It’s probably too early to start compiling the best songs of 2019, but we feel safe predicting that come December, Mr James Blake’s “Mile High” will be among the year’s top tracks. But while Mr Blake always looks good, that isn’t why we mention him here; it’s because of the line in “Mile High” when he sings, “Less is always more”. Those four words capture exactly how we feel about style right now – sometimes we wish to take refuge from the fashion storm that’s howling around us. There are days when we want some calm, away from the patterns and prints that vigorously compete for attention in what has become a visual arms race. The 1970s are back; so are the 1990s, and the streetwear reign just won’t let up. That’s all well and good but sometimes we just want something… simple.

This season, we’re ready to invest in some high-quality basics made from the best fabrics; clothes that will still look and feel right in a couple of years – think plain T-shirts, hoodies, cotton rollneck sweaters and long-sleeve polo shirts. These discreet pieces represent the casual side of minimalist style.

If a crisply-ironed white shirt worn with charcoal-grey wool trousers and black leather shoes were a work of art it might be a piece by the late, great American artist Mr Donald Judd, perhaps one of his geometric aluminium boxes. But if a green piqué cotton polo shirt, worn with slightly loose-fitting jeans, were an artwork, it would be more like a mud painting by the British artist Mr Richard Long. The mood is still restrained, but now it’s also relaxed. These are pieces that, in the words of Mr Esteban Saba, co-founder of Handvaerk, “complement what you already have in your wardrobe”. These aren’t clothes that shout to be heard, rather, they’re for guys who are comfortable in their skin, and want to be just as comfortable in their clothes.

Much like drinking a cup of tea, there are many occasions when it’s right to wear a T-shirt. Whether you’re dressing for the gym, bed, the weekend, or even layering something under a jacket, a T-shirt works well, provided it’s the right one. In the words of Mr Saba, they are understated, unpretentious, democratic”. The T-shirts offered by his brand are also very carefully considered and made from the finest Peruvian pima cotton for the greatest possible comfort  and longevity.

Soft, cosy hoodies immediately put you in relaxation mode. Whether you need an extra layer to keep you warm on an overnight flight, or while on the sofa catching up on a boxset, the effect of soft wool is dependably reassuring and relaxing, and the cocooning sensation induced by pulling up the hood is always pleasing. Simple dark colours, such as Handvaerk’s navy version, easily combine with pale-coloured chinos, blue jeans or grey sweatpants to create a look of casual sophistication.

Did your mind just conjure an image of the legendary Apple co-founder Mr Steve Jobs? There’s no point pretending his name won’t come up if you pull on a casual, cotton rollneck sweater, but increasingly he’s come to be seen as much a style icon as he was a tech genius. Cotton rollnecks are warm but breathable, yet they subtly hint at vintage sportswear. Wear a black rollneck sweater with blue jeans and grey New Balance sneakers as a tribute to Mr Jobs or try a pale grey one with chinos and white canvas sneakers for a classic Ivy look.

We stand by what we said about T-shirts, but there are exceptional circumstances when a T-shirt just doesn’t feel right. An example might be on a hot day in an Italian city, where it’s easy to feel underdressed, particularly if you’re planning to do some shopping, or eat in a decent restaurant. On such occasions it’s hard to beat a long-sleeve cotton polo shirt, which is easy to wear and to looks relaxed but provides just enough formality that allows a man to feel at home in the most refined surroundings.