VERITAS | Men's Style Blog

7 Wardrobe Essentials for Every Man

 

Here are my picks for the 7 must-have menswear essentials, guaranteed to equip you with a solid foundation in which to build the rest of your wardrobe. Think of them as primary building blocks that click together to form countless varieties of new looks, or a blank canvas that offers the ideal backdrop for expressing your personal style. These pieces will work well in most semi-dressy/business casual situations that call for something a bit more polished, but not too strict or fussy – kind of like the Goldilocks Zone of modern-day dressing.

All you need are two tops, two bottoms, two jackets, and a great pair of shoes. Let’s go:

1.) White Button-Front Shirt: Whether it's a dress shirt or sport shirt, a white, collared, button-front shirt is never an option. This shirt is the carte blanche of all shirts. Make sure they’re always at the ready, spotless, crisp and well-pressed. Whenever you're in doubt, put one on and you're money.

2.) Lightweight Crewneck Pullover: A finely-knit top is like a luxurious t-shirt. Trade it in place of your normal everyday t-shirt and you instantly amp up your style quotient. Wear it alone or over that white button-front shirt. This is also where a little color goes a long way – choose one that shows some personality (like this pink one), and it’ll take you so much farther.

3.) Dark Straight-Leg Jeans: These should have none-to-minimal washing/distressing with simple stitching. It's a versatile staple that grounds pretty much any casual/semi-casual look, and has become as essential as the ubiquitous chino. Wear it whenever you usually grab for your chinos, but when you need the dark color and a little more kick to your style.

4.) Slim Plain-Front Chinos: The chino can either be the most boring item in your wardrobe, or the most perfect basic you can ever own. You obviously want to aim for the latter, and that all depends on the style and fit. Slim means exactly what it means. Plain-front means no pleats – ever – please.

5.) Navy Blazer:  An absolute essential in order to dress up any outfit in a pinch. You could be in a t-shirt and old jeans, but the minute the blazer gets added to the mix, you'll manage to look respectable, even if you're in a hurry. For maximum mileage, go for the two-button, with dark buttons that match the jacket.

6.) Grey Blazer: The addition of an alternate grey blazer to the navy one packs a powerful one-two punch for any occasion that calls for a jacket. You’ll be fine with having just one (either one will do, but start with the navy), but you’ll never regret having both. The two options together will exponentially increase your wardrobe possibilities.

7.) Lace-up Oxfords: No matter your shoe situation, you’ve got to have one really good pair. Make it a lace-up oxford in either plain or cap toe. Dark brown gives you lots of versatility and is more interesting than black, especially in context to the rest of the 6 pieces we’re focusing on today.

Put it all together: Not only are these 7 items integral to every man's wardrobe, the beauty of these timeless basics is that, when combined together, it's an absolute fail-proof ensemble that will take very good care of you, season after season. Add extra flair with accessories, like punchy pocket squares or handsome belts, and you’re big time.

Lastly, about that white shirt... tuck the damn thing in!

Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours (Part 4 of 4)

 

[Catch up on the previous post: "Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours" (Part 3 of 4).]

Today is Valentine’s Day. Your scheduled date: T minus 6 hours 59 minutes. The time you still have to acquire something new to wear? T minus zero. If you don’t know what that means, it means that you’re shit out of luck.

Have no fear, my third tip is here.

Tip 3: The Mash-Up – Party on the outside, business on the inside.

Although the mullet is never advisable in this blog, there’s something to be said for its principle (“business in the front, party in the back”). The idea of juxtaposing contrasting elements makes for a clever look that not only complements the best of both casual and dressy worlds, it creates something altogether different – a style gestalt, if you will.

Now here’s the thing. This is not the type of ensemble that’s appropriate for a fancy occasion. However, gathering from the fact that you haven’t had any forethought in your attire until the day of the national date day, I take it that you haven’t had the foresight to score in advance that elegant dinner reservation either.

It’s okay. You and your date aren’t the type to get all wadded up in formality anyway. You just want to kick it somewhere and have a good time in each other’s company, keep it impromptu. Dinner reservations? Bleh... you’ll find a cute little someplace to stumble into during the course of your leisurely romantic stroll.

