THE JOURNAL

Almost all men’s clothing can be separated into two categories: things you need and things you want. Underwear, you need. Crew-neck T-shirts and jeans, you need. But a rust suede jacket from Mr P. or the latest low-profile sneakers from LEMAIRE? Those you want. And that counts, too. The trick is to build a wardrobe of pieces that somehow sits in the middle of the two camps – clothes that cover the basics but offer that little something extra. Here are 11 elite pieces we think every man should have.
01. The suede jacket

The spectrum of suede and leather jackets spans far and wide, but we’ll narrow down the options to blousons, safari styles and bombers, which will never go out of style. Classic safaris exemplify rugged sophistication. Meanwhile, blousons and bombers are somewhat of a crossover – and most designers posed their own take on the classic this season. “Current iterations of the bomber jacket often take their cues from decades’ worth of history and references, proving an ability to withstand the test of time,” says Joss Long, MR PORTER’s Senior Buyer. “In particular, styles that are collared and elevated in supple suedes are even easier to incorporate into your daily wardrobe.”
02. The sweater

As far as the need for an extra layer goes, you really can’t go wrong with a knitted sweater. But you can also go a lot more right. Premium blends such as silk, cashmere and cotton offer good temperature regulation in the warmer months, not to mention a softer handle. Crew-neck pullovers, as the name suggest, can be easily pulled on over most base layers, while lightweight cardigans offer a smart point of difference. Go-to brands such as ZEGNA and The Row have turned knitwear into a signature move, so look out for quality constructions and seasonal shades such as butter yellow and chocolate brown.
03. The shirt
When it comes to shirts, casual can mean relaxed, but it certainly shouldn’t be careless. Which is to say that something that looks thrown on doesn’t have to be literally thrown on. In short, rethink your shirt. From classic button-ups to more laid-back linen designs, take this staple up a notch with brands such as Paul Smith, Mr P. and Kiton.
04. The polo shirt

Since it was first introduced in the tennis world in the 1920s – and later popularised as everyday wear – the polo shirt has anchored itself as a cornerstone of men’s style. It’s one of the easiest ways to smarten up any look without feeling too stuffy – particularly if the polo in question has been expertly made by the likes of ZEGNA, Drake’s and De Petrillo, among others.
05. The bags

In the current era of the men’s bag, a tatty old promo tote won’t do. And for guys about town, there are a few options for day-to-day use. For quality-assured craftsmanship, you can’t beat a leather backpack from the likes of TOM FORD. which will wear its years well. For the weekend, a tote or messenger bag does the job nicely – take these cult pieces from Officine Creative and CELINE.
06. The jeans
Good genes are a cruel lottery. But good jeans? Much more obtainable. Every man needs a pair. And since you’re likely to still be wearing them come the warmer season, it’s worth investing in some that will last. We suggest a straight cut for versatility and perhaps lighter washes to avoid attracting the heat – look to The Row, Aimé Leon Dore and Our Legacy.
07. The shorts

Whether you can wear shorts to the office or not isn’t our call to make (or is it? Stay tuned…) but what you can do is get a pair or two for sun-drenched holidays you’ll be jetting off on this summer. From smarter pairs by Paul Smith and 3sixteen to easier styles by the likes of NN07 and Frescobol Carioca, these have (half of) your legs covered.
08. The sneakers

The go-to shoe for many of us, although everyone has their own preference when it comes to brands and styles. Do you want something with sporting pedigree or designer je ne sais quoi? For some, Dries Van Noten has the low-key sneaker sewn up, while New Balance has put in the hard miles when it comes to the retro sportswear front. Either way, a discrete pair means you won’t put a foot wrong.
09. The sunglasses
We’ve written a full guide on how to pick the right sunglasses for you, so we trust that once you’re presented with enough options, the choice should be fairly easy. There’s truly something for everyone here, or every face shape, from the ever so popular modern takes on classic aviators – TOM FORD, we see you – to more unassuming square frames from Bottega Veneta and SAINT LAURENT, all the way to tinted styles by Jacques Marie Mage and ZEGNA.
10. The loafers

Right now, classic penny loafers are right on the money. “Recent iterations with slimmer profiles, almond-toe shapes and additional character details, such as ruching or elevated materials, have allowed them to exist equally as a casual everyday style to pair with jeans and a T-shirt, as well as a more interesting formal option,” Long says. Grenson may still be one of the best sources for the traditional shape, but don’t overlook SAINT LAURENT’s popular take on it, or Saman Amel and Officine Creative’s streamlined designs.
11. The suit
Whether you have to wear one every day, or you’re just updating your tailoring essentials ahead of wedding season and formal event, a suit has the potential to be the most reliable piece in your wardrobe. Linen is the business to stay cool in the heat – a classic beige one from Paul Smith is particularly summery, or a navy one from Rubinacci which can be easily broken up with pleated trousers. Don’t sleep on patterns to inject a touch of character to your tailoring game.