man wearing casual grey suit

How to Build a Base Wardrobe With these in your closet, you'll never come up short

Is there an absolute way of having everything you need, for every occasion, in your closet? Maybe not everything, but it is definitely possible to have a well-equipped wardrobe. A basic wardrobe is capable of getting you through most days, in and out of work and through the weekend. We’re not claiming to guide you through the end-all be-all of wardrobes. However, with these items in your arsenal, you won’t be left wondering what to wear tomorrow. Not to mention that it will give you a great place to start from to build your personal style.

Table of Contents

Tops

Shirts:

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: shirt and tie
Sale

Griffin Brown Skinny Tie

The Griffin comes at you with luxurious silk, a classic pattern, and modern style. This is definitely one tie you’ll want to take on a test drive.

You’ll need enough shirts to get through the work week at least once through. The solid shirts will work well with basically any tie/jacket combination that you can throw at it, while the patterned shirts allow for some character.

  • 2 White Shirts
  • 1 Pink Shirt
  • 1 Light Blue Shirt
  • 2 Checkered Shirts
How to Build a Base Wardrobe: oxford shirt

We doubt that, unless you’re Barney Stinson, you’ll be wearing dress shirts 7 days a week. Oxfords are a great go-to for any not-so-business occasions. And, for more casual days you could always do with some henleys or a t-shirt.

  • 3 Oxford Shirts
  • 2 Henleys
  • 4 T-Shirts

Sport Coat

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: charcoal sport coat

The easiest way to make practically any outfit look that much better? A sport coat. They have the ability to bring your outfits together like no other. Throw one over your favorite outfit to instantly class it up.

  • Navy Sport Coat
  • Charcoal/Grey Sport Coat

Sweater/Jackets

base-wardrobe-4-sweater
Sale

Landing Leathers Men MA-1 Suede Leather Flight Bomber Jacket (Regular and Big & Tall)

  • Shell: 100% suede leather; Lining: 100% polyester; Filling: 100% polyester
  • Regular Fit: extra room through the chest and waist for a classic fit

When the weather cools down (or if you just love to layer) jackets and sweaters are a must for your closet. A light pull-over sweater or cardigan will complete any fall/winter outfit (and keep you warm, too). A jacket will do the same plus give you the added benefits of protection from the elements.

  • Peacoat
  • Bomber Jacket
  • A cardigan
  • 1 V-Neck and 1 Crewneck Pullover
  • Hoodie

Bottoms

Pants

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: khaki pants
Sale

Dockers Men’s Straight Fit Jean Cut All Seasons Tech Pants

The All Motion Comfort Waistband and added stretch construction allows for easy movement. And if you’re really on the move, the thicker threads in high stress areas have you covered. Thermoregulation technology keeps you comfortable regardless of the season.

You can’t not wear pants. Well, you can, but that wouldn’t be very gentleman-like. A good collection of pants will be a solid foundation for the rest of your wardrobe and for any occasion, be it casual, business, or in-between.

  • Blue Slacks
  • Charcoal Slacks
  • Chinos – khaki, olive green, and dark khaki
  • Jeans – dark and light wash

Shorts

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: chambray shorts

Sometimes, the weather is just so unbearable that pants are a bad idea. Fine. We get it. For those very occasions, there’s shorts. We believe the ideal length is about an inch above the knee, and a few different colors and fabrics will give you a range of options to explore.

  • Chambray Shorts
  • Linen Shorts
  • Chino Shorts

Shoes

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: dress boots

Your shoes say a lot about you. They are among one of the first things people notice about you. Though you could probably get away with having one pair of dress shoes and one casual pair, it’s more efficient to have a few to cycle through. On top of having more outfit options, cycling through shoes will extend their life.

  • Oxfords
  • Chukkas
  • Lace-up Dress boots
  • Trainers

Suits

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: gray suits

Building a suit wardrobe is a whole other story. However, it is important to mention that having one suit that can work in any occasion will be very beneficial to you. A charcoal or gray suit will do just that. Consider investing in a tailored one, rather than something off the rack. If you do choose to go off the rack, make sure to tailor it, as fit is king when it comes to suits.

Everything Else

 

Tie

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: shirts and ties
Sale

Teague Gray Extra Long Tie

Not quite your average solid, the Teague Extra Long Tie in gray features colorful specks for a subtle touch of intrigue. Pair with a navy suit for a look that will be the envy of your office.

You can never have enough ties, but you have to start somewhere. We like to think that any occasion is a tie occasion. Much like our friend from the Sharper Me has proven, you can even rock one at the beach.

  • Black Textured Tie
  • Seersucker Tie
  • Wool Plaid Tie
  • Checkered Tie
  • Polka Dot Tie

Socks

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: oxfords and polka dot socks
Sale

Santa Ana Polka Dot Black Sock

Scatter in some color with these multicolored polka dotted socks from Sock Genius. The Santa Ana Polka Dots Socks are sure to hit the sweet spot, featuring a field of blue, mustard yellow, white, and orange polka dots across a black background, accented by a matching blue cuff, heel turn, and toe.

Socks are often underrated. They hide under your pant legs and are usually only really exposed when you sit down. This doesn’t mean you should forget about them! Socks are subtle way to add understated flare to your outfit. Consider a shorter pant break or cuffs to show those puppies off!

  • Solid Colored Socks
  • Argyle Socks
  • Polka Dot Socks
  • No-Show Socks
  • Stripe Socks
  • Athletic Socks

Belts

How to Build a Base Wardrobe: brown belt

Belts aren’t always necessary. The lack of one implies that you are sporting perfectly tailored pants. However, when you do need one, a belt can provide a nice break between your shirt and pants, not to mention that it can complement your shoes.

  • Brown Leather Belt
  • Black Leather Belt
  • Casual Woven Belt

We know that building a proper wardrobe can be an expensive process. Because of that, we recommend slowly developing it. Start off with the items mentioned above. As you experiment with the different combinations of each (of which there are plenty!), you can start to develop a more extended wardrobe; one with a more personal style, that is.  Before you know it, you’ll become the example of sartorial excellence that you were striving for!

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