Fashion trends come and go, but looking your best never goes out of style. Regardless of the current fashions and fads throughout history, some classic items always look great in every man’s wardrobe. Certain sartorial items stand the test of time, from comfy cardigans and trusty sandals to accessories like luxury watches.
Begin with the Basics
The garments and accessories you buy for your wardrobe are investments. So, consider how long a garment will last and how often you’ll wear it, and choose clothes in classic cuts that flatter your body shape.
When you purchase any item, such as a suit or pair of shoes, always check what material it is made from and examine the construction quality. Make sure you invest in an item of clothing or accessory designed to last, like a luxe cashmere sweater or a classic Patek Philippe watch that can be worn every day and is reliable and durable.
Classic Tops
Avoiding fads like super-thin lapels and short, bolero-cut jackets is only one step to creating a timeless style. Invest in several key items in classic cuts and colors, such as:
Polo shirts and button-downs
Polo shirts are a more grown-up alternative to a t-shirt. It features distinctive buttons part way down the chest, a soft collar and breathable fabric, making it a versatile piece that can be worn day or night, to the office or at a sporting event.
For a more formal occasion, the button-down shirt is standard. A plain white button-down with no pocket is suitable for formal events like weddings or dinner parties. A light blue button-down in a heavier fabric is versatile enough to go from boardroom to boat show.
For summer, opt for short-sleeve button-down shirts in linen or cotton blends. Ensure you have the shirt in several neutral colors, including white and beige, to coordinate with numerous outfits. A flannel shirt in a solid or check print in the fall and winter is the perfect wardrobe staple.
Vests and sweaters
A classic vest can take any businessman’s fashion style to the next level. Vests add versatility to a wardrobe, cost less than a full suit and expand on the items of clothing you already own. A rich, contrasting color, like burgundy or emerald, can add a pop of color to a gray or navy suit.
Sweaters are traditional standbys when the seasons change. A simple V-neck sweater pairs perfectly with a button-down or polo shirt for business-casual layering. Cardigans are functional outerwear during fall or spring nights when a jacket is too heavy. Bulky, oversized versions match nicely with chinos or jeans for a casual, relaxed style.
Suits
A charcoal gray or navy blue suit is truly a timeless classic. Owning at least one suit is essential for every man, but the business-black suit is just not as versatile. Rather than purchasing a brand-name suit, consider having your suit professionally tailored. This ensures a perfect fit for your body and guarantees long-lasting quality.
Blazers, jackets and coats
Blazers and sportcoats, like vests, can be purchased separately from your suits and help broaden your style choices. A lighter shade of navy blazer with a pair of pleated khakis brings sophistication to a casual look.
Classic trench coats are perfect for the business professional dealing with inclement weather during a commute. Trench coats go from casual to dressy easily. With their sleek, military-based lines, they can dress up a casual outfit or tone down the formalness of a suit.
Basic Bottoms
Fit is essential to your fashion. If a garment doesn’t fit you properly, it won’t flatter your body or drape the way it needs to, causing discomfort. When you invest in any item, whether a custom-tailored suit or a Cartier watch, take the time to be sure it’s a perfect fit
Shorts
Swim trunks or gym shorts might be timeless, but they’re not classic or sophisticated. For hot summer months, wear tailored styles like chinos with roomy legs that end one to two inches above the knee. Alternatively, choose a pair of denim shorts in a black or dark blue wash. These shorts coordinate with various tops, from a short-sleeve button-down to a graphic print tee.
Slacks
Straight-legged khakis and other styles of casual slacks are an all-around favorite for pairing with a jacket, suit coat or just a plain shirt. They’re perfect for informal occasions and are typically more durable than suit pants or chinos.
Chinos are generally more tapered towards the ankle and are slightly less casual than khakis. Chinos are usually lighter and lack the pleating of many khaki styles
Jeans
Besides a business suit, jeans are probably the wardrobe staple that nearly everyone has. Opt for a straight-leg cut rather than skinny jeans for a timeless classic. Avoid styles with rips, fraying or embroidery to maintain the piece’s versatility. To turn this dependable go-to into a sophisticated classic, wear it with a bulky cardigan over a polo shirt and relax into a casual style.
Standout Footwear
Few things can either elevate or bring down an outfit faster than a pair of shoes. No matter what you wear, matching your style with the perfect footwear will make you a sensible style student.
Sneakers
Sneakers come in a vast array of styles and support levels. Making your sneakers a mature, stylish part of your casual dress is a matter of simplicity. Opt for a more understated, low-top style with leather or suede uppers to give you the widest styling range possible.
Casual shoes and boots
Loafers, derby shoes and boat shoes are casual footwear and a good match for casual jeans, slacks or shorts. Sandals are also popular in summer, and a pair of understated, brown top-grain leather sandals look great with shorts or jeans.
Boots come in styles suitable for work, play, business or home. Wearing a dressy pair of boots for the office or a party will have you stepping out in style. Opt for browns, blacks and neutral colors when selecting your boots so you can wear them with more of your wardrobe.
Dress shoes
Dress shoes most often come in black or shades of brown, and the trick to choosing yours lies in how formal your occasion is. Brown dress shoes are less formal than black but have a style versatility that black dress shoes can’t match.
Never Go Out of Style with Accessories
Keep your style timeless by staying on top of the things you can change easily — like accessories. In this modern world of plastic currency, wallets are quickly becoming cumbersome cast-offs in the fashion game. Find new fashion accessories like sleek card-holders or a briefcase that will charge your tech.
Besides the basics, ensuring your wardrobe goes from simple to standout takes an eye for detail, but timeless style doesn’t need to be boring. Wearing unexpected accessories like a Rolex watch for women with a smaller watch face and delicate bracelet can add an element of surprise to your outfit. Accessories also pull the whole outfit together and add a final touch to your design style.