A list of essential items that the Style Council has adjourned that every stylish male should have in his wardrobe, without breaking the bank – or a student loan.
- White Button Down Shirt
Nothing strikes sophistication like a good quality white button down shirt and there is very little that it doesn’t go with. Be the height of refinement with a well-fitted suit, or casual weekend look under a crew neck jumper – it will make an impression with your girlfriend’s mother
White Oxford Shirt £20 Next Style Council tip: Don’t wear white shirt and tie without a jacket – you’ll look like you’re a waiter at TGI Friday’s.
- Pale Blue ShirtEnhance your work wear attire with a pale blue shirt, add navy with it to polish off a classy look.
Pale Blue Oxford Shirt £25 River Island - Navy Crew Neck Jumper
Another versatile piece, a navy cotton mix crew neck should appear in any trendy guy’s closet. Acting as a layer in winter and is a fashionable feature in the summer.
Blend Navy Crew Neck Jumper £27.99 Asos - Denim Jacket
The denim jacket should not be so feared. Worn with a simple white tee, over an open hoody and jeans of a different tone, you can attain cool casual.
Denim Jacket with Borg Collar £50 ASOS Style Council tip: It’s worth scouring for vintage denim jackets to give an authentic chic 60s/70s look; Levi’s is the king of the realm here.
- Black Leather Biker Jacket
Slim-fitted biker jackets give that bad boy impression that girls dig. Wear over a white tee, jeans for effortless hit-the-bars cool. Combine with slicked back hair and black Chelsea boots for an iconic appearance.
Black leather-look jacket £75 River Island Style Council tip: Splurge out that bit more and go for real leather. It lasts longer and looks more authentic.
- Black Chelsea Boots
There’s a divide over what kind of Chelsea boots you should buy. Yes, brown suedes are really cool, but as someone who succumbed to Beatlesmania from an early age, it has to be black. The lace-less, understated and timeless Chelsea boot is a timeless feature that every man should own, creating smarter, chic looks.
Black Leather Look Chelsea Boots £30 Burton - Brown Monk Straps
It was a toss-up between these and brogues. There is definitely a place in a man’s wardrobe for brogues, but Monk Straps are brogues that went to school and got a first class degree.
Tan Bullet Monk Straps £64.99 Office - SneakersA done-in pair of white sneakers are a simple item for casual weekends. Converse is the real winner here.
White Converse All Star Trainers £45 Schuh - Statement Belt
Choosing a belt to tie-in with your outfit is similar to picking out a tie. A statement belt is a key feature rather than just an accessory, one which you have to go all out to stand out. Bold patterns or block colours can really help you peacock.
Teal Woven Belt £12 River Island - Black Slim TrousersIf you don’t already own a pair of black trousers, then you need to be asking yourself this question –why the hell not? Now, drop everything you’re doing and go and get a pair. Dress trousers are not extravagant, but ooze class. Wear with a shirt, blazer or crew neck jumper and smart shoes.
Slim fit black trousers £20 Next - Black Dress ShoesA pair of black lace up shoes are made to be worn on formal suit occasions.
Black Italia Apron Lace-Ups £75 Next Style Council tip: Buy an elegantly shaped pair and keep them tucked away for special occasions. They can easily be worn with a tux.
- Slim Indigo JeansI can’t emphasize how much of a must-have that a good pair of slim indigo jeans are, they go with pretty much everything casual. Should be slim, but not overly tight – no one wants more than what they need to of your crotch.
Levi’s Indigo 522 Slim Tapered Jeans £65 Topman - Light Blue JeansSimilarly like indigo jeans they are another casual essential.
Light Wash Denim Skinny Jeans £28 River Island Style Council tip: Wear with tan monk straps/brogues to stand out. A white tee and a pair of shades for a summer look dripping with cool.
- A White T Shirt
It just goes with everything. A good white cotton tee is seasonal and looks good on its own in the summer or any jacket – be it bombers, leathers or denim. It can also be used to tone down blazers.
Plain white slim fit T-shirt £7 Topman -
Trench Coat
Classic beige or Dylan-esque black, trench coats are perfect for spring. Over a suit or t-shirt and jeans, this will protect you from rainy showers while looking très chic.
Beige belted Trench Coat £70 ASOS
