Basic items for a men's wardrobe. Basic men's wardrobe
I wrote this post 1.5 years ago, but it has not ceased to be relevant, so as part of the annual cleaning of the blog, I added information, updated images and pulled it out of the archive to the surface. Take it into service!
Men are different. Not in the sense of size (although in this sense too), but in the sense of attitude to clothing and your appearance. My dad, for example, is an absolute indifference in this regard, and, adhering to the logic of “whoever doesn’t like it, don’t look at it,” periodically gives my mom a heart attack with his stylistic decisions.
But in general, my dad is flexible, and he almost completely left the topic of his wardrobe to my mom, who buys him clothes and decides for him what he wears and where. My brother, on the contrary, takes care of his wardrobe 100% on his own, which completely suits his wife, who already has enough worries with her growing son.
My husband and I have formed a rather strange tandem: he generally trusts my taste, but he chooses his own clothes and hates experimenting. This esthete loves high-quality stylish things, and it is important for him to look good, but, like millions of other men, he hates shopping, quickly turning into a capricious child in the store...
It took me a while to learn to respect his style and taste, and not treat him like a baby doll that I can dress as I like - when I was a young wife, we periodically had clashes on this topic. Over time, I calmed down and stopped insisting on my ideas (after all, if he thinks that the cool linen shorts that I snatched in a battle at a closed sale of one Parisian showroom from three other wives are gay style, then let him sweat in the summer your jeans).
Such stubbornness has its advantages: I quickly figured out what things and brands he likes, and what kind of clothes he needs. So today I calmly order shirts and jumpers for him, occasionally slipping in new brands in his style, and wardrobe peace reigns in our family.
MEN'S BASIC WARDROBE
No matter what kind of character your man has, it’s still worth understanding the topic of men’s clothing, if only to buy good gifts. If you help your husband or boyfriend choose and buy things, then it’s worth having a system in your head that will help you better organize this process.
The logic of creating a basic men's wardrobe is no different from that for a women's wardrobe - I already wrote about this in the post "". Your task is to figure out what kind of clothes your man needs based on his lifestyle, and what style he likes (that is, what things he chooses for each area of his life). After this, you can create something like a list of items for each of the areas, and make sure that these items are always in his wardrobe.
For example, my husband works as a business development director - a serious position, but he works in the IT field, which is very democratic, so he does not have a classic dress code. He needs suits extremely rarely, so he only has 2 of them, and he changes them every 2-3 years, buying them for many years from the same place.
His main uniform is jeans and a shirt, so he has a lot of the latter. With shirts, it's simple: this snob only wears neutral colors, and he has 3-4 favorite brands that have been making shirts that suit him for years. I periodically review my shirts, throwing out those that have lost their appearance (first of all, the cuffs of shirts “fly” and the collar loses its shape), and order new ones of the same design.
His basic wardrobe also includes 2 pairs of jeans (Levis 501, classic), cashmere jumpers (Eric Bombard), 3-4 jackets of varying “warmth”, neutral T-shirts and several pairs of shoes of varying degrees of democracy. He jealously buys sportswear himself (and I periodically restrain myself from being sarcastic about the fact that there is clearly more fancy sportswear in his closet than there is sports in his life).
CLASSIC MEN'S WARDROBE: SUIT AND ITS LIKE IT
The classic modern men's suit was born at the beginning of the 20th century in Great Britain, and inherited from British snobs not only its shape, but also many rules and conventions of wearing. Choosing a well-fitting jacket is still a quest, but a perfectly chosen suit absolutely transforms a man, that’s for sure.
The jacket has a rigid, structured cut, which helps hide imperfections and makes a man’s figure visually leaner (however, a poorly fitting jacket, on the contrary, will make a short-haired handsome man look like a slob).
