The Style Guide: Wardrobe Building Blocks
Crafting a versatile capsule wardrobe takes the complication out of getting dressed – take a tour through our menswear collection, for the essentials to get started with
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The Guide: Wardrobe Building Blocks
Crafting a versatile capsule wardrobe takes the complication out of getting dressed – take a tour through our menswear collection, for the essentials to get started with
Fashion may often be fickle, but there are some pieces you can always rely on. Use them as the foundations of your edit and you’ll be able to put stylish outfits together with ease, season after season. Whether combined as a minimal look or used to offset your avant-garde buys, these are the ones you can’t go without.
The Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
Marlon Brando made the case for a perfect fit t-shirt back in the 1950s – the short-sleeved, round neck silhouette remains a wardrobe staple to this day. Stick to a classic white base or use it to introduce block colour into your outfit. A logo patch is a subtle way to call out your style tribe; look out for Maison Kitsuné’s cheeky fox, Comme des Garçon Play’s signature heart, and Fred Perry’s iconic wreath.
The Button-Down Shirt
Struggling with a smart-casual dress code? Not sure what to wear for that evening date? A button-down shirt is your solution. Worn alone or layered, it’s more versatile than you might expect, especially if you want to introduce subtle pattern to an outfit - try a vertical stripe or mini check. There’s a style to fit every mood: change up the materials depending on the event. Crisp cotton poplin is ideal for a sharp minimalist look, whilst corduroy has a luxurious heavier weight, and woven flannel can bring rustic colour to your ensemble.
The Blue Jeans
From humble beginnings in the 1800s to underpinning casual wardrobes the world over, jeans have come a long way. For a capsule wardrobe, stick to a flattering straight cut and wear-with-everything indigo wash – find your next favourite pair in our curated edit from the denim capitals of the world. Look to Japanese brands for expertly constructed selvedge denim, Scandinavia for functional, stylish simplicity, and the West Coast of America for that irreplicable effortless cool.
The Chino Trousers
Made from lightweight twill fabric, chino trousers are a simple, refined style that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion – craft a sharp look with a tucked-in Oxford shirt, or wear with a loopback sweatshirt and trainers for a pared-back casual edit. In navy or tan fabrications, this foundational piece is one of the hardest working in a capsule wardrobe.
The Premium Underwear
At the base of every outfit is a stylish set of underwear; ensure luxurious comfort and introduce some subtle flair with your choice of undergarments. Old school brands like Hemen, Sunspel and Pantherella craft classic basics, whilst Paul Smith and Socksss bring vibrant colour (and a sense of humour) to your sock drawer.