If that’s you, this is the perfect look. It's also good for outdoor daytime dates, or any occasion that calls for a balance of sporty and proper. It offers casual functionality, comfort and warmth over a solid underpinning that says that you’re a qualified, respectful man of aesthetics and detail.

The look is casual yet well put-together, fun but never juvenile, spontaneous without being careless, fresh with a nod to heritage. It’s just a pleasant way to present yourself as creative and respectful at the same time.

And your girl will dig it.

There are two phases to putting this look together. You should already have all the components in your closet, so it’s simply about layering them on methodically.

Phase One: Build a solid foundation.

Start with a dress shirt: If you don’t own a dress shirt, any well-pressed, crisp sport shirt will do. It helps if the shirt has a pattern or texture to them, like a stripe, check or small-to-medium plaid (it adds dimension), but a solid white shirt would work equally well and provide a clean contrast to the rest of the casual elements.

Wrap on a tie: The tie can be any material that you like, in any color or pattern that creates an interesting complement to the shirt first, then in relation to the overall outfit. The only advice is to make sure the tie is on the narrow side. If you only have conventional ties that are wide, it’s okay –  the point is to use what you already own, and the widest parts will be hidden under the layers anyway. Just make sure that you employ the four-in-hand knot so that it stays tight and small.

Phase Two: Pile it on.

This doesn’t require too much explanation. All you have to do now is to layer on a few casual items you normally wear, like a sweater or hoodie, under a denim jacket, under a sport jacket or blazer, and under a coat or down vest. For your bottom half, go for a clean pair of dark jeans or trim chinos.

Finally, like your up-for-anything outfit, keep an equally positive attitude and open mind, and simply enjoy where the day, or evening, takes the two of you.

Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours (Part 3 of 4)

 

[Catch up on the previous post: "Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours" (Part 2 of 4).]

Moving along....

Tip 2: Throw on a cardigan in place of a jacket.

This works well for a more casual setting such as a cozy table for two at a low-key neighborhood restaurant. It also works well for an intimate at-home dinner – where you're the cook.

I can’t overemphasize how much women are all over guys who are masters in the kitchen. But if you can't cook or don't have the time to prepare a romantic meal on the fly? Here's an advice:  It's okay that you don't actually cook anything yourself. Again, it goes back to the thoughtfulness thing: just make it look like you gave a shit – a lot of shit – that’s all.

So this is what you do to show her that you care without slaving over the stove and ensuring that the meal wins her approval – and her heart: You order takeout of her favorite dish from her favorite restaurant, heat them properly and serve them on nice dinnerware – real men have these. Do you?

If not, leave work a bit early and rush to Crate and Barrel before dinner arrives. While you're at it, make sure that you also have all the accoutrements for a tastefully – and romantically – dressed table. Also, don't forget candles, which, along with a killer playlist, are never options – they're musts.

This move will guarantee high marks in her mind, mainly that you were thoughtful. That you paid attention to the food she enjoys. That you paid attention to the presentation. That you paid attention to the details conducive to a romantic mood.

Now, let’s not forget to pay attention to your get-up.

Cardigans have been huge over the past few years, so I’m assuming that you already own at least one. Although this is a laid-back look that goes well with a sport shirt and a pair of jeans, the cardigan by its nature will elevate the casualness to a relaxed elegance that’s at once easy and refined.

The beauty of the cardigan is that it makes a man look instantly worldly, the kind of man whom women describe as handsome, intelligent, sophisticated. In a word – a gentleman. Even if you possess none of these qualities, you can at least look the part. The goodly cardigan, my man, will get you there in spades.

Cardigans come in many different weights, textures and styles. For the purpose of simplicity, let’s divide them into two categories: chunky and fine.

The chunky cardigan is obviously heavier and more textured with thick buttons or toggles, giving it more of an old-world jacket feel, like a tweed sport coat. Pair it with a shirt that evokes a similar old-world vibe such as denim, chambray, or oxford, then anchor it all with a pair of stiff, dark jeans for a dash of modernity.  