So, if your man asked you to help him choose a new suit, then here's what you need to know:
- a suit is selected based on its jacket, trousers are much easier to select and fit than a jacket, so trying on a suit always begins with choosing a jacket;
- the first thing you need to pay attention to is the shoulder line: the seam that connects the sleeve to the shoulder should lie exactly above the place where the arm connects to the body (along the joint), neither higher nor lower;
- buttons on the stomach should be fastened loosely and lie flat, not stretched, not puffy;
- the shirt should not be visible under the buttons (in general, the shirt should not be visible on the stomach);
- the lapels of the collar should lie flat on the chest (if they lag behind the shirt, then the jacket is too big at the collar);
- the sleeves of the jacket should be up to the wrist bone - the shirt should be 1-1.5 cm longer than the sleeve of the jacket so that it and the watch can be seen when you move your hand;
- the length of the jacket is to the middle of the buttocks, no longer and no shorter, the back flap should lie flat on the man’s bottom, not ride up or bulge;
- The collar of the jacket should lie exactly on the collar of the shirt; if it moves away, it means the jacket is too big and you need to try on a size smaller.
A jacket can be just right at the collar and shoulders, but dangle around the body - then you need to look for a slim fit cut, or vice versa - it fits well on your figure, but poorly in the shoulders, in this case you need to look for a jacket a size smaller, but with straight cut.
Here's a visual cheat sheet on the topic so you can help your friend choose the perfect suit:
JACKET ETIQUETTE
An important rule of jacket etiquette is that the jacket is worn buttoned (not all buttons), and only unbuttoned when sitting down. On a three-button jacket (classic), the bottom button is NEVER buttoned. The top button can sometimes be undone, sometimes buttoned, the middle button is ALWAYS buttoned (the top button buttoned and the middle one undone is bad manners, just like a jacket buttoned with all the buttons - check this point, not all men are aware). At the same time, it is believed that a man can take off his jacket only on an airplane or in his office with the doors closed; in all other cases, the jacket must be on him.
In a modern men's wardrobe, the basic one will not be black, but rather a dark blue suit (navy), worn with a white, blue or pink shirt. This suit is combined with shoes and a belt of brown or burgundy (dark brown with a red tint), the belt and boots should be the same color.
Based on a classic suit, you can put together 4 looks.
FORMAL
Full set - suit, accessories, tie. Sometimes plus a scarf and vest (optional). In a formal version, it is worn with classic Oxford shoes and a belt. BUSINESS CASUAL
Minus the tie, the top 2 buttons of the shirt are unbuttoned. The shirt can be either plain or printed. Boots – for example, derby. SUMMER CASUAL
If we are not talking about a wool suit, then in summer you can wear navy with a white polo and brown suede loafers. Loafers are worn with a low, invisible toe (check this point, men often don’t bother with this - loafers are NOT worn with regular socks). Well, or a more youthful option - instead of loafers, you can take sneakers. 
The same option without a jacket. SEPARATES
The navy suit jacket can be worn with dark blue jeans. 
Suit trousers can be worn with a casual shirt and sneakers. 
And a slightly more formal version with burgundy loafers, but without a belt, without a tie and without a jacket. MEN'S SHIRT
With a men's shirt, everything is a little simpler, and if you know the size and favorite brands of your man, then you can buy them without trying them on. The shirt size most often goes according to the collar (neck circumference in cm under the Adam's apple). 2 fingers should be placed between the neck and the collar; if the collar lags further from the neck, the shirt is too large; if the finger does not fit, it is small.
The length of the sleeve is 1 cm below the carpal bone, the shoulder line should also go along the joint, the buttons should not diverge (the placket should lie flat).
Another cheat sheet on the topic:
CLUB STYLE: CHINOS, JUMPER, POLO, LOAFERS
This style, which today can be called the most popular, at one time originated in elite clubs - gentlemen needed clothes (not a suit) for all the activities that they engaged in in their clubs (tennis, golf, yachting, etc. .).
The basis of this style is made up of things that today are commonly called smart casual - they are much more practical to wear than a suit, but at the same time they still belong to the classics.
Cardigan, Oxford shirt, chinos - a classic weekend outfit for a gentleman. CHINOS TROUSERS
These are trousers made of thick cotton, in the classic design - blue, gray or mustard, although today manufacturers sew chinos in a variety of colors. Chinos were originally worn with polo shirts and loafers (a gentleman on vacation), and this look remains classic to this day (though, of course, today they are worn with sneakers and T-shirts). The cut can be straight (classic), tapered (slim and super slim), correct chinos - without a crease (a gentleman on vacation, remember?).
