A Minimalist Wardrobe for Men: Part Two — The Bare Basics of a Minimalist Man’s Wardrobe
Before we begin, here are some basic rules:
- Always, buy quality garments on important elements such as suits and shoes
- Quality also means you won’t look disheveled, because the colour & cut won’t fade & fray
- But don’t bother with quality on a cotton t-shirt. $10 or $100, it’s the same thing.
- Choose classic cuts, prints & colours so that it will last through (hopefully) decades
- Don’t forget basic grooming: a good haircut will always work wonders
These are all just general tips for a basic working man’s wardrobe, but of course, it depends on your budget, your industry, your job & lifestyle.
So use your own discretion.
THE INSPIRATION: MAD MEN’S DON DRAPER
Note: Cigarette in hand, not really recommended.
There is a reason why women swoon over the show (and Don Draper in particular), and it isn’t just for the 50s women’s fashion.
Classic, with a twist.
STANDARD, CLASSIC WARDROBE
Assumed criterion:
- Business casual during the week
- Fun on the weekends (possibly with or without children)
- Also attend events such as weddings & dinners on occasion
- You do laundry weekly, because as a minimalist, you will not have many (clean) outfits to last for months without laundry
- Live in a place with 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter
THE FULL LIST: 40-45 items
- 6 business casual shirts
- 3 work pants
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 polo shirts
- 3 sweaters
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 winter jacket
- 1 sport coat
- 1 black/dark grey suit
- 2 ties
- 1 reversible belt (black/brown)
- Summer sandals
- European sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Winter Boots [Possibly Optional]
- 9 pairs of socks (each pair counted as an “item”)
- 1 pair of Pajamas [Optional]
- 2 pairs of Shorts [Optional]
- Winter accessories: gloves, scarf, earmuffs/hat
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Work Bag
IN DETAIL:
6 business casual shirts
Why 6?
Because if you are anything like me, you are going to forget to do laundry once a week, and come Sunday, you will realize that you will have to either wear a dirty shirt from the laundry basket, or actually do laundry at 8 p.m. at night.
The 6th shirt is your backup. Just in case.
I’d suggest at least these 2 colours in your choice of 6 shirts: white and some sort of flattering blue.
Blue looks good on everyone, and white can be worn under your suit for if/when you need to go to an event.
I am not about to start going into your “colours” and telling you what blue looks good on you, but a saturated, mid-toned blue is a good, safe start. Try a couple of blues and you’ll see which ones you gravitate towards.
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