The fine cardigan is lighter in weight, with thin, simple button closures, and usually comes in solid colors. If the chunky is an alternative to a vintage sport coat, the fine cardigan is more like a sleek blazer. Its minimalist lines and slim fit are well-suited for a contemporary look. Contrast it with a tightly-patterned shirt and a pair of jeans – its color, fade and wash will determine the overall dressiness or casualness of the look.

And as always, for a little more propriety and flair, go ahead and tie one on.

 

Next up: The fourth and last installment of “Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours” (Part 4 of 4).

Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours (Part 2 of 4)

 

[Catch up on grooming tips from the last post: “Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours" (Part 1 of 4).]

In today's exercise, and for the next two posts, I will provide you with quick tips on how to make small changes that contribute to noticeably attractive, smart date looks. In addition to catching her eye, you'll get a boost of healthy confidence to take your romance to the next level. Each post will cover a style tip, along with a little dating advice I can offer you as a woman.

Tip 1: Throw on a colored sweater for a shot of uplifting color.

I guarantee that you'll immediately get positive feedback along the lines of, "I like your sweater," or "That's a great color on you," or “You look very handsome today.” First, it will brighten up your total look, including that well-groomed mug of yours. Second, it will convey a message to your date that you cared enough to try something a little special for the occasion – in other words, that you actually gave a shit. Women are all over thoughtfulness, as I hope you already know – it makes her feel special, and making her feel special will inevitably lead to something very special for you in return.

The sweater should be basic, a simple pullover in either a v or crew neck. The color alone makes enough of a statement, so stick to a single shot of color. And by color, I mean color – navy, grey and beige don’t count.

If you don’t own a colored sweater, you can quickly grab one at pretty much any clothing store, especially big chains like Banana Republic and Uniqlo, or if you’re on a budget, big box stores like Kohl’s. It should be marked for clearance around this time of year, so consider it a non-investment with a high payoff.

The sweater should be fine enough to be layered under your jacket without adding bulk... because you are, after all, planning to wear a jacket... yes? Please, just say yes.

As the colored sweater is the focal point, keep the rest of your outfit grounded with items that you should already own – or that I pray that you already own – like a sport jacket in a neutral color like grey, navy or camel. Also, a clean, crisp white dress shirt is a must. These are menswear staples, for god's sake.

If you’re wearing jeans, choose either a clean dark pair with no wash, or one that has a subtle rinse with minimal distress. Chinos or flannel trousers are also good options in deep colors like navy, charcoal or chestnut, depending on the rest of your colors.

Bonus:

• Let your shirt cuffs peek out about a half inch from your sweater. This also ensures that you get visible cuffs from your jacket sleeve.
• Add more dimension to the color by choosing sweaters in subtle cables or other fine textures.
• For a little more dress-up and added interest, throw on a solid dark tie or one that picks up the color of the sweater.
• Try a tightly-patterned shirt that also pairs tonally with the sweater.
• Create extra finesse with a pocket square in solid white or a pattern.
  
  

Up  next: "Be a Hot Date in 24 Hours" (Part 3 of 4).

Holiday Gear: Call of the Wild

Perhaps your year-end ritual is to follow the beat of your own drum, and your idea of recharging for the new year is to retreat quietly for a few days of simplicity, solitude and contemplation. So you check out from the frenetic pace of the concrete jungle for a trek to where the wild things hibernate. Forgetting the bright city lights and central heating, you find solace in your cozy forest cabin, where, as you make fire, you quietly stoke your inner fire and resolve for the year ahead.

All you need for this inner pilgrimage is an outdoorsy lumberjack-patterned shirt, a chunky woodsman-worthy cardigan sweater, and a pair of your favorite broken-in jeans. While you're out chopping wood, protect your dome from the elements with a trapper hat and lace on some sturdy boots. A rugged waxed canvas duffel is all you need to throw in a few essentials, like a classic book to induce some deep thoughts and a bottle of good ol' Kentucky hooch to keep you warm, set you straight, and offer some company — in that order.

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