Chinos are not worn with socks and classic formal boots (for some reason I often see men with this combination), this is a casual wardrobe item, and chinos are best combined with sneakers, loafers or boat shoes on bare feet (well, okay, not on a naked one - on a low sock that is not visible). Paul Smith makes excellent correct chinos (see in the line), and affordable and good quality ones can be found in the Gap collections
In summer, chinos are worn without a belt at all or with a braided belt (made of leather or linen). MEN'S JUMPER
The middle class adopted the habit of wearing a jumper over a polo shirt from the elite in the mid-60s, and this combination remains a classic men's wardrobe.
In your winter wardrobe, it is worth having a pair of cashmere jumpers in neutral shades, which can be worn with a shirt and jeans to the office on Friday or during the work week, if there is no strict dress code. In summer, thick cashmere is replaced by cotton jumpers or light summer cashmere (2 threads) in light shades, which warms on cool summer evenings.
A classic jumper has a V-neck, over which the collar of the shirt opens, but it does not suit all men (if your man has a triangular face with a sharp, strong-willed chin and a wide forehead, choose jumpers with a round neckline).
If we are talking about a formal look, and the jumper is worn with a shirt and tie, then the tie is selected in the same way as for a suit - in a complementary shade (not contrasting - for example, a blue pullover and a red tie is a bad idea).
POLO SHIRT
The polo shirt and the Oxford shirt are two men's wardrobe items whose history begins on the campuses of Oxford and Stanford. The polo shirt was made famous by tennis players of the 60s and university sports clubs - which is why many manufacturers produce polo shirts with imitation club stripes.
A classic polo shirt will be made from specially woven cotton, the fabric will be dense, hold its shape well and absorb moisture. Such shirts last a very long time, do not lose their shape, wash well - in general, what is needed for a man’s wardrobe. Classic polos are made, of course, by Ralph Laurent, a little more affordable, but with an excellent cut - by the relatively young brand SUN68. But almost every classic men's brand has such a shirt in their summer line, so finding one won't be difficult.
This style also includes chinos shorts (essentially cut-off chinos), jackets with emblems, cardigans and knitted bomber jackets with club stripes, and, of course, boat shoes.
Classic style - chino shorts, boat shoes and a polo shirt - the uniform of New York yachting magnates. GRUNGE: JEANS, T-SHIRT, JACKET
The 60s and 70s were replaced by the 80s, which remained in the classic men's wardrobe in a rebellious way - jeans, T-shirt, leather jacket, heavy boots or sneakers.
JEANS
Classic men's jeans - Levis 501 - received a second wind in the 80s. This model is universal and suits most men, as it is tailored taking into account the characteristics of male physiology. If you don't know where to start when choosing jeans, start with 501.
The classic model will be dark blue with a faded center, but these jeans are now made in different colors (black, light blue, indigo, etc.), so there is a choice. 501 has a medium fit, that is, the belt goes along the hip joints, so if you have a tummy or your loved one’s sides are full from your worries, then the belt will not dig into them, and you will be comfortable in jeans.
Jeans should fit snugly, but a finger should fit between the waistband and the body; jeans that are too tight will be uncomfortable to wear. If you take the classics, then the jeans should be made of 100% cotton, if you buy skinny jeans that are fashionable now, then the composition should contain elastane (5%), otherwise your man will suffer when wearing them (everything valuable will be squeezed in them).
Today, jeans can be worn in any combination, both with classic pieces and with casual ones - these pants have secured the unique right to be an absolutely universal item. A well-fitting pair will be worn with both a jacket from a classic suit and your favorite hoodie that has been living in your closet since your student days.
LEATHER JACKET
The classic men's leather jacket is a descendant of what pilots wore in the 40s: straight cut, welt pockets, stand-up collar. In the 80s, another model was born - the biker jacket, but it remained a symbol of rebellion without becoming a classic (although it would have been adapted as a basic element into a woman’s wardrobe).
