20 Menswear Closet Essentials

I have so many male friends that are clueless when it comes to fashion. They look like confused little puppies when they walk into a store. They have no idea what to do and their eyes fill with fear and frustration. In the end, they walk out without buying anything or even worse... buying something completely wrong and ill-fitting. This post is for all the lost men with scared eyes.

This is a list of items that every man should have in his closet. Simple and seasonless.

Above waist:

1. SIMPLE T-SHIRT

no pictures or written stuff on it

please buy your actual size not xxxl

try American Apparel, GAP, H&M

2. SLIM DRESS SHIRT

various colours, stripes, gingham
try Banana Republic, H&M, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Burberry

3. GOLF SHIRT

various colours

try H&M, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Penguin, James Perse

4. CARDIGAN

black, grey, brown or navy
try H&M, Polo, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Fred Perry, James Perse, Marc

5. BLAZER/SPORT JACKET

black, charcoal, navy

invest in Banana Republic Monogram, John Varvatos, Hugo Boss, Theory, Ralph Lauren, Zegna

6. TRENCHCOAT

tan, brown, grey or black

invest in Burberry if you can

if not, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers

7. WOOL COAT

black or charcoal

Brooks Brothers, Andrew Marc, Cole Haan, Zegna

8. PARKA

black, military green, brown

for those in warm climates, substitute with a windbreaker

should be easy Canada Goose, Burton, North Face...

Bellow waist:

9. SLIM JEAN

dark blue or black

try Levis, H&M, Joe's, Sevens, Cheap Monday...

10. DRESS PANT

no pleats

black, grey or charcoal

try Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren

11. SLIM BERMUDA SHORT

not to be mistaken for cargos of board shorts

navy or black

try Banana Republic, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste

Shoe:

12. CASUAL SNEAKER

white or grey

try Lacoste, Nike, Adidas, Fred Perry

13. LACE-UP SHOE

black and simple

Repetto, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan

14. HIGH TOP SNEAKER

any colour

easy enough

Accessories:

15. TIES

invest in classics: Hermes, Burberry, Armani, Boss

16. GREAT SCARF

any colour

17. SUNGLASSES

ray-bans or aviators

18. SOCKS

no white socks with dress shoes

buy classics like argyle, stripes... have fun with patterns

19. BELT

black or brown

invest in a good quality leather belt

20. BAG

any colour

a great messanger bag that will fit your laptop or simply to put your water, camera, phone, sunglasses, and keys so your girlfriend/wife doesn't have to lug them around for you

try Jack Spade

Mix it together according to weather. Easy enough?

Email imtheitgirl@gmail.com with any specific questions/concerns.