Hello to all of our loyal male followers!! For the first time in our history, we have a post geared specifically towards you. Girlies, if you're curious or gift-giving soon, keep reading, too!
From following men's fashion trends independently to shopping with boyfriends and guy friends over the years, I think this post has lived in my head for a while now, but I never considered myself enough of an expert to publish anything geared only towards men. But I've noticed a demand, so #InCaseYouCare, here's what I'd consider great basics for guy's weekend wardrobes. The purpose of this post is to share quality, well-fitting, and ICYC-approved basics that you can invest in over time to help you look really freaking good in your time spent away from the office, especially if you're not sure where to start!
This is also a great list to send to anyone who has asked you what you'd like as a gift this holiday season. If your parents still buy you presents, I'm sure they'd be THRILLED to have a list for you, especially just ahead of Black Friday when a lot of these items go on sale!!
Lastly, as this is a list of elevated basics, you more than likely already have some, if not all, of the items I mention. I recommend using this guide as a checklist to take inventory of what you already have, but also consider what you'd like to upgrade or update.
Jeans
Probably the most important item you can start with is a pair of good quality, well-fitting (read: slimmer than you probably think is necessary) jeans in black and dark-blue washes. Fit is soooo important, because if your jeans fit you wrong, it makes your top & shoes look bad, no matter what they are. For more on how your jeans should fit and what styles will flatter your body type, check out this article.
Bonus points if you invest in a grey or light-blue pair to wear during daytime or during summer. And as always, avoid rips.
Levi's 511 Slim Fit Flex Men's - $70 (40% off with code BLUESTREAK for Black Friday)
Levis 512 Taper Fit Men's - $70 (40% off with code BLUESTREAK for Black Friday)
(Comfortable) Pants
The Lululemon 'ABC' Pant will become your most comfortable and most-worn pants really quickly. You can also get away with wearing these into the office as well. They have a lotttt of different options for material and fit, so I recommend trying them on in-store and seeing what you like.
ABC Pant Classic - $128
ABC Pant Slim - $128
Sweatpants (also known as “joggers”) for everyday chilling are not all created equal -- some are best to be worn only in the confines of your apartment, but a clean pair of black and/or grey ones can be a comfortable, casual option for everyday wear. Nike & lululemon have some of my favorite options!
Tees
Plain white, grey, and black (long & short sleeve tees) that fit you well are by far the most important item in this category. Consider fit details such as tee length, slim or standard fit, and whether you want a rounded hem or one that's straight across. Options with or without a front pockets are both great, so pick what you prefer! I strongly recommend a crew (or standard) neckline, but live your truth! After you nail your rotation of neutral solid tees, consider experimenting with color, graphics, and small or subtle logos.
Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee - $25, $18 with code FRIDAYWEEK
Gap Curved Hem T-Shirt - $29, 50% Off + Extra 10% Off With Code GAPFRIDAY
Gap Pocket T-Shirt - $19, 50% Off + Extra 10% Off With Code GAPFRIDAY
If you live in a city, buy at least one brand-name t-shirt in a neutral color. If you're not used to spending more than $60 on a t-shirt, I COMPLETELY understand, but it's a quick and comfortable way to look effortlessly put-together. Plus, you only need one!
Kith LAX Short Sleeve Logo Tee - $68
COMME DES GARÇONS Play Red Heart Patch Tee - $75
Aimé Leon Dore Logo Embroidered Long Sleeve Tee - $95
Shirts, hoodies & sweaters
Every guy should own at least one fun, printed short-sleeve button-down in a neutral or black & white print. These are great to get from thrift stores and can get kind of addictive because they’re a great way to express your personal style. Plus, they subconsciously remind me (and probably other girls) of Harry Styles’ Saint Laurent phase where he could really do no wrong. If you're looking to only invest in one, AllSaints makes great ones that always go on sale.
AllSaints Slim-Fit Button Up Camp Shirt -$50 (on sale!)
Another young-adult winter basic is a good-quality, slim-fitting henley made out of sweater material, not t-shirt or waffle material. The merino knit one by Bonobos is truly excellent... I'm hoping that they eventually restock in more colors.
Lastly, no men's winter wardrobe would be complete without a few unbranded lightweight crewneck sweaters in black, dark green, maroon, charcoal, or navy. Try them on before buying to ensure they fit you well!
Bonobos Slim Fit Merino Wool Crewneck - $68 (on sale!)
Zara Basic Color Sweater - $35
Comfortable plain hoodie in the neutral color of your choice
(bonus points if you match with the City Sweat sweatpants!)
Boots
I recommend investing in one pair of good quality boots that look good with your slim-fitting jeans -- it's usually worth it to invest ~$200 for a good quality pair. My favorite of the bunch below is the AllSaints Harley Chelsea Boot in grey suede. There’s also something about a grey suede boot that implies that you own more than one color - similar to the navy blue suit phenomenon.
AllSaints Harley Chelsea Boot - $194 (30% off for Black Friday)
Frye Conway Chelsea Boot - $368 (splurge, but will last you ~ 10 years)
Clark's Desert Chukka Boot - $49 (solid budget option)
Blundstones Chelsea Boot - $200 (a weatherized option)
Sneakers
I think every guy's wardrobe needs minimalist, low-top white or black leather sneakers. This look was popularized by the explosion of the Common Projects Achilles low top sneakers, which add an effortlessly sleek finish to any basic menswear outfit, but it's understandable that not everyone wants to spend $500 to achieve that look. I sourced some of my recommendations for less-expensive alternatives that don't sacrifice quality from this article. If you're unsure whether you'd get more use out of a black or a white pair, ask yourself if you envision wearing them more during the day or at night, and/or during the warmer or cooler months. If you're planning to wear them overwhelmingly one way or the other, I'd chose white for during the day or for warmer weather, versus black to wear at night or with cooler temps. I also think it depends on your personal style, as well.
Common Project Achilles Sneaker - $425 (the splurge!)
Oliver Cabell Low 1 in Black - $215 (on sale for $179 for Black Friday)
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneakers - $163 on sale
Pedro Casual Court Sneakers - $79 (best budget option)
In addition to your minimalist pair, I think every guy should own a fun pair of sneakers as well. The style you pick is really up to your discretion, so do a little research and have some fun with them. If you're in NYC, visit the second floor of Kith to get some ideas. Notable exceptions to this category include AllBirds (better known as outdoor slippers). Converse & Vans work if and only if your jeans fit well (see Levi's 512 above).
Jackets
You truly can’t go wrong with a black or neutral color bomber jacket. Faux suede or water resistant-type material both look great.
Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket - $90 (after 50% off for Black Friday)
Everlane Uniform Bomber Jacket - $88 (10% off your first order)
As temperatures drop, you'll need a wool-blend overcoat to keep warm in colder weather.
Uniqlo Cashmere Wool Chesterfield Coat - $129 on sale
J.Crew Factory Thompson Plaid Overcoat - $139 on sale
Everlane ReWool Overcoat - $298
Accessories
Good quality neutral beanie & neutral cap. Logos are optional!
Stussy Small Logo Beanie - $40
Only NY Fisherman Beanie - $28
Adidas Mini Logo Cap - $18
Hope this is a helpful starting point towards developing your personal wardrobes, or served as shopping inspiration for new basic pieces. If you have any questions or suggestions for additional categories that you'd like to see picks for, please let me know!
XO - Riann
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