This jacket emphasizes the lines of the male figure and hides imperfections (thanks to the structured cut), so it suits most men. It is worn mainly with a thin jumper or T-shirts; if it is worn over a shirt, then the collar of the shirt is not released (although it is preferable to wear a jacket or a classic coat with a shirt).
The same cut from the 40s, which has remained a classic of the men's wardrobe. 90s: SHIRT, SNEAKERS, T-SHIRT
This democratic style originated in Silicon Valley, where even today you can’t really understand who is in front of you - a student or a dollar millionaire; they will be dressed the same. The main elements of this style will be democratic shirts and T-shirts, the latter most likely with a print.
These T-shirts and jeans will be paired with sneakers or sneakers (converse, stan smith, vans), a relaxed style. Actually, everything is clear with this set, the main rule is not to confuse styles, and not to wear such T-shirts and jeans with classic boots. The rule also works in the opposite direction: a classic shirt tucked into classic dark jeans and Vans sports sneakers are not friends with each other.
The apologist for this style is Gap, but today there are many brands on the market that sew affordable, practical and creative things.
MATHEMATICS OF A BASIC WARDROBE
The proportions in a man's basic wardrobe will be slightly different from those in a woman's: for one trousers or jeans there should be 4-5 “tops”, that is, what is worn on the naked body (shirts, T-shirts, polos). To go with a suit, you most often buy a “week supply” - a week’s supply of shirts plus 2 for insurance (you should always keep a spare shirt in your office, in case of spilled tea or coffee right before an important meeting).
Everything that is worn on the naked body is washed every day - this rule is not discussed, jackets are cleaned once a month, jumpers are washed after 3-5 wears.
If you get a man who doesn’t like shopping and gets irritated at the thought of having to go try on something and choose something, then do as I do - decide what things he likes and suits, choose several brands that sew what you need , and simply order selected units for home delivery.
_________________________________________________________
Did you like this post and want to learn more not only about men’s, but also women’s basic wardrobe, as well as how to buy and choose “your” things? You may be interested in my book “Anatomy of a Parisian wardrobe: items, brands, combinations”
This book is based on the Parisian Wardrobe training that I have been teaching for many years, which focuses on the basic wardrobe in classic French style - slightly casual, slightly unisex, minimalistic and very functional.
In the book I talk about the main constants of the Parisian wardrobe, and about the basic Parisian combinations: what to wear, what to wear with, how to wear it. For convenience, the book is divided into 3 large blocks (“bottoms”, “tops”, “outerwear”), and in each block I talk in detail about the items that form the basis of the Parisian style.
The list of must-have items for any stylish man is not that long. From simple (but quality) shirts to a perfectly tailored suit, the starting point is a basic wardrobe. Viggo experts, who know “everything and even more” about men’s style, told the BRW Magazine team how to choose an arsenal for every day and for going out.
Str. Alexei Mateevici 64 +37368776666
First, let's figure out what a basic wardrobe is. In simple terms, this is a standard, mandatory set of clothes that every man should have. A kind of template, a blank sheet on which you will apply the colors of your own style and taste.
1. OUTERWEAR
Let's start with outerwear - a brown or black leather jacket, a trench coat, a winter coat. Everything is obvious here. In the off-season, you can’t do without a jacket, preferably a short one (like a bomber jacket). A trench coat is essential – the color doesn’t matter, it all depends on your preferences. It is better to buy a track coat with water-repellent fabric - in rainy weather it will help you out perfectly. As for a warm winter coat, classic models are a win-win option.
2. MEN'S SUIT.
Choose the fabric for your suit carefully - tweed, wool, corduroy. The latter fabric option is better for rare use, while tweed and wool are better for frequent use. Remember that the higher the super value in the name of the fabric, the thinner and more delicate it is.
The color of the suit should be dim. The most universal colors that will fit perfectly into both a business and casual look are dark blue, gray or black. If you wear a suit every day, we recommend that you make another set to order. Mass market models are significantly inferior in wear resistance, and besides, a suit tailored specifically for you will fit perfectly.
3. JACKET - BLAZER
The right option for a casual Friday is a dark blue blazer jacket - one of the necessary items in a man's basic wardrobe. It goes well with all wardrobe items and is suitable for almost any situation that does not require a suit.
