Five items every guy needs

Posted Dec 28th 2006 at 9:40AM by Nic Lloyd (Subscribe to Nic Lloyd's posts)

Filed under: Fashion, Best of the Season, Stylish Living

Like Anne Metz's tips for women, I believe simplicity is the key to success for a guy's wardrobe. It's best to nail these outfits, and then move on to more trendy things. Now, there are definitely more than five things we guys need to have in our closets. I took a look in my closet and tried to determine what I really needed. This list is assuming that you have some of the basics to begin with.

1. A nice pair of khaki pants. Sure -- they're nothing fancy, but that's just it. With a nice pair of khaki pants, you have a ton of options; throw on a decent t-shirt, and you've got a simple, casual outfit; don a dress shirt and tie, and you're looking spiffy enough to show up to the office. And I'll let you in on a secret -- my favorite pair is from Old Navy. I'm not usually a fan of Old Navy clothing, but I've gotten a ton of compliments of "oh, what nice pants" I'm wearing.

2. A variety of solid-colored t-shirts. Whether it's using it as an undershirt, or wearing it on its own, it's a key element to a casual, simple wardrobe. Color-coordinate your t-shirt with a sweater (And throw out those old white v-necks!), or wear one solo every day of the week.

3. A quality black suit. It's absolutely essential to have a suit on hand. It's going to come in handy for any number of things -- job interviews, formal dinners, weddings. And when the occasion doesn't call for a jacket, you've got a nice pair of black dress pants on their own. Oh, and by the way, it doesn't have to be expensive! (Dress-shirt and black shoes required).

4. A pair of brown shoes. This goes along the same lines as the khaki pants -- they're perfect for keeping it casual, or stepping it up a little bit. And please, no penny-loafers or wingtips -- they can't ever be casual.

5. Boxer-briefs. That's right guys, time to grow up. No more briefs or cartoon-patterned boxers, these are much more comfortable and respectable. Certainly, the underwear category isn't all that important to us like it is to women, but it's something you wear every day. And yes, I realize when buying CK or Tommy Hilfiger brand underwear, the revealing picture of the male model just isn't necessary -- just close your eyes.

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Tags: fashion tips, FashionTips, men, wardrobe

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

josephus rex imperator 1-03-2007 @ 8:31PM

A black suit, an item "every guy needs"? Balderdash!

Most men look dreadful in a black suit. Even a very fit and handsome man, if he's got a light complexion, brown hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes, will look terminally ill if he wears black. Moreover, a black suit will make any man look a little eccentric. It is NOT an interview suit--not even for a man who looks his best in black.

For interviews, stick with blue or grey. In fact most guys should never wear anything but blue or grey in business situations. Blue or grey will always get you by, in any situation where a suit is required. A black suit isn't exactly a faux-pas, but you should be certain that you can carry it off. Consider your coloring, your personality, and your bearing. A man must be very distinguished indeed to look well in black.

Also, a black suit is NOT a proper substitute for a dinner suit (vulgarly known as a tuxedo)--which IS an item every guy should have.

MAK 1-04-2007 @ 9:23PM

Yeah, nothing like a too chubby,or even slightly chubby guy in a cumberbund tuxedo looking like the Penguin from Batman. Looks lame on too skinny a man too. Its all personal taste and tho' I respect tradition, a nice black suit is the new tuxedo. There's no "one thing" for anything.
As far as blue and gray, in the right shades make bot sexes look appealing.

Used to sell Brooks Brothers 1-03-2007 @ 8:47PM

I agree 100% with Josephus's comments... black suits are an absolute no-no. Unless, of course, you want the Euro-trash look. If a man has to buy a suit, it a) MUST be of high quality, and 2) SHOULD be dark grey. After your grey suit, buy a navy one. Do NOT buy a black suit, which upscale men's shops like Brooks Brothers don't even sell.

Mary 1-03-2007 @ 8:51PM

With respect to suit colors and job meetings: if you are meeting with a superior, wear a light-colored suit. If you are meeting with a subordinate, wear a dark suit.

