Basic wardrobe: 22 garments and accessories for the whole year

The basic wardrobe has changed over the years, and most likely varies depending on who you ask. Below we present 22 garments that we personally think would make great additions to our wardrobes.

Field jacket

The field jacket is a practical bridge between casual and formal, and its plethora of pockets can accommodate everything you could possibly need. It pairs just as well with your jeans as it does worn over your suit for a more dressed-down feeling.

Wool hat

A wool hat is both a functional, insulating garment and a nice accessory. In a grey tone, it will work with virtually every colour in your wardrobe.

Raincoat

Like the field jacket, a beige raincoat is a chameleon with one foot in your casual wardrobe and the other in your formal one. Paired with a sweatshirt and jeans, it’s a lifesaver on rainy weekdays.

Sweatshirt

The grey sweatshirt needs no further introduction. It is the optimal garment for free days spent in jeans, chinos or joggers.

Backpack

If you like the look of a classic briefcase but need to have your hands free when running between the bus and the metro, a black backpack made of embossed leather is a perfect option. This model holds everything from your papers and keys to a laptop up to 13 inches in size.

GORE-TEX jacket

A jacket made for outdoor life doesn’t demand that you go mountain climbing to the roof of the world as soon as you put it on. It works just as well to wear it while running between meetings in rough weather as it does for outdoor activities on the weekends.

Pyjamas

Although the opportunities to wear pyjamas may be limited to weekends or holidays, we promise you’ll be grateful to own a pair.

Blazer

Even if it doesn’t come out of the closet every day, we can at least agree it’s always a good idea to own a blue blazer. Pull it out for an especially important meeting, a party, or really anytime you like.

Face cream

If you don’t already have one, a good skin care regime can seem intimidating and unattainable. The Grey’s 3 in 1 Face Cream makes it all much easier for you, as you can use the same cream for day, night and under the eyes.

Running sneakers

Whether you run several times a week or the only running you do is errands, your shoe rack should never be without a pair of Gore-Tex running sneakers.

Joggers

Just like pyjamas, we can’t wear joggers every day (or can we?). But when you do want to pull on a pair, it’s wonderful to have them lying there in the wardrobe. Wear them at home during the weekend, or together with a knitted sweater and overcoat if you need to run down to the shop to buy milk.

Perfume

The most subtle, but at the same time most prominent component of the basic wardrobe is the scent you wear. Choose it with great care, and let it become part of your signature. Byredo’s Mumbai Noise is inspired by the streets of Chembur in Mumbai, where the smoky haze of incense punctuated by the aromas wafting from all the coffee carts.

Chunky-knit rollneck

A chunky-knit polo jumper is just as comfortable to wear in front of an open fire as it is in front of the computer screen at the office. Choose a colour like black or blue to offset the chunkier cut of the garment, which pairs well with jeans or dark grey wool trousers.

Selvedge jeans

It’s impossible to overstate the value of a pair of Japanese selvedge jeans. Not only do they only get better with age, they also have a clear place in your basic wardrobe.

Fleece jumper

Despite its deep roots in the great outdoors, this garment can be worn in a number of different ways. For example, it can be used as an insulating layer under your overcoat. If that’s not your style, you can stick to wearing it on hiking or fishing trips.

Cashmere jumper

If you don’t already own a cashmere jumper, you’re missing out! It’s one of the most wonderful garments to wear. To get the biggest “bang for your buck”, stick to the colours that dominate your wardrobe.

Sunglasses

A pair of handmade sunglasses will last a lifetime if you treat them well. We’ve chosen a pair in a classic tortoiseshell pattern that will work with most of the pieces in your wardrobe.

Wristwatch

As a man, an automatic watch is perhaps the most prominent and important accessory you can wear. Take your time and research your options, then invest in a version that works for you. We’ve chosen a classic model with a white dial and black leather wristband.

White sneakers

Trends may come and go, but white sneakers will always be a necessity in most men’s wardrobe. They work with virtually every style of casual trousers and look great with a casual summer suit worn with a white t-shirt.

Functional trousers

Let’s be honest with ourselves - jeans aren’t necessarily the ideal garment to wear in the great outdoors, nor for taking your kids to the playground early on a Saturday morning, for that matter. That’s why we think a pair of functional trousers with practical pockets is a “must” for the modern man’s wardrobe.

Loafers

Loafers are probably the most versatile shoes a man can own. They look just as good with jeans or chinos as they do with a suit. With the right care, this black leather pair will last for many years to come.

Wool trousers

A pair of dark grey wool trousers can be worn for virtually any occasion, and they can easily add interest to your work attire . Invest in a slightly more generous cut that doesn’t fit you too tightly.