How to Build a Winning Wardrobe

What is it that makes a man truly happy? A good cocktail? A great beard? A perfect wardrobe? That last one might not be something you think about often but what if I said you could have a wardrobe that did all the work for you? And you’d always look stylish. Here are a few pieces that you should always have in your closet. And (the best part if you ask me) they practically pay for themselves if you do it right.

A Great Pair of Jeans

There’s a statistic out there somewhere that says that the average person spends over a quarter of their lifetime asleep (about 25 years). And now I’m running with that statistic and saying that the average man spends about 50% of the rest of their lifetime in jeans. Don’t question it, it’s all based on hours of my own scientific research. The point is that you spend a ton of time in jeans, so make sure you are doing it right. A good pair of jeans should cost you about $100, give or take a few bucks. And they are worth putting some money into because of the fact that not only do you spend so much time in them, but good denim costs money. But good denim also returns the favor and lasts longer and holds up so much better than cheap denim.

It’s always a safe bet to go with denim brands that have history, like Levis, but also look into some of the new kids on the block. Mott & Bow, for example, gets their denim from one of the most renowned mills in Turkey and distresses each pair of jeans by hand.

The Perfect Pair of Shoes

If you think about your wardrobe as a pie chart, shoes probably make up one of those smaller slivers of the pie. Since you usually have less shoes in comparison to say shirts, you need to make sure that you are filling your wardrobe with footwear that is going to hold up and pull its weight. If I was to tell you one pair of shoes that should be in your closet it would be a brown leather wingtip. They are an absolute must. They can be worn so many different ways that no matter the price (let’s be reasonable now) they will more than pay their way. You can wear them with jeans, which we’ve already established you spend so much time in, or dress them up for a wedding or to wear to work. Great leather shoes are one of those things that, as long as you maintain them with a little leather cleaner and polish, could possibly outlast you. Sad? Yes, but definitely true.

A Nice Jacket

Layers are an important part to any wardrobe, especially outer layers like jackets. Similar to shoes, they are one of those smaller slivers in the pie chart that is your wardrobe. So because of that you need to choose wisely. Items like denim jackets, leather jackets, or blazers are all pieces that are timeless and worth spending a little money on. Buy from a brand that has a reputation for quality and you are set for life. The great thing about spending a little money on a quality basic like an outer layer is that you can wear them so many different ways. You can layer a denim jacket over a t-shirt for a stylish casual outfit or layer it over a shirt and tie for an edgy take on a dapper look. Or break apart your suit and wear the blazer casually with a pair of jeans for a perfectly pulled together look.

The White Shirt

The perfect white shirt is a style staple that every single man should have multiples of. I’m not saying you need to pull a Don Draper and have stacks of pressed white shirts with you at all times, but your closet should definitely have a few white shirts. I personally have 11 white shirts. I have a few pressed shirts, one with a spread collar, one with a point collar, one with a button-down collar, etc. I have a few more casual white shirts. I have a white denim shirt. I could go on and on, the point being that anyone and everyone looks good in a white shirt. Layer it under a sweater or wear it on its own; as long as it’s clean and bright, a white shirt can go a long ways and is a staple that you should save a special spot for in your closet.

These are pieces that make the foundation to a winning wardrobe and they will provide you with everything you need to look great no matter what you are dressing for. Remember to have a little fun and, once you’ve got the basics down, pick up some trendier pieces like a bomber jacket (so classic, but so in right now). Or pick up a pair of white denim for a great summer look. Layer that white shirt under a shawl collar cardigan. Remember that your personal style should be fun and speak to who you are, but as long as you’ve got quality pieces at the core of your wardrobe you’ll always look on point.