Fashion trends come and go faster than the seasons change, but classics are always in style. For menswear, a handful of closet staples to mix-and-match will keep you looking fashionable and in-season all year long. Here are five key wardrobe essentials to keep you looking fresh for any occasion.
A Knitted Polo Shirt
The polo shirt has been around since the 1920s, so it's safe to say that it will remain in fashion for at least a few more decades. It can be tucked into trousers for an effortlessly smart look, perfect for the office or a downtown date night. Just as easily, it can be dressed down with a pair of jeans and loafers for the weekend.
A Black Belt
Belts aren't just for holding up your waistband. They are an indispensable accessory to make your outfit look complete. Your fail-safe should be a black leather belt. Black goes with everything, and a leather in the right finish adds that extra touch of sophistication. Resist the urge to cheap-out on this accessory and invest in a good leather belt that will serve you for years to come.
A Few Plain Black Tees
A plain black tee can be layered with a blazer and jeans for a smart-casual look. It can also be paired with joggers for athleisure Sundays. Or wear it to the sports bar on fifty-cent wing night when a white tee shirt just won't do. Clearly, the black tee shirt is the workhorse of your wardrobe. For a shirt that will keep its color and shape through multiple washes, opt for something high-quality and handcrafted from a reputable brand collection, rather than fast-fashion.
A Gray Suit
A gray suit is just as elegant as a black suit but can be more interesting to look at sometimes. Like black, gray is a true neutral that can be combined with any other color. As an added bonus, a gray suit can be broken down into a gray jacket and gray trousers, which you can mix-and-match with other pieces to create even more looks.
A White Button-Down
Ideally, you should have one button-down shirt you'd normally wear with a tie and a second you'd wear without. This closet staple is appropriate for work, weddings, meetings, and more, because it looks good on everyone. However, an ill-fitting or wrinkled button-down can have the opposite effect and make you look sloppy. To keep things clean and elegant, keep your shirts ironed and tailored to fit.
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