In a casual Friday context, classic brass buttons can be a little old-fashioned. Dark blue buttons in some cases can give the impression that this is not a blazer, but a suit jacket.
Dmitry Iova, Viggo expert:
“I advise you to pay attention to the color of natural bone - it is neutral and goes well with brown shoes. And for the more daring, white bone or horn buttons are suitable.”
4. JEANS AND TROUSERS.
Jeans for a men's wardrobe have a paramount status. Many men have several pairs of them, but blue jeans with a simple cut (straight leg and solid color) will help you look great in a casual look. These jeans can be easily combined with a T-shirt, shirt, sweater and even a jacket.
SEVERAL PAIRS OF FLANNEL TROUSERS should also be firmly established in your wardrobe. You can wear them with mismatched jackets on days when there are no important meetings. They will also come in handy on the weekend - pair them with a cashmere sweater and a denim shirt.
CHINOS— universal trousers, an office replacement for jeans. Chinos are customizable, depending on the setting and purpose, you can style your outfit to achieve just the right level of formality. Moreover, chinos will be the base, framing and complementing which you will create the desired mood in your look. Just don't wear them with a suit jacket.
So, jeans and 2 trousers are the optimal combination for men. In addition to suit trousers, if you wish, you will need at least two pairs of trousers in a light and restrained dark shade.
5. SHIRTS AND T-SHIRTS.
We suggest that there be five shirts: one strictly classic, white (to match a suit); two plain colors, maybe checkered or striped, but with a conservative cut; two sports designs with patch pockets, more relaxed colors. “Sports” shirts can be worn without a jacket or pullover.
You will need no less T-shirts. There are no special frames in the color scheme; here you can experiment with prints and colors, but we still recommend purchasing one white or striped polo shirt.
6. TURTLENICK, PULLOVER, CARDIGAN
A wonderful set of three warm clothes. A turtleneck in gray, dark cherry or chocolate color will luxuriously harmonize with any look. We wear it under a suit, jeans or just with trousers.
In cool weather or in the off-season, a pullover will not only warm you up, but will also become a stylish accent to your look. Choose only high-quality knitwear, dense and with good knitting.
Olga Rastaşanu, Viggo expert:
“Let’s not forget that a cardigan has a similar neckline, so I would still recommend a classic, round neckline for a pullover.”
For sweater and cardigan buttons, choose rich, full tones: brown, beige, burgundy, black, indigo.
7. FOOTWEAR.
It is important to consider seasonality here. For the winter period, you should opt for oxfords or chelsea shoes in black or brown with a good thick sole. A must-have pair of dress shoes to go with your suit. You can choose them in any style: derbies, brogues, oxfords, and even monks. The color is absolutely black.
Shoes for daily wear are loafers. Optionally, sneakers or good sneakers.
So, from shoes in our basic wardrobe there will be: winter Chelsea boots, classic shoes, loafers, moccasins and sneakers.
8. ACCESSORIES.
It’s easy to outshine anyone if you’re wearing a quality belt. There should be two of them - made of smooth leather, black (brown) for formal events and casual (wicker, textile) of any shade that matches with trousers. The classic rule is that the color of the belt should match the color of the shoes. That is, if you have black shoes, then the belt should be black, if you have brown shoes, then the belt should be brown. And never put a belt under the leather tag on your jeans - no one cares what brand they are.
Don't forget about a tie, or better yet two. The same suit with different ties and shirts will look different every time.
For winter cold - a pair of good gloves, a scarf and a headdress (cap, knitted hat, earflaps).
For summer, invest in sunglasses, a baseball cap and a lightweight hat. A man should also have a high-quality leather wallet (purse) and a wristwatch.
Buy items that are high quality and well made. There is nothing more important for a man than to feel confident, and cheap clothes do not give anyone confidence. Your wardrobe may not immediately be fully equipped, but it will be expensive and excellent sets.