Whitney 1-03-2007 @ 8:55PM

To name 5 essential things for a man's wardrobe and place more significance to having multicolored t-shirts over having a nice, white cuff linked shirt illustrates something lacking in what one refers to as a "class act." If one is perhaps 14 or 15, not yet of prom age, then the mentioned 5 are vaguely okay. I've no objection to the black suit and brown shoes ... but to omit a classy tie, a pair of cuff links, and a fine shirt ... well ... class speaks when it walks in the door ... some just don't know what to look for ...

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dllct 1-03-2007 @ 9:04PM

I agrree with no to black suits The only time one would wear one is to a black tie event (which should probobly should be a tux, but a black suit will do) or a funeral!! As for the boxer breifs, personally, I find briefs much more comfortable with jeans or more form fitted clothing. I wore the boxer briefs, but I didnt like the "feel" of them and I felt too bulky in them while wearing jeans.

Kman 1-03-2007 @ 9:08PM

Regarding the boxer briefs......

Where have they been all my life! Got a pair (from my wife) and have since replaced my entire collection of boxers, and tighty whiteys, with top of the line ($15 each) Boxer Briefs. Who knew!!!

Shannon 1-03-2007 @ 9:17PM

I have to say not many men look good in boxer briefs... unless you are in great shape they do not flatter. That's like saying every woman should own a thong and we KNOW not all women can pull that off. I prefer boxers myself..and no not the ones with cartoons all over them but plain old cotton is fine, they make them in lots of executive prints know (wink).

LHF 1-03-2007 @ 9:22PM

Black suits bring to mind undertakers or mafiosi. If you want the job, do NOT wear a black suit! As soon as you walk out the door your CV will end up in the circular file.

Stanley 1-03-2007 @ 9:37PM

and what's wrong with the revealing picture of the male model on the underwear box?!?

RobbieBobby 1-03-2007 @ 9:37PM

Funny....just bought a BLACK suit......AND at Brooks Brothers....Oh, they DO sell them.......

Russell 1-03-2007 @ 9:43PM

I was actually expecting a serious article here. I'm not really sure who the target audience is, but I really have to agree with the statements above.

I like boxers, but saying this is a must have was definitely good for a laugh.

Every guy needs at least one flowered shirt too...you know, for that always welcome summer luau party.

Daniel 1-06-2007 @ 7:41PM

It's odd how so many people dislike black suits. I work for a prestigious bank and have many friends in the banking and investments feilds and all of our companies ask us to wear black suits everyday. To each his own I guess.

Gregory 1-03-2007 @ 9:44PM

POPPY-COCK !! I suppose anyone who needs to be told what he needs in his closet (hopefully not himself) .. may be bland enough to
so boring. Old Navy Khakis???? Hello? BOXER BRIEFS?????? nothing worse, than those baggy suckers climbing up your ass all day.
Somebody please quick ... call Carson KRESSLEY ASAP !! This list sounds like Straight Eye for the Straight guy (who never heard of Dolce and Gabanna, or low rise jeans. lol

Lisa 1-03-2007 @ 9:46PM

The best pair of underwear for a man is none at all. I just have NEVER seen underwear look good on any man. And it's sexy to me when a guy doesn't wear any. Yeah, i know i'm gonna catch flack for this one. HaHa

M 1-03-2007 @ 9:53PM

Since when is Brooks Bros. an upscale mens store; Fairly pedestrian really?

Loyal D 1-03-2007 @ 9:54PM

Well, that is ONE man's opinion. T shirts are for young men; as an old duffer, I like my V neck, white T shirts (they don't show under my dress shirts) I have a black suit; but, I also have an dk khaki tweed sports coat and a black leather, dressy jacket. I also have black shoes, brown shoes and socks that match!
I'm a khaki man (before they were 'in') and I wear retro (mine are just old! lol) cowboy shirts. My wife said, "You've always marched to your own fashion drum; and, I've never been embarrassed by your choices." We've been married 51 years and she is a "fashionista" carrying Ann Francis purses and wearing Jones of New York. - so Rules are made to be broken, that is what causes style changes! BUT THEN this is just MY opinion.

David 1-03-2007 @ 9:56PM

Josepus has it right.The black suit is rarely done well. Hear, hear, for a nice white shirt with links.
Penny-loafers can never be casual? Guess there's no room for saddle shoes!