Once I became an official blogger for the Dressing Room, I was asked to contribute a photo and answer a few questions for the blog contributors page. One was “What should every man have in his closet?” My answer is/was: 1 pair black slacks; 1 pair black dress shoes; 1 pair cool jeans; 1 pair cool casual shoes; 1 dress shirt and tie combination to go with slacks; 1 sportshirt and 1 polo shirt that can go with slacks or jeans and 1 stylish T-shirt to go with jeans.
Here are my picks from Dillards.com and how I’d wear them.
For Work
These Cremieux dress pants go great with this classic white dress shirt from Roundtree & Yorke Gold Label. Dress this look up even more with this Murano time stripe tie. A vest is a versatile bonus item. Pair this one from Perry Ellis with the shirt/tie/slacks combination for another work-ready look. Remove the tie and you’ll have 4 work looks just from these pieces. Toss this Perry Ellis sportcoat in the mix for even more diversity.
Dressy Casual
When you want a stylish casual look, pair the vest, dress shirt and tie with these Levi’s 505 jeans. This look works for a lot of offices and is also great for a dinner date or night out. You can also wear the slacks with this Murano sportshirt or with denim and chinos.
Weekend
Jeans or these Polo Ralph Lauren vintage chinos also go great with polo shirts and T-shirts (I like the vintage vibe of these Junk Food tees) for a laid-back look.
Shoes
Leave the gym shoes for the gym fellas. These Windsor Dress Oxfords from Ecco and these Rockport casual Oxfords work with most of these looks. I love my sandals and flip flops on the weekend, but those aren’t essentials.
Accessories
Wrap up your essentials collection with a belt and watch. This reversible belt from Polo Ralph Lauren matches each pair of shoes and this Michael Kors watch is perfect for everyday wear.
And just so you know, my closet is stocked with a version of each of these items. In my photo on the contributors page I’m wearing a Cremieux polo shirt and Roundtree & Yorke slacks for a casual Friday look.
Shop all men’s here.
Do you have these essentials, if not, tell us what you’ll be adding to your closet?
