Almost all men’s clothing can be separated into two categories: things you want and things you need. Underwear, you need. Crew-neck T-shirts and cotton sweats, you need. But a burgundy mohair blazer by TOM FORD or a pair of pale suede boat shoes from LOEWE, those you want. And that counts, too. The trick is to build a wardrobe of pieces that somehow sit in the middle of the two camps – clothes that cover the bases, but offer that little something extra. So, as summer arrives, here are 10 elite essentials to take things up a notch.

Oasis defined a distinct look in the 1990s that fused working-class style with mod influences, meaning their fashion choices quickly became as iconic as their music. Central to their image was statement outerwear, especially parkas by brands such as Barbour and Stone Island, worn zipped up and buttoned. Along with frontman Liam Gallagher’s lolloping walk, their look became visual hallmarks of Mancunian swagger and remain a symbol of Britpop fashion.

If there’s a defining text on the contentious idea of prep – a coastal, status-obsessed, artfully crumpled and irreverent take on dressing and living – then it’s 1980’s The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach, Jonathan Roberts, Carol McD Wallace and Mason Wiley. Somewhere between satire and survival guide, it sold a million copies and detailed – among plenty of other things – the best way to take care of madras, which pets are appropriate for a preppy aspirant (dog) and various lessons in etiquette and boojie taste.

Loafers or sneakers? Sure, we have a foot in both camps. But when it comes to summer, only one shoe is king. Step forward the sandal. And yet, whether you’re packing for your vacation or bravely displaying your digits while working your nine-to-five, you’ll want to get it right. You don’t want to turn up to the office in pool slides, for instance. And you should always opt for something a little more structured when you’re roaming the city streets. One of each of the below styles, though, will set you up for any occasion – and keep you on your toes.

Almost all men’s clothing can be separated into two categories: things you want and things you need. Underwear, you need. Crew-neck T-shirts and cotton sweats, you need. But a burgundy mohair blazer by TOM FORD or a pair of pale suede boat shoes from LOEWE, those you want. And that counts, too. The trick is to build a wardrobe of pieces that somehow sit in the middle of the two camps – clothes that cover the bases, but offer that little something extra. So, as summer arrives, here are 10 elite essentials to take things up a notch.

Oasis defined a distinct look in the 1990s that fused working-class style with mod influences, meaning their fashion choices quickly became as iconic as their music. Central to their image was statement outerwear, especially parkas by brands such as Barbour and Stone Island, worn zipped up and buttoned. Along with frontman Liam Gallagher’s lolloping walk, their look became visual hallmarks of Mancunian swagger and remain a symbol of Britpop fashion.