Image via Complex Original
The holiday season, with its constant sales and deals, can often be a perfect time to nail down your essential winter wardrobe. For all the talk out there about "buying less but buying better" and building up a closet of "menswear essentials," it can be hard to boil down any wardrobe to the basic pieces any guy can throw on and look great in. We decided to compile a guide of the clothes that, especially for dudes who have no idea where to start, will provide the foundation for a closet full of classics.
That said, keep in mind that fit is paramount. Don't just buy stuff blindly without at least having an idea of how it'll sit on your body. Does that mean you have to go out and try it on? Not really. just be sure to know your measurements, and if all else, at least you can return stuff that didn't work out. Here's to a more stylish you. These are 10 Clothing Items Every Guy Should Own.
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Oxford Shirts
Buy It Now at J. Crew, $75
It never hurts to have a few of these buttondowns in your closet. Wear them tucked or untucked, and underneath just about everything—from sweaters to hoodies, even to denim jackets. What graphic tees are to streetwear, oxford shirts are to menswear.
Non-Black Suit
Buy It Now at SuitSupply, $469
The black suit just isn't as versatile as a navy or charcoal gray. These will do the trick for just about any occasion, job interviews, weddings, and yes, even funerals. Just make sure to keep the colors muted and pair it with a crisp white shirt and solid, subtly-colored tie.
Denim Jacket
Buy It Now at Levi's, $84
While they make for a rugged, versatile jacket for the warmer months, denim jackets are an underrated winter layer too. Throw them underneath a heavier coat, or dress them up a bit by rocking them under a suit jacket. Believe it or not, that actually looks awesome.
Brogues
Buy It Now at Shoe Mart, $529
If there's one pair of shoes you own that aren't sneakers, they should be a hardy pair of longwing brogues. Part formal, part casual, they're dressy enough to make people think you're important, while not so precious that you'll be worried to scuff them up a little. Yes, good ones are pricey, but unlike your Jordans, you can get these resoled and refurbished for years to come. They're like their own retro.
Peacoat
Buy It Now at Schott, $238
Good enough for centuries of sailors, and more than adequate for your winter needs. Schott's been making them for years right here in the USA, out of sturdy materials like melton wool. They've also got street cred under their belt thanks to ongoing collaborations with brands ike Supreme and BAPE. You can't go wrong with an original, and this coat will never go out of style.
Chinos
Buy It Now at Dockers, $68
Between jeans and trousers, you've got chinos. Yes, they come in khaki, but that's just one of the many colors you can cop these comfortable pants in. Slightly dressier than denim, you don't have to iron these, you just live in them. Wear them with pretty much everything.
Hoodie
Buy It Now at Reigning Champ, $140
What separates a grown-up hoodie from the versions you'd cop at corner stores and streetwear brands are fabrics like heavyweight terry fleece and superior construction. Reigning Champ makes theirs in Canada with details like nickel metal zippers, sturdy flatlocked seams, and side gussets for ease of movement. Yes, your box logo hoodies are still cool, but switch it up with a plain, non-logo zip-up version to avoid looking like a hypebeast.
Leather Jacket
Buy It Now at Barneys, $945
A leather jacket is a signifier of a man who knows what's up. They're available in a variety of shapes—from motorcycle jackets to sleek looking bombers, but it's gotta fit right, and it has to reflect your personality. If you've got a rebellious edge, definitely opt for a moto jacket, if you're into looking more classic and put-together, you can't go wrong with a bomber.
Boots
Buy It Now at Karmaloop, $240
When it's brick city outside, you need a pair of boots. Wheat Tims will never go out of style, but if you want to break apart from the pack, consider a pair of chunky-soled boots from brands like Danner or Red Wing. Rock them with cuffed denim, flannel shirt, and a beanie all winter long.
Dark Denim
Buy It Now at 3sixteen, $220
Jeans are probably the most versatile item in the modern guy's wardrobe today. That said, you should make sure your go-to pair are the most dope ones in your closet. 3sixteen's denim is made of quality Japanese fabric, with a fit that isn't too tight or too baggy, resulting in an overall clean silhouette you can rock with anything—sneakers, sportcoats, you name it.
