31 clothing essentials for every man’s wardrobe

While the temptation is all too real to follow in the footsteps of Elton John when it comes to sunglasses, even the whackiest of men’s style icons have a classic pair of wayfarers, aviators or clubmasters for lower-key moments. These are best done in black or rich tortoiseshell acetate, and can add a touch of luxe with gold or silver hardware (see Tom Ford Eyewear and Ray-Ban) or the subtle flex of a designer logo at the temples. Keep this with you whenever there’s the tease of sunshine on the forecast, and save those more statement cat eye and matrix shapes for bigger ‘fits.

A black suit

Be it for a black tie event or a funeral, the black suit is a versatile staple for your tailoring collection. There are few smarter looks than a black suit, white shirt, black tie combo, but there’ll be plenty of ways to level up your looks in head-to-toe black or with a chunky pair of Derbies. Plus, you’ll likely get lots of use out of the trousers on their own.

A statement ring

The best way to flesh out your ‘fits? With some almighty accessories, of course. Take a page from the style book of Mr Mescal amid others and edge-up new-season looks with a flash of metal, silver or gold atop your fingers. You’re bound to discover you’re a hand-talker in no time.

A pair of technical trousers

Sitting somewhere between a jogger and cargo pant aesthetically, but in the altogether lighter and more breathable fabrication of nylon, polyester, or a mix of the two, the technical trouser has become a very popular choice for those who favour the utilitarian look. Often coming with the functional details of the cargo with many more pockets than the usual five, they’re best done in dark or earthy tones. Prada’s are a pin-up of the style, but you’ll find plenty of more affordable options out there.

A layer-friendly overshirt

Behold: the humble overshirt. A veritable building block of the stylish man’s wardrobe, a good overshirt can be relied upon as a trans-seasonal layer, the bringer of a utilitarian touch, or simply as a shirt with just a little more ‘oomph’ and insulation. When it comes to the best brands for the all-important overshirt, the mid-priced but majorly stylish Percival springs to mind, particularly its Casentino wool selection. On the other end of the design spectrum, however, the luxe quilted offering from Burberry is decked out with (what else?) its ever-iconic Vintage Check pattern. Check it out.

A versatile backpack

Regardless of what you’re stowing away, chances are a backpack is the bag for the job. Beginning as the preppy staple of the schoolboy, the humble backpack has now cemented its place in the offerings of top-tier fashion houses amid extensive collections of crossbody, holdalls and satchels. We’ve gone ahead and picked out three stylish storage options to get you started.

A pair of grey joggers