As the saying goes,
you only get one chance to make a first impression, holds true for men of all ages. Whether you're attending school, work, a job interview, or just going out with friends, you should present yourself in an appropriate manner. While no two men have the exact same style, there are a few essential fashion items that every man should own. By adding them to your wardrobe, you'll have an easier time creating a clean and attractive look, regardless of the occasion. So, what fashion essentials do you need to own?
White T-Shirt
Chances are you probably own a white t-shirt already. In fact, you may own several. But there's a huge difference between a low-quality and high-quality white t-shirt, with the latter offering a deeper level of style and personalization. A high-quality white t-shirt can be worn in two separate ways: you can wear it by itself, without any additional shirts, or you can wear it as a base layer under a different shirt or top. Either way, a high-quality t-shirt is a must-have fashion item for every man. You can wear it dozens of different ways, including over or under a different shirt. And white t-shirts are the perfect "grab and go" choice for busy men who are always on the go.
Khakis
A good pair of khakis are essential. I know what you're probably thinking: why do I need khakis if I already own a suit (with trousers)? Well, khakis are less formal than suit trousers, so they tend to be the better choice for occasions that require something between jeans and trousers. If jeans are too casual but suit trousers are too formal, perhaps khakis are the perfect balance. They are simple, comfortable, easy to match, and look great on just about anywhere, assuming you choose a pair that fits your body.
Pocket Square
Although small in size, pocket squares play an important role in the look of a suit. Consisting of nothing more than a small square-shaped piece of cloth or fabric, they are placed in the breast pocket of a suit jacket or coat. Pocket squares don't serve any functional benefits. Rather, they improve the look of a suit by adding new colors and designs to the outfit. You can buy them for just a couple bucks a piece, which is a small price to pay for the aesthetic value they offer. Simply fold the pocket square and place it in the breast pocket of your jacket or coat. There's no faster way to enhance the look of your suit, making pocket squares an essential must-have fashion item for every man.
Suit
We can't talk about must-have fashion essentials without mentioning a suit. Some men turn their heads at the thought of buying a suit, simply because they don't wear one on a daily basis. But even if you don't wear a suit regularly, you'll still need it on occasion. When attending weddings, funerals, job interviews, graduations, etc., you'll probably need to wear one. And if you don't own a suit, you'll stick out like a sore thumb -- and not in a good way! To prevent such problems from occurring, keep a suit in your wardrobe for special occasions like this.
Brown Shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit. If you plan on wearing a suit, for instance, you'll need to pair it with the right shoes; otherwise, all of your efforts will be in vain. There are dozens of different choices available when it comes to footwear, although a classic pair of brown loafers are always an excellent choice. There's just something naturally clean and sophisticated associated with brown loafers. You can dress them up, dress them down, or wear them somewhere in between. Regardless, you should add a pair of brown loafers to your wardrobe.
Black Shoes
Of course, brown shoes won't always cut it. If you're wearing a black suit, for instance, brown shoes will likely clash with your outfit; thus, hurting your efforts to create a clean look. This is where black shoes come into play: a pair of black loafers or similar dress shoes are a better match for black suits. The black-on-black blends together to create an attractive and cohesive appearance. Just remember to shine your shoes before wearing them. Whether they are brown, black or any other color, dress shoes should feature a clean and shiny surface.
Polo Shirt
When you're looking for a classic, casual outfit for a warm spring or summer day, you really can't go wrong with a polo shirt. Polo shirts are simple, comfortable and look great. If you want to really make a good impression, avoid cheap, generic-looking polo shirts and stick with the high-end ones. A well-made polo shirt should feature a soft pique cotton construction, along with sizing that fits your body.
Belt
Another must-have fashion essential that every man needs to own is a belt. Even if your pants "fit" without any extra support, a belt is still useful. It enhances your appearance by defining the waistline and adding new color in the process. The key thing to remember is that you need to choose the right color belt. A good rule of thumb is to match the color of your belt with the color of your shoes. If you're wearing brown shoes, for instance, stick with a brown belt. For black shoes, wear a black belt -- you get the idea.
Leather Jacket
Why do you need a leather jacket? Well, not every jacket or coat is suitable for every occasion. Leather jackets, however, offer an unmatched level of versatility. You can wear them for both casual and formal occasions, making them highly useful. Also, leather jackets have unique properties that distinguish them from other coats and jackets. Leather has a distinguishable look that's simply not found elsewhere, and it's also super soft and comfortable to wear. All of these elements make it a must-have fashion item that every man needs to own.