You can purchase models used in photography and other things in the Viggo store at Str. Alexei Mateevici 64
All information by phone +37368776666
A basic wardrobe is one of the simplest and most ingenious ideas in the fashion world. It allows you to solve the problems of “I have nothing to wear” and “I don’t even want to think about what to wear” in one fell swoop.
Essentially, this is a set of classic (and, as a rule, not at all expensive) things that can be combined with each other and with any clothing.
5 important rules for choosing a basic wardrobe
They will allow you not to waste money on beautiful dross that will sit on the shelves or hangers of your closet for years.
1. Things should fit your lifestyle
A basic wardrobe should first of all be psychologically comfortable. So that you can combine clothes and shoes almost without looking and get a stylish and comfortable look.
If you are an athlete or a young mother, it is unlikely that your basic items will be a tight pencil skirt and stilettos. If you are a business person, it is not at all a fact that you will be comfortable even in the most fashionable tattered shoes and sneakers.
In general, don't waste money on something that doesn't suit your worldview.
2. Things should be so that you can put them on right now
If you say to yourself: “What if I get invited to a business meeting and I need this suit?..” - you are deceiving yourself. If you think: “What if I lose five kilos and these pants fit me like magic?” - you are deceiving yourself again.
This is not to say that there will be no business meetings in your life or that you will never lose weight. Perhaps they will. Perhaps one day you will really be as thin as.
The problem is that by then you will have changed. And it’s not at all a fact that magically shrunken trousers will bring you joy.
3. Things should be of a style that suits you, not fashionable.
This is especially important for a basic wardrobe. Fashion passes, but classic, universal things remain.
Buy what looks best on your figure: it emphasizes what you need and hides what you don’t need. You can always add a fashionable twist to your outfit with the help of.
4. Things must be made of quality materials
A basic wardrobe is something that will last you at least several seasons. Therefore, pay attention to the fabric: it should be such that it can withstand the most active wear.
5. Each new item must be combined with at least three old ones
If you cannot immediately imagine these combinations, it is better to refuse the purchase.
11 items for a basic wardrobe
You don’t have to buy everything: follow the rules above and don’t waste money on what you don’t need or won’t suit.
But it is still desirable that your closet contains at least 7-8 of the items listed below. Only in this case will you be able to construct images from them for every day so as not to repeat themselves for at least a week.
Naturally, the choice of options for women is somewhat wider. If you are a man, so be it, you can skip the dress and pencil skirt. Go.
glamradar.com, thefrontrowview.com, theidleman.comIt is unlikely that any other thing can compete with it in terms of versatility. A white shirt will go with any bottom: be it a relaxed denim or a strict business one.
White has many shades: alabaster, milky, cream, pearl. There is no need to concentrate on snow-white. Choose a shirt that matches the color of your tooth enamel and (optionally) the whites of your eyes. Clothing should not be much whiter, otherwise it will visually make your smile and your eyes blurry.
What to buy:
closetfulofclothes.com, vogue.it, lifestylebyps.com Even a few! These get dirty quickly, so it's good to have a fresh replacement in your closet.
As for the choice of color, the same recommendation applies here as in the case of a shirt: it should match the color of the teeth and whites.
What to buy:
- Set of two men's T-shirts Dsquared Underwear, 6,499 rubles →
harpersbazaar.com, mensflair.com, symphonyofsilk.com A classic turtleneck is an alternative to a T-shirt on a cool day. Choose natural, breathable materials and neutral colors.
It is important that it is not tight. A tightly fitting model, firstly, may overemphasize the not-so-appetizing features of your shoulders and. Secondly, there will be no room for air under it, which means that on cool days the turtleneck will not be able to warm you up.
What to buy:
pinterest.com Choose any model in which you feel comfortable. But keep in mind: basic jeans should have the simplest possible cut without pronounced decorations or accessories.
Ideal colors are classic indigo and blue, as well as any dark shades of blue.
What to buy:
lookastic.fr, pinterest.com, justthedesign.com Ideal - black or dark gray. They will allow you to create a formal look, even if you choose a relaxed top.
Pants tend to stretch out at the knees and buttocks. To prevent this from happening soon, choose high-quality materials with as little elastane content as possible.
