• Men's Fashion Basics

Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 71 – 5 More Essential Items

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the top ten items every guy should own, with the purpose being that beginners could use it as a starting foundation for a stylish wardrobe. Or first grade fashionisto’s could use it as a mental check list for knowing more than the next guy on the street. However, as it tends to be with any list, certain pieces get left out. There were only ten spots after all. But luckily, that’s where today’s article comes in. I will say that this is still what I believe are the essential items every guy should own – it may not seem correct to those who have different tastes than I do. For example, I’m in the process of refining my wardrobe and personal style by dressing more refined and mature on a daily basis. With this in mind, I have a sharp focus on tailoring, quality and versatile classics. I’m currently not concerned with trends at all. This really is a list for people of a similar mind, or those trying to update their wardrobe to be more like it. With that said, all these pieces are classic, interchangeable and will never go out of style – so I’m sure everyone will find something to take from it.

The Next 5 Essentials

1. A Neutral Coat

Sorely missed from the previous list, I feel this should be the first we cover. Ideally, I would go for a peacoat or a simple overcoat in navy, grey or camel. Black is too boring. It should be a couple of inches longer than your suit jackets, with just enough room to fit them under. An overcoat is more formal while a peacoat is slightly more casual – chose depending on your preference.

• Farah Vintage Wordsworth Peacoat
• Uniqlo Men Cotton Pea Coat
• Jaeger Herringbone Overcoat
• J.crew Bayswater Peacoat
• Uniqlo Men Cotton Single Breasted Coat
• J.crew Mayfair Wool-blend Coat

2. A Textured Suit

This is a seasonal suit that you will wear as separates more than you will together. By seasonal, I mean pick a season and then pick a material. So for winter, think tweeds, flannels and corduroy. For summer, try seersucker, whipcord and linen. It can be your go-to blazer, your go-to trousers and even your go-to waistcoat if you want to make it a three piece. When you really want to add that extra style punch, you can wear them together as the suit. Essentially it’s like getting two for the price of one, which sits well with my ‘buy less but buy better’ ethos.

• Topman Biscotti Check Heritage Suit
• Topman Brown Heritage Suit
• Burton Grey Heritage Tweed Slim Fit Suit
• Reiss Havanna Printed Pattern Pocket Square Forest Green
• John Lewis Italian Silk Paisley Pocket Square Orange
• Etro Printed Linen And Silk-blend Pocket Square

Final Word

So there you have it guys; the next five essential items I think should be in every guy’s wardrobe (or shoe rack). Like I said, this only my opinion – and if we’ve learned anything about this menswear game we’re in, it’s that there is never just one opinion. So let me know what you think! Am I crazy or am I correct? Or should Ben just send me back to the fire-y pit he found me in? I’m all ears.

Matt Allinson

Matt graduated from Leeds University in 2009 and is currently studying for an MA in Multi-media Journalism at Bournemouth University. He is in charge of the Men’s Fashion Basics section which provides you with a step by step guide to becoming a stylish individual in any situation.