I see it all the time: same old basketball shorts, unwashed blue jeans, plain t-shirts, hoodies and all. Then I hear the same excuses: “I want to be comfortable,” “Who do I have to dress up for?” and “There isn’t really much for me to choose from.” The last one just kills me. For many guys that I know, fashion is the last thing on their minds. They choose comfort over style and don’t see the perks to showing some effort. A little effort can go a long way though. You don’t have to wear a three piece suit or be uncomfortable in order to impress. In fact, adding just a few simple pieces to your closet can help tremendously without emptying your wallet.
Don’t worry guys. I know for some of you, shopping can be a terrifying and seemingly unnecessary battle against price tags, sales people, and crowded malls. For others, it’s just downright boring. So I’m going to make it easy for you. There are five things every guy should have in his closet. Each can be tailored to your own personal style but at the end of the day, these are the basics to build your wardrobe upon, impress your significant other, or, if single, catch the eye of someone new. What’s even better about this list is that you can interchange each piece to create some pretty sweet looks. You can still be comfortable while looking cool and suave with these five pieces.
Pumped up Kicks
I know a lot of girls who say that the first thing they look at when they see a guy is their shoes. That may seem strange or superficial, but shoes really do say a lot about the wearer. So if you find yourself wearing the same pair of sneakers or flip flops everyday and for just about every occasion, it may be time for a new pair of shoes. Now, out of all articles of clothing, this seems to be where guys are concerned with comfort most. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort when it comes to shoes. Ditch the everyday pair of ratty sneakers and opt for some new and cool footwear. Vans is my favorite brand for guys’ shoes because they offer countless options with a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from. If you’re looking for a more dressy shoe, try a pair in light grey suede with a wingtip overlay which will give you a retro look. If that’s not your thing, go for tweed, red canvas, or even daring with leather. Choose what best fits your personal style and you’ll be sure to impress. Not a Vans kind of guy? Converse, Nike, and Adidas also have plenty of great options.
Blazer
Now, don’t be afraid and skip this section. Blazers aren’t just for business men, preps, professors, or hipsters. In fact, if you are going to choose one thing from this list to buy, choose the blazer. It is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing because of the fact that it can be dressed up or down. Whether you buy it in navy or black, cotton or linen, a blazer is a staple piece. Layer on top of a v-neck or graphic tee with ripped jeans for a casual cool look or over a collared shirt and khakis for something a little more dressed up. Whether your style is urban, indie, sporty, or just simple and comfortable (they even make blazers out of sweatshirt material), the blazer is for everyone and every style.
Graphic Tees
Most guys will have plenty of these in their closets. Like shoes, a graphic tee says a lot about the wearer, and like the blazer, they can be pretty versatile. Whether you opt for the classic band t-shirt, geek out with superheroes, or prefer to show your wit with a funny saying, a graphic tee is a must have, especially in a variety. Get them in bold or neutral colors and wear them with jeans, shorts, khakis, corduroys and under cardigans, blazers, or leather jackets. Rock a graphic tee any day, just make sure they don’t say or show anything vulgar. You won’t impress anyone that way.
Dark Wash Jeans
By far the most versatile item on this list, dark wash straight leg jeans are another must have. Dressed up or down, they scream sophisticated cool because of their darker and more clean cut wash. They go with everything. Going to class? Wear them with a graphic tee or v-neck for a simplified, yet comfortable, look. For date night, dress them up with a button-up and blazer. See how all of these pieces of clothing work together? They are a step up from those light wash baggy ripped jeans you wore in high school and give you breathing room as compared to skinny jeans. They look great on just about all wearers and are a simple way to up your style.
Button-Up
Every guy should own a buttonup. They are perfect for date night, an interview, or a fraternity formal event. They can also be dressed down with sleeves folded up to the elbows and paired with some jeans. Don’t be afraid to try different prints either. Whether striped or checkered, blue or white, the button-up is the perfect go to for those more formal or dressy occasions, but they can also be worked into your everyday lifestyle. Try it in denim with some khakis and tan oxford shoes for something a little more trendy.