My ‘Staples’ List.
In going through my current wardrobe in preparation for my clothing sale, I’ve been thinking about, going forward, what my staples should be. I’ve come up with the following:
1 Charcoal Grey Suit - This suit should be 2-button and have a medium weight to it so it can be worn year-round. Flat-front pants and a modern, slim fit. My Zegna suit fits this bill. Check eBay. I got my Zegna for $50, and had $50 of tailoring done to it.
1 Pair Charcoal Grey Flat-Front Trousers - A staple for sure. Works for almost any occasion and is the ultimate flexible garment. These Brooks Brothers are great. These should be wool.
1 Navy Blazer - works with jeans or the above charcoal trousers. Again, we are going for flexibility here so modern fit, 2-button and a high-quality wool to use as your workhorse.
1 Pair of Jeans - (Raw Selvedge denim) as you can wear over and over without washing. Dark wash (obviously), straight leg. I have these Railcar jeans and they are awesome.
6 Spread or semi-spread collar shirts, slim fit - Again, check eBay. You can get lightly-used high-end shirts for a fraction of what they cost new. I personally like the way french cuffs look (plus you can usually get a higher-end shirt for less as the french cuffs are less desirable). Stick with whites and blues - My personal favorite brands are Turnbull & Asser, Charvet, and Zegna. 39-size in Charvet fits me great, and the 15/38 in T&A/Zegna fits without the need for alternations. Avoid ‘classic’ fits as you will swim in them.
1 white shirt, 2 light blue shirts, 3 blue striped shirts. We want one for every day in the work week plus one extra.
1 ‘Special’ shirt - This is a shirt you keep for special occasions. Don’t wear this one every week, and don’t wear it out. For me, it’s a hand-stitched Borrelli. Every time I put it on, it makes me feel awesome.
1 Classic Black Dress Belt - I have this Allen Edmonds black belt. Well worth the money and if you have Amazon prime - it’s free 2nd day shipping.
1 Classic Brown Dress Belt - Again Allen Edmonds is a safe choice. Dark brown is a good first brown belt as it will be more flexible.
2 Pairs of Cap-toe oxford shoes - One black, and one brown. These are you standbys. I’d suggest checking out Allen Edmonds Park Avenues. One in each color, and don’t be afraid to check eBay.
1 Pair of ‘nice’ brown wing tips - These are your special occasion shoes. Go a little nuts on these because you want them to be special. Here is my current choice from Crockett & Jones but there are tons of good options.
1 Pair of Suede Chukka Boots - works with jeans or with trousers and you navy blazer. Alden roughed-up suede Chukkas fit the bill perfect.
7 Pairs of nice wool socks - Get them in charcoal so they work with any color. I like Marcoliani socks. Get them from Kent Wang and on the same order the next two categories of items:
3 Pocket Squares - one basic white linen, one white with a navy edge and one blue plaid.
Set of mother-of-pearl cufflinks - Simple, classy and versatile.
5 Ties - 1 Navy Grenadine, 1 Navy Knit Solid, 1 Silver, 1 Navy knit with a pattern, and one Navy Pindot. There are other options, but these five will let you mix and match your shirts and pants with ease.
5 white undershirts - I like the Hanes ‘perfect t’ mid v-neck. No need to spend your money here, they are just cotton undershirts.
A nice watch - literally tons of options, I chose a used Omega Seamaster professional. Just make sure you don’t buy a ridiculous-looking douchebag watch. Keep it classy and simple, either stainless steel or black leather band. Reasonable-sized face and time and date only. If you watch has more than one knob, or more than three hands, it’s too busy. (This is IMO, of course).
Well that is about it. With these 39 items you can be 85% complete with a wardrobe that will make you look good for 90% of the situations life throws at you.
