Men's Fashion Basics: The 6 Other Articles

Following last week's article on 6 clothes that all of you guys out there should wearI decided to write six more because I'm really running out of ideas for what to write about these days. No, it's a lieThis was mainly due to the response the article received from you and also because I couldn’t help but feel that there were a few prime suspects missing from our list. So, as with the last article, try to think of these as twelve items that you should check off your list to have in your wardrobe. These are the clothes that you will be able to use time and time again to provide you with classic style and versatility around which you can then create more avant-garde pieces.

The (other) Super Six

1. A white V-neck T-shirt Really surprised I didn't include this in the top six, but I'm more of a shirt guy myself, so the white Oxford fabric took the top spot in the poll. However, for those of you who aren't big fans of shirts, consider this your an essential alternative. Seriously, it goes with everything! Under a blazer or cardigan. With jeans or chinos. But it always looks its best when paired with the following item.
2. A black leather jacket Try choosing one in a bomber style to ensure you'll always have a classic, stylish jacket to fall back on when the weather calls. As I said, pair it with white t-shirt and dark indigo jeans for a great weekend look or try wearing it over a shirt and tie combination with camel chinos as well for a perfect outfit for going into town.
3. Adult trainers We're all guilty of this one, I'm sure, but it really needs to stop! Leave the worn out Converse in the trash and save those dirty K-Swiss for the gym, okay guys? The key is to buy classic, simple, striped sneakers and there are really only four that always stand out in my mind as being versatile and classic for all occasions. I'm talking about the Adidas Stan Smith in white or the Sambas in black, the Converse Jack Purcell and Lacoste Tourelle (again in white). try also keep them clean Guys, please use shoe polish or whitener once in a while. It's the difference between a boy and a man. And let's not forget that women still judge us by our shoes too.
4. A dark plain tie I'm thinking black, navy, gray or a nice deep red. This will always come in handy when you need to spruce up a little for a special occasion. Wear it with the white shirt, blazer and jeans for a chic and casual outfit or with the shirt and gray suit for work days or weddings.
5. Chino pants Just take a look at all the recent articles on this website and others like it to see this. Chinos will be more present than jeans this summer. Opt for neutral colors like navy and gray to maximize their versatility, especially if you're not used to wearing them. However, if you want a classic, versatile model that is still perfect for summer, choose a camel-colored pair. This way you will have a classic American look this summer and you will not have to put up with the sweat that jeans cause on hot summer afternoons.
6. An overcoat is particularly important to us Brits, but really is the foundation of everything a successful professional wardrobe too. When buying one, always take a suit jacket with you, as this is what you will wear it over most of the time. There's no point buying one that won't go with your new ones, right? And it should always reach just above the knee, mid-shin = bathrobe. Again, go for neutrals like gray, navy, black or camel (maybe even a tweed) but once you have it, use it! Wear it with jeans, shirts, t-shirts, sweaters and your gray suit.

So there you have it guys, combined with last week's article you now have twelve items that every man should have in their dream wardrobe. If not, what does that say about you? I would suggest that next payday you get to work collect them all my dear friend. So keep your eyes peeled for next week's article on how to decide what kind of casually dressed man you are and how to decide what clothes to wear to best reflect that.