20 Things Every Gentleman Should Have In His Wardrobe
Words: Violet
Pine wardrobes, solid oak wardrobes, vintage and antique wardrobes – there’s loads of choices when it comes to spaces for men to store their clothes in. But what exactly does a real gentleman keep there? What informs those choices
Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you to come up with answers. Here are 20 pieces of clothing and accessories that we feel should be in every gentleman’s wardrobe:
1. Blue jeans
Every man needs a good pair of jeans, and you really can’t go wrong with one in classic blue. Probably the most versatile item in a gentleman’s wardrobe, it can be worn with just about anything, and see you through every situation., Check jeans at levi.com
2. Plain white T-shirt
, Another classic that never goes out of style, a plain white T-shirt is the perfect thing to wear to make a statement, subtle or bold. You could try teaming it with jeans for the ultimate cool weekend look., Check T-shirts at sunspel.com
3. Plain grey T-shirt
, Going for that effortless ‘off-duty model’ look? Easy peasy – just swap your regular white for a charcoal grey T-shirt, another important staple of a gentleman’s wardrobe., Check T-shirts at sunspel.com
4. Navy cashmere jumper
A beautiful cashmere jumper is truly evergreen. Ideal for colder months or when the summer evenings start to get a bit chilly, it’ll help keep you warm (and your style options red-hot)., Check jumpers at jcrew.com
5. Single-breasted grey or navy suit
, A workwear essential, a simple grey or navy two-button, single-breasted coat will see you stylishly sail through work as well as smarter evening occasions., Check suits at gievesandhawkes.com
6. Tuxedo
Every gentleman knows that no wardrobe is complete without a solid black tuxedo. Just the thing to smarten your formal look while adding a touch of flair, it’ll help you make your mark at every occasion you wear it to., Check tuxedos at mrporter.com
7. Sports jacket
, A sport jacket or blazer is another piece of clothing that’ll help you achieve an effortlessly smart and sophisticated look – our tip is to go with something dark, like navy or grey., Check sports jackets at gant.co.uk
8. Plain white shirt
Whether worn open-collared with chinos or with a tie and suit, the classic white shirt – just like a good white T-shirt – is an absolute must in all gentlemen’s wardrobes., Check shirts at turnbullandasser.co.uk
9. Plain blue/pink shirt
Similar to a white shirt, a classic shirt in a light colour such as pink or blue will perfectly compliment a work look or casual weekend attire., Check shirts at turnbullandasser.co.uk
10. Trench coat
Originating in the trenches of the First World War, the trench coat has become one of the most enduring items of men’s clothing, with a variety of shapes, sizes and colours on offer. It’s versatile, practical and lightweight – and can make you look really good too., Check trench coats at burberry.com
11. Bomber/biker jacket
The ideal piece of clothing to toughen up any look, a leather bomber or biker jacket will add an edge (as well as panache) to every gentleman’s wardrobe., Check jackets at selfridges.com
12. Navy chinos
Looking for a stylish way to fulfil a smart-casual dress code? A pair of navy chinos is your answer. You can even wear it to work (if your office allows, of course)., Check chinos at gant.co.uk
13. Regular chinos
, Another chameleon of the dress code rules, a pair of neutral chinos are as easily worn with a classic shirt and blazer as they are thrown on with a T-shirt and biker jacket for a sartorially spot-on weekend look., Check chinos at paulsmith.co.uk
14. Brown brogues
A gentleman’s style classic, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of elegantly made brown brogues. Look after them right, and they’ll only improve with age., Check brogues at church-footwear.com
15. Black lace-up shoes
Whether it’s for smart occasions or workwear, a classic black leather lace-up is the ideal accompaniment for gentlemen who understand one of the key principles of fashion: that it often starts from the feet up., Check shoes at herringshoes.co.uk
16. Plain-coloured tie
, While we fully condone having an ample supply of ties to choose from, an absolute wardrobe essential is a simple, plain-coloured one that’ll go with every single suit combination and formal occasion., Check ties at mrporter.com
17. Cufflinks
, Every gentleman needs a good pair of cufflinks – as long as you have a long-sleeved shirt with the right holes in the cuff, you can work them into just about any outfit to put a personalised stamp on your look., Check cufflinks at theofennell.com
18. Umbrella
A gentleman knows you should never get caught in the rain. Pick an umbrella with a versatile colour and shape so you can pair it with multiple outfits and easily integrate it with the rest of your wardrobe., Check umbrellas at mrporter.com
19. Weekend bag
Whether you’re planning an overnight getaway or travelling for work, a stylish holdall is essential for any gentleman to store their stuff in., Check bags at ettinger.co.uk
20. Sunglasses
Last, but by no means least, we highlight the perfect accompaniment to the rest of your gentleman’s wardrobe essentials: an eye-catching (and eye-protecting) pair of designer sunglasses., Check sunglasses at mrporter.com
There’s more to wardrobes than just filling them up. Read our guide to proper wardrobe maintenance.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
