Six Clothing Items Every Man Should Own

By Author: Lucy Carter
Total Articles: 100
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Build yourself a stylish, versatile and dependable wardrobe based on six basic designer pieces. They're clothes you can reach for whenever merited by the appropriate occasion and have no doubt they'll look great. They're items that no man's closet should be without.

1. A white shirt: Choose a crisp, slim-fitting, oxford cloth shirt. A white shirt transcends seasonal trends and looks great with just about anything. Wear it with a suit; open the top button and roll up the sleeves to wear it casually with jeans; or match it with chinos, a blazer and tie for a night out on the town. Just be sure to keep it clean and toss it once the collar starts to discolor.

2. A pair of dark indigo jeans: Classic, fashionable and versatile, they're easy to dress down or dress up (not something that can be said of your bleached jeans).

3. A gray v-neck sweater: This is the perfect layering piece. It's great over a T-shirt, a white shirt, colored shirts or plaids and stripes. You can even wear it by itself. Pure cashmere or wool/cashmere blends provide maximum warmth, which is a plus in winter.

4. A pair of black ...
... lace-up shoes: No piece of footwear is more classic, simple and reliable. Choose a style that's somewhere in between square-toed and pointed for a conservative yet dashing look.

5. A navy blazer: It goes with absolutely everything (as long as it's not black) and dresses up other pieces for a really sharp look. Just steer clear of the old school kind with brass metal buttons and it should be perfect.

6. A gray suit: Select a color that's somewhere between charcoal and cement and you'll have a suit that's appropriate for any time of year and can be worn with just about anything. Have an interview? Match it with a white shirt and black shoes. Summer wedding? Pull out the black polo shirt and flip flops. Night out? Wear it with jeans and a plain v-neck T-shirt.

These items can be found at any designer menswear retailer and can be mixed and matched and worn the way that feels best on you. As long as the clothes fit you right you can be pretty creative with what you do with them.
Terrence Jones is a fashion student in London, and part-time expert in designer menswear.