What to buy:
pinterest.com, whowhatwear.co.uk The pencil allows you to “draw” a feminine silhouette, emphasizing the curve of the waist and hips and elongating (by selecting the seat height) the figure.
Modern ones of this cut, unlike their strict predecessors, are universal. They are often sewn from well-stretchable materials. Therefore, even despite the tightness of the fit, they do not hinder movement.
In addition, it is possible to choose from two options: tapered at the bottom and straight. Straight is suitable for those who are used to looser clothes.
Cool dark shades are ideal for a base pencil: black, graphite, navy... They make you look slimmer.
What to buy:
thestylecollector.com, looks.tn, lilicons.com Little black has long become a meme and has even become boring, but this does not negate its universality. This model is suitable for both the office and a cocktail party.
Small does not mean ultra-short. The optimal length for this outfit is approximately knee-length. A little higher or lower - choose based on the characteristics of your figure and personal preferences.
What to buy:
justthedesign.com, wheretoget.it, theidleman.com Ideal for relaxed cool days. However, even during the most stressful times it’s nice to wrap yourself in something soft and warm.
What to buy:
poetryfashion.com, theidleman.com, fashiongum.com Another important wardrobe item for the cool season. Choose a relaxed cut and neutral colors.
It seems like it’s not customary to talk about men’s fashion in the circles of real men. I call real men those whose interests consist mainly of work, career, cars, sports, travel, hobbies, hobbies... in general, those whom we women prefer to marry. Usually they don’t rack their brains in the morning over what to wear, they hate shopping (unless it’s a hunter’s and fishing store), they think about their wardrobe when they run out of clean shirts and T-shirts, they can walk around in just jeans, they buy new shoes only if the old one is worn out, and instead of bags and briefcases they use pockets. It’s good to have a wife or girlfriend who knows everything about fashion, is aware of the latest trends and not only women’s ones, follows the coolest fashionistas in the world on Instagram and will help you choose the right things. Or even better - have your own stylist who knows which store, what exactly and when to buy.
But we, women, know well how important it is to make a first impression on an employer/partner, to look appropriate for the situation, status, and ourselves, being connoisseurs of beauty, will quickly pay attention to a well-dressed man. By the way, I met one of my gentlemen precisely because he was wearing a classic electric blue coat. But he, it’s true, was a foreigner. And one of my friends, after another post about men from street style fashion shows in Italy, said: “Anechka, everything, of course, is very beautiful... but where is street style, and where are we, Russian men!”
So, my hero is a young Russian man from 30 to 40 years old, who spends a lot of time in his study or office without a strict dress code, whose working day consists of meetings/negotiations with partners, who knows the value of time and himself, earns enough, grew out of stretched T-shirts and boring black clothes. Such a man, on a trip abroad, will definitely run into a couple of boutiques for shopping; he wants to look appropriate for his position, respectable, feel comfortable and confident, dress stylishly, interestingly, but not pretentiously, and be liked by women. Such requests come to me from male clients. And it’s not very difficult to assemble a basic men’s wardrobe. Let's get started!
1. Buy a good expensive coat
A coat is a win-win option. A man in a coat always looks elegant. It should be the perfect silhouette for you, follow the lines of your figure, be of excellent quality, certainly overlap the length of your jackets, be comfortable, so that in cold weather you can wear a sweater or down vest under it and calmly drive.
Nowadays it is worn not only with suits, but also with jeans, sneakers or sneakers.
2. You must have at least 1 suit
It can be blue, gray, checkered - leave the black for the holidays. I mean a suit for everyday wear: we have long called it casual, under it you can wear not only a shirt and tie, but also a turtleneck, a thin sweater or a pullover; suits are also fashionable now and can be worn with a polo and sneakers.
The suit should be wool or tweed, contain 100% wool or a mixture of wool with silk/cashmere, for summer - with cotton and linen (wool should be more than half), the lining should also be made of natural silk or viscose so that the body is comfortable comfortable.
By the way, dark brown shoes have long been replaced by black ones, and with a blue suit you can wear brown shoes in a natural red color. As for the belt, it does not have to match the color of the shoes, but if you have brown shoes, then the belt can be a little lighter or darker than the color of the shoes, but not black.
