10 Ways to Make Your Wardrobe as Versatile as Possible

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This is just as much a seasonal thing as it is a stunting thing. By layering a denim jacket with an oxford, crewneck, or peacoat, you’re showing its tactile versatility by coexisting with complete opposite fabrics. But by being able to wear it over a white T-shirt only, it surpasses current style trends and enters the realm of timeless and classic. That’s the very embodiment of the versatility it needs to stay relevant and cost-effective for life.

Leather jackets. Boots. Chinos. Selvedge denim. These are just a few staple items you’ll more than likely want in your wardrobe during your days of stylishness—items that can be worn in different niches as you explore and develop. Why replace them every year and basically throw money away when you can do a little investigating and investing? Find out the brands that specialize in these staple items and are known for high-quality, functional versions of them. It may cost a little more up front, but will definitely pay off in the long-run.

You can’t predict the future. If you could, clothing would be the least of your worries. Style-wise, history is a great representation of what’s to come, showcasing the versatility of some items that have pervaded throughout time. It may take some pieces a little longer than others to make a comeback, but sometimes it only takes a few years before they’re deemed acceptable in the fickle world of men’s style. Looking for pieces that fit your current style and making an educated guess on what will be back in the hearts of menswear enthusiasts is a tough task, but you could become a trendsetter and have your hands on a stylish piece that could last a while.

They're cool for a short period and many brands will cater to them, but they never last long and hardly fit into everyday style. This is probably most apparent in the ever-changing landscape of style amongst rappers. The leather jogging pants craze was cool—when done right—but paying more than $1,000 for pants you will likely only wear for a year, maybe two, isn’t a good look. They’ll be switching their style up to the next hot, flashy trend while you’re stuck with pieces trying to look like Kanye. And as tempting as that may seem, especially since everyone and their mother talk about his style, just think about how it may fit your lifestyle in a few years (and in leather jogging pants case, a few months). Only being able to cater to one whim is the opposite of versatility.

Statement pieces—the pieces that make your outfit pop—are the boom or bust of an outfit. They can have some crazy details or use eye-catching colors, but they can’t reach their potential without a foundation of neutral colors. An orange bomber jacket won’t survive with cobalt blue chinos unless you’re going to a Knicks game and your name is Spike Lee. Navy, black, white, olive or grey may seem drab when all worn together without some color, but they really allow your vivacious statement pieces to stand out like you intended. 

Thick flannel wool probably won’t be making any spring appearances, but that’s not it’s purpose. In the same vein, if you’re wearing linen in the winter, you’re probably vacationing on the beach somewhere. Cottons, merino wools, even new fabrics like neoprene are viable options in at least three seasons of the year in most places. You should able to pick up these fabrics for pieces you know you’ll want to rock for eight months or more if you want to get your money’s worth.

This is pretty much the “have your cake and eat it too” mantra in the form of clothing, but being able to cop jawnz you can wear to the office on Thursday and feel perfectly comfortable in at the bar during happy hour is a true blessing. Most occupations outside of this cushy gig called #menswear don’t allow you to wear whatever the hell you want, but being able to turn that professional oxford and blazer look into something that’s more fashion bro than frat bro is ideal. Also, if you’re suited up from 9 to 5, there are certain fabrics, cuts, and patterns that allow for an easy formal/casual crossover. All work and no play clothes will make you look like an uptight snob in the bar and you’ll be doubling up your wardrobe because of it.

We cannot stress enough the importance of basic sewing knowledge. You don’t always have time to go to the tailor to get something altered or repaired, nor the funds. So it ends up sitting in your closet, not receiving the love and attention you gave it the day you bought it. That’s sad. But, if you knew how to add an elbow patch to that sweater you put a hole in, patching it up means you have a perfectly usable garment again and you can wear it to death. Not only that, but it gives it an updated look and that excitement you felt the first day you bought it is back.

It's a simple test, really. If you can’t identify three to five outfits you would definitely rock with the addition of this new item, then it’s pretty much a red flag it won’t be a very versatile addition. This will likely be a tough decision because the feeling of buying something cool on a whim is almost as good as cake. Almost. But remember how you felt after that one pineapple upside-down cake that wasn't cooked all the way through, but you ate it anyway? You don't want to relive that night.

As simple as this may sound, you can't imagine how many garments have been ruined by illegitimate laundering practices. A versatile wardrobe with longevity cannot be attained when your stuff gets ruined after just a few wears due to ignorance. This also tells you which pieces can withstand some tough times and which ones can’t make it out of a washing machine or from under an iron unscathed. Learn your way around the detergent aisle, read the labels because they’re there for a purpose, and worse comes to worse, become good friends with your dry cleaner.