Menswear Wardrobe Essentials - Part 2

(Image: Draks)

Part two of the wardrobe essentials trilogy has arrived, if you haven't seen part one, you can find it here. Naturally, part one included the really vital parts of a wardrobe, after all you can't get much more essential than jeans, white shirts, oxford shirts, brogues, and dress shoes. However, this won't stop me from trying! Furthermore, I've included a shop-type-thing at the end of this post so you can see what I've mentioned.

(Image: Kinowear)

Dare I be more obvious? Every man should own a suit, and more importantly, it should fit. It seems so damn obvious, yet somehow so many get it wrong. A suit will either be your best asset or your worst weakness as it will either make you look immaculate, or like you have no idea what you're doing. If it helps, here is my post on suit sizing, but if you really need help, go to a tailor or someone who knows what they're doing. There's only so much you can learn online.

(Image: Dunhill)

An overcoat is pretty essential wherever you live, it's a wardrobe staple that doesn't always have to be worn, but should always be available. This is not something to spend on sparingly as an overcoat should last for years. Go for 100% wool and as heavy as you're willing to go, this will make it more durable. As a side-note I will include pea coats in this, although they aren't technically overcoats, they are a less formal and arguably more stylish and versatile.

(Image: Blacktshirts)

I feel like I'm stating the obvious a little bit too much now, but I suppose that is the idea of 'essentials'. T-shirts are not to be underestimated, they are a classic style and has the ability to make any man look good. However, you are not James Dean and it'd be a good idea to accept that before attempting the white t-shirt, jeans and red harrington jacket look. 

P.S. Please avoid this deep-V or Kanye West/A.P.C. £120 'hip-hop' t-shirt shit. A crew neck will do perfectly fine.

(Image: Indumenti)

Does this count as part of a wardrobe? I think it does. Either way, it is an essential, especially if you travel a lot. Personally, I have a Herschel bag, but they are not for everyone, and I really want a nice leather one. Eventually, I will make that investment. The key thing to remember is that you can look fantastic in a suit or in any perfect outfit but if your bag is a pile of crap, it doesn't matter. Either invest in a beautiful one that will last years, or my suggestion is somewhere like River Island. They do surprisingly good PU leather bags.

(Image: Daniel Wellington)

It looks far better to check the time on a watch than it does to check it on a phone. Obviously watches are essential, but the simple and classy watch is the main part, something that you can wear for absolutely anything, something understated. Daniel Wellington is king of this class of watches and I have to own one someday, I would recommend checking them out if you're on the hunt for a new watch.

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Part two down, the third is to come next week.

If there are any things that you feel need to be in this series, please comment or contact me through one of the various ways available.

Cheers guys,

O&U.

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