What is the Basic Attire of a Mans’ Closet Wardrobe
Every professional should own at least five suits and five shirts. Why? This gives you a week’s worth of clothing, without having to stress about keeping clothes clean and ready to wear. These need not be purchased all at once. Work gradually to build your wardrobe. As you invest in quality garments that will give you years of wear and service, your wardrobe choices will increase. If you add just one new suit per year, in five years you would have a basic working suit wardrobe at very minimal expense.
The first suit purchase should always be a navy blue, two piece suit. You can wear a solid navy blue suit to almost any function, even a funeral, and be well dressed. Choose classic styling with simple details. A notched lapel is more traditional than a peaked lapel, and a center vent is an enduring style. Side vents are nice, but will give an Italian flair to the suit.
From this initial purchase, add a navy pinstripe, a gray solid, a gray stripe, and a black suit. These form the core essentials of a working wardrobe. Choose three season wool for the best value.
Five white shirts are good, ten white shirts are better. With ten white shirts, you always have five to wear, and five to launder. Keep them rotating. As your budget allows, add a couple of blue shirts. If you have an athletic build, or an exceptionally large neck, invest in custom made shirts. The cost will be offset by the cleaner look and fit. Ready made shirts may have too much fabric around the waist and will look baggy. Basic white and blue shirts will give you the flexibility to add style and personality with accessories.
Silk ties are a good investment as they will maintain their shape and integrity. Striped, or rep ties, small patterns, or even solids are good choices. Make sure the width of the tie is in line with current fashion standards. Every man needs a plain red tie to put with his navy power suit and white shirt.
Socks should match pant colors. You should have two belts; black and brown, to match your black and brown shoes. If you like braces, you may want to pick up a couple of pairs, but please do not wear them with your belt.
The last essential item is a topcoat. This will help protect the investment you have made in good quality clothing. Do some comparison shopping and buy the best you can afford. Your topcoat will be a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Dressing well can be fun as well as affordable. Remember, it costs nothing to “window shop”. The Internet has put a world of information resources at our fingertips. “Window shop” online and find styles that interest you. Try them on for size at your local store. If you really like the style and fit, research online to find the best bargain.
http://www.howtodothings.com/fashion-personal-care/how-to-dress-for-a-black-tie-event
http://mensfashion.about.com/od/springsummerfashion/a/cottonsuits.htm
http://www.aeans.org/articles/ascloak.shtml
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip/33_fashion_advice.html