3. Shirts
If you are a lover of shirts, then you should have at least 7 of them in your wardrobe, not including white ones. It is better to buy blue or white as the main one, but with a small pattern, thin stripes or colored checkered patterns.
Dark blue and burgundy shirts will look great under a gray suit. I name those colors that suit almost everyone - blondes, brunettes, and fair-haired people, of whom we have the majority in Russia.
White shirts are also a must, but you can save them for special occasions, as well as shirts with cufflinks. If you wear pants without a jacket, also buy yourself a couple of shirts with a pattern that reflects your hobby or passion, a shirt with a meaning, so to speak.
They don’t fit with a suit, but they will look great with trousers, a pullover or a cardigan. Nowadays, a denim shirt is also in vogue as a basic one - it is worn with a tie, with a suit, and under a blazer. But not with denim trousers!
And one more thing: plaid shirts from “ Timberland"– still sports, it’s better to leave them for the weekend!
4. Polo
In addition to shirts, it is good to have a polo: in the summer - with short sleeves, at other times - with long sleeves.
Choose interesting, rich colors and wear them under jackets and with classic wool trousers with creases, it will look more presentable than with jeans.
Shoes can be either sports or classic.
A polo with jeans is a good option for a weekend.
5. Stylish jacket
It seems to me that what takes the most time is finding a stylish jacket or blazer, as they say now. A blazer is a must have! 
Such a jacket can be made of wool, tweed, plain, checkered or thick knitwear. Better yet, buy all three at once!
This is the most common type of casual jacket; you can wear it with classic trousers, cotton pants (sellers in men's stores like to call them chinos), and jeans.
By the way, knitted jackets fit well even on those who do not suit classic jackets: they look more relaxed, of course, but at least fashionable.
Just don't confuse it with a classic suit jacket: blazers are sold separately.
6. Pants
There should be at least 3 pairs of trousers in your wardrobe, not counting those from the suit.
Some are classic with arrows, blue or gray, the second are chinos (I call them pants) - light: they are the same style and cut as jeans, only made of cotton. White ones are not suitable for our winter, but beige or light brown (cocoa colors, forgive me non-artists) are just right. And the look will not be very formal, because light trousers are usually worn on vacation, and with a jacket it looks stylish.
And let the third pair of trousers be of an unusual color - bright blue, mustard, red, green, wine color (or the now fashionable Marsala color, some of my male clients are already familiar with this color). Don't be afraid to experiment!
Yes, I didn’t count jeans - I mean that you definitely have them in your wardrobe, and not alone.
7. Knitwear – sweater, pullover, cardigan
You definitely need to have high-quality knitted items made of fine wool, cotton, and cashmere.
Always look at the composition on the label: if you see the inscription “100% polyester”, immediately put it back - in things made of artificial fabric the body will be uncomfortable, and some people even have allergies.
These sweaters look impressive with classic trousers, and can be worn under a jacket in the cold season.
Pay attention to the fact that these things fit well, fit your figure correctly, do not hug your stomach, do not pull under your arms, and that there is a little room in the sleeve for a shirt if you plan to wear it under knitwear.
Sweaters with a round neckline can be worn on their own, with a V-neck - on a shirt, cardigans (this is a sweater with buttons) are worn on both shirts and T-shirts.
Choose dense machine knitting: such sweaters look more neat and presentable, and those knitted in large braids and with a large neck and deer may be given to you by your mothers and beloved girls for Christmas (or if the stylist advises this, knowing for sure that this is exactly what suits you !).
You see how simple it is: just 7 wardrobe items and you will look elegant, stylish and respectable. If you suddenly find that you are missing something, immediately run to the store! Because next I will talk about accessories - shoes, briefcases, bags, watches - they must be of high quality and expensive, and this is a separate expense item and a separate shopping trip. I’m not yet saying that there are still necessarily fashionable bomber jackets, sweatshirts, down vests and jackets, cardigans with soft collars, wide trousers that are fashionable this season, like in the 30s, leather jackets, etc. But that’s a completely different story, but for now we’re putting together a high-quality basic wardrobe!
