It’s important that you have key pieces in your wardrobe that you can play around with. No matter how simple and basic they look, you can create various outfits with them. Soon enough, you’ll develop your own style and make a casual outfit look great, even if you’re only running errands or hanging out with your friends.

Here are some wardrobe essentials you should have.

  1. Dark Jeans

You need a pair of good-quality jeans in dark colors, such as indigo or black. You can wear dark-colored jeans with practically anything, such as men’s t-shirts and sneakers for a casual look. Jeans even look great for a semi-formal occasion: button-down shirts and brogues. They’re some of the most versatile pieces you’ll have in your wardrobe.

  1. Plain Colored T-shirts

You’ll never go wrong with plain colored t-shirts. But if you prefer a minimalist look, go for neutral colors, like gray, white, navy blue, or black. 

Here are a few ways you can play around with different tuck styles with just a plain colored t-shirt:

  • Tucked In – A tucked-in shirt paired with any kind of pants, white sneakers, and a belt will make you stand out.
  • Untucked – Wear the same set of clothes but remove the belt. Complete the look with a bomber jacket or plaid long sleeves.
  • French Tucked – Though simple, you’ll look dashing in a white tee with rolled-up sleeves, dark-colored jeans, and white sneakers.

You can get both crewneck and V-neck shirts too. A round-neck shirt is a more classic look while a V-neck is laid-back, which is also suitable as an undershirt.

  1. Overcoat

Start with a long coat with three or four buttons. You can style it with a shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Or go for a sweatshirt, jogger pants, and trainers.  

Opt for gray, black, caramel, and navy blue shades when choosing a coat since they’re easy to mix and match with a variety of outfits, such as a suit or a shirt with denim. 

  1. Gray Sweatshirt

A gray sweatshirt is probably the most underrated piece. The most basic look you can do is to pair a gray sweatshirt with dark jeans and white sneakers. This outfit looks put together and effortless. 

Although a sweatshirt isn’t a statement piece, layering it will do wonders. It goes well with any outfit you can think of, like a denim jacket over a gray sweater. If you still feel a little cold, don an overcoat over your denim jacket. Complete the look with jogger pants, white sneakers, a cashmere scarf, and a beanie.

  1. Dress Shirts

Even if you don’t plan on attending a formal event, you’ll need dress shirts. Besides, a wardrobe is incomplete without this piece. White or baby blue dress shirts are classics that are usually paired with dark-colored jeans and sneakers.

  1. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers can make any outfit pop. It’s a versatile piece, as well as a classic one that will never go out of style. 

  1. Socks

You need socks to go with your white sneakers. Colored and printed socks give a hint of character to your look. But if you prefer a minimalist look, go for classic colors, such as white, gray, and black. 

Socks are essential, as they absorb moisture. Without them, you’ll be rubbing the sole of the shoes for hours, which will most likely lead to blisters. Hence, you need to wear socks to protect your feet.

The following are some things you need to keep in mind when wearing socks:

  • Don’t wear socks with sandals. It won’t look good. 
  • Never wear socks that have holes. You won’t feel comfortable since it can no longer keep your feet warm and prevent blisters. 
  • Don’t keep a pair of socks with a missing one. If it got lost when you were doing laundry, get rid of the other one. There won’t be any point in keeping it. 
  • Avoid wearing patterned socks. That’s too much detail going on in your outfit.
  1. Sunglasses

You’ll need to wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from ultraviolet light. If you’re not sure what kind you should get, try experimenting with different shapes. Choose one that suits your face and style.

Here’s a list of facial shapes and sunglass styles that match them.

  • Oblong – An oversized pair of aviator sunglasses suits an oblong-shaped face. However, any sunglasses will do just fine, but you should avoid the teardrop pair since it pulls the eyes down.
  • Triangle – Go for wire-framed, double-bridged sunglasses or round glasses.
  • Diamond – Just like the triangle-shaped face, double-bridged sunglasses will look good on you.
  • Square – A round-shaped pair of sunglasses is ideal for a square-shaped face. Avoid square-shaped sunglasses, which will only harden your angular features further.
  • Round – A pair of square-shaped sunglasses will make your face look thinner and sharper.
  • Heart – A classic teardrop aviator will suit you best.
  • Oval – You can wear any style of sunglasses you want.
  1. Watch

A watch isn’t just a functional piece that tells you the time, but it’s also a fashion accessory that completes your look. A watch with a minimalist design and a black or brown leather strap is simple but elegant. 

Conclusion

Dressing up doesn’t mean wearing a suit for a special occasion. It’s all about looking your best. With all these wardrobe staples, you’ll look dapper and confident wherever you go, be it a coffee run or beer with your buddies.