I have been
agonising over getting around to writing this list for months now, with
setbacks and the like. However, I now present this to you. I wanted to compile
a list of things that every man should have in his repertoire, allowing him to
be able to meet any occasion that he faces. Pictures should be forthcoming once
I have time.
A Suit, Preferably Dark Grey or Navy
A nice suit, especially in one of these two colours, is a wardrobe
staple. Either can be dressed up or down, having great versatility. While I
personally feel that every man should aspire to owning something more formal, a
dark grey or navy suit would not be out of place at a wedding (unless one was a
member of the wedding party). A confession: my first suit was a light grey,
which is a summer suit, and unfortunately I did not understand that this wasn’t
the most versatile piece. While it wasn’t an egregious error on my part, it
still looked nice, I would have been much better suited by something darker,
which would not be out of place year round. My next suit was a lovely dark grey
three-piece with a subtle chalk-stripe, which is MUCH more versatile. The
trousers can even be paired with a light grey waistcoat and a black jacket for
use as a stroller, which is the equivalent of black tie for the daytime.
Note: I do not endorse a black suit for regular usage, as black suits
are funeral suits. Up until the late 1990s, the legendary American clothier
Brooks Brothers did not even offer a black suit. I do not own one myself, as I
do not anticipate attending many funerals any time soon. The one exception I
might personally make would if I were to run across a black three piece, as the
jacket and waistcoat would pair nicely with houndstooth trousers, and the
trousers would likely look nice with other pieces of my wardrobe.
A Navy Blazer
Along with number three, aside from a dark suit, a navy blazer is one of
the most versatile items that one can own. It can go with almost anything but
black.
Grey flannel trousers/khakis
Both items are even more versatile than the navy blazer, as they can
literally be paired with almost any colour. I say almost hesitantly, though, as
I can’t say that I have run into a colour that doesn’t go well with grey or
tan, personally.
White shirts.
Yes, this one seems like a no-brainer; however, one can never have too
many white shirts. They are a blank canvas on which so much can be built. A
white shirt should be the first shirt that a man should own, and then branch
out into tasteful colours.
Well polished shoes
Once again, another no brainer, but something people can forget. Well
polished shoes show an attention to detail that people notice.
Pocket handkerchiefs and squares
This can seem like a personal affectation, but I feel that it is an
essential part of a wardrobe. You see politicians, actors, and everyday people
on the streets often going pochette-less, but to me, a whole outfit looks
incomplete without that little piece of fabric sticking out of the pocket.
Whether you prefer a square, peaks, or a puff fold, any way shows your
personality wherever you go. Note: When wearing a flower on the lapel, however,
the pocket handkerchief should always be white.
Thank you
for taking your time to read this. Depending on schedules, there will be a
guest post on women’s style essentials soon enough, coming from an old friend
of mine who is a true lady of the South.
