Wardrobe Essentials - For the Guys

After posting about my top ten splurge-worthy wardrobe essentials, I had some requests to write one for the guys. Shoes are almost number one for me as far as something in which every guy should invest. Shoes are so important, in fact, that they got their own post! Now, my experience shopping for guys is much more limited than shopping for myself, but a lot of the same principles apply: invest in basic pieces that work well together, and build from there.

1. Classic Oxford - I will always love a good, classic oxford on a guy- blue or white, it doesn't matter. If you are looking to build your wardrobe, invest in a quality oxford that will work well with a variety of ties and blazers.

2. Casual Shirt - When I say "casual," I don't mean a screen print t-shirt. I mean either a button-up or a polo (if that's more your speed). Whenever I'm shopping for my brothers or my dad, J. Crew Factory is the first place I look. They have reasonably priced clothes for the quality of their products. For the winter, look for darker colors in heavier fabrics, and for summer, go for pastels or brights in lighter fabrics.

3. Shorts - One of my pet peeves about shorts is that most guys tend to buy pairs that are too long. Wearing shorts that are too long makes the guy look shorter and a little (heaven-forbid!) outdated. Shoot for a length that hits just above the knee or a little higher. I know Chubbies are a thing right now, but I'm not sure that I would recommend going that short...

4. Casual Pants - Find a fit you like (not too loose, not to tight) and go with it! Experiment with colors, or stick to traditional ones like khaki and navy. These come in about 10 colors - have at it!

5. Dress Pants - Fit is everything. I recommend doing a little leg work to track down a brand that works for you and your wallet. Find a good tailor and have you pants altered to fit you. Very rarely will dress pants fit perfectly right off the rack.

6. A Classic Blazer - Choose a blazer that works well with your dress pants (or just invest in a suit), and you'll be good to go!

[Fossil - Daniel Wellington - Nixon]

7. A Classic Watch - In my last post, I mentioned that I always look at a guy's shoes first. Well, I glance at the watch second. Decide on a metal, leather, or digital watch - whichever fits your overall style best. And no need to stop at just one! Girls have more than one pair of earrings, why can't a guy have more than one watch?

8. A Leather Belt - I feel like this one is pretty self-explanatory...

9.Winter Coat - A good winter coat will carry you a long way. There are so many options: wool or down; short or long; buttons or zipper; collar or collarless. Take you pick. (P.S. The best time to shop for winter coats is after Christmas).

[Sailboats - Stripes - Ducks - Orange - Dots]

10. Fun Socks - I had trouble coming up with number 10, so I phoned a friend - well, more like texted...several friends, actually. They all said every guy should have some fun dress socks. These are some of my favorite