s quite versatile, so be sure to also consider the quality of the product, as you’ll be wearing it more often than you think.
Jeans (denim pants) medium or medium-dark tone
Jeans are essential in any wardrobe, but not all are as versatile. A mid-rise can be worn almost year-round. You can also wear it with different shirts, t-shirts, and different shoes. A mid-rise can be worn both summer and winter depending on the occasion. I recommend a regular or slim fit, never skinny and never super loose, unless you wear boots then a bootcut is ideal.
Black/brown Oxford shoes
Shirt and oxford shoes, why are they called that? As I write this, I’m learning the same thing. It turns out they’re two different reasons. The shoes are called oxfords because the style became famous at Oxford University in the 19th century. Brown and black oxfords are super versatile. You can wear them formally or in more casual ways. The black and brown colors allow you to pair them with most, if not all, neutral colors.
Black leather jacket
A black leather jacket is a staple that’s also a classic. For fall and spring, a black leather jacket can elevate your style in different ways; you can wear it in different combinations and with different shoe styles. There are also different styles of jackets, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. For example, you can opt for a biker style or a simpler, more classic one.
White sneakers
White sneakers are essential in summer, and you can wear them practically year-round in different combinations. They’ll be especially useful in summer, since if the weather is too warm (over 40 degrees Celsius), boots are practically out of the question for comfort and style. Not all white sneakers are super versatile; opt for a simple style rather than a sporty one.
Dive Style Watch
A good watch is essential because it elevates your outfit with a single accessory. I’m a big fan of watches because I think they make you look elegant, serious, and even elevate your status a bit. But not all watches are versatile. A dive watch, preferably in silver and black, is very versatile and, not to mention, one of the best aesthetic designs in my opinion. As a bonus, you can wear it on almost any occasion since this style is water-resistant. That’s why it’s called a diver watch.
Quality is more than quantity
Keep in mind that the quality of the essentials is preferable to quantity. Don’t buy 10 white t-shirts, but rather one that’s high-quality and looks good on you. The appearance of clothes and quality are much more important than price. It may sound strange, but the highest price doesn’t always mean the best quality, but often the cheapest ones are the lowest quality.
For you there may be more than these essentials
Everyone can refine their style, and in fact, that’s what I recommend. I like the more old-money style, but I don’t think I embrace it fully. These are essentials that, in my opinion, are versatile and fit into a wide range of styles, but for your style, there may be more essentials, and that’s fine. Even so, I think this list is quite comprehensive and appropriate. If you buy everything on this list, I’m almost certain you’ll be able to wear it and look great, too.