Here in the UK, wearing a well polished pair of quality dark brown brogues with a pair of well fitting blue jeans, of the correct length, has always been a sign of good taste.
One thing I learned about clothing business is don’t make mistakes. Same deal Sports Coaches. IMHO, I just have clothes retailored if they don’t fit well.
I no longer wear a suit, unless it's specifically called upon. I get by with a dark blue blazer, that I wear with dark jeans, a button down shirt and brown brogues as my smart casual attire, (Dark Grey or Brown Tweed Sports Jacket in the colder season) If I need a suit I throw in a pair of dark blue GAP Chino's and add a tie. On first inspection looks like a smart formal suit but it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a suit, it feels like I'm wearing a pair of jeans with my casual Navy Blazer. I don't feel stuffy or over-dressed like I do when I'm wearing a suit. I do own a suit, a nice one in fact and a pair of black Oxfords, but they are among the least worn items I own, I just don't feel comfortable at all in them.
We're I live here Caribbean islands it's to hot to wear sweaters unless bits raining were gets bit chilly but all Year is 🔥🥵 so I wear t shirt or Polo, Jeans I have several regular, denim fit jeans but stretch were I can move easy with no problems, shoes have several sneakers like LeBron, NB running sneakers, Puma and Clarks nice Brown shoes for some casual meetings or activities.
So here’s a question…I love the blue sports jacket, but how important is it for the blue of the jacket to match the blue of your pants? The jacket shown in the video seems a good patter due to all of the different shades of blue but what if you cant find something like that?
I think this is a good "basics" list. I'm having to recreate a wardrobe, basically from scratch, because I lost significant weight the last two years and nothing fits now. This is a great place to start for me.
@ David Dove. Now that you have got your weight to were you want it too be, you can look forward to wearing new clothes that will gain you many unexpected, but genuine, compliments. A change in physical appearance is not always as noticeable in a reflection in a bathroom mirror as it is to strangers. Enjoy the shopping. Phil.
Hi John.. I might add an overcoat, well fitted in camel or charcoal colour. Very versatile to dress up dress down and adds up style and finesse..even to casual outfits
This was a very good list to build a wardrobe foundation from, John. And very good color suggestions. My additions would be: - Two belts, dark brown and black with moderate buckles. You can also add a burgundy or tan belt depending on your shoes. - Pocket squares can add some extra to your outfit without wearing a tie. A plain white and a patterned burgundy goes a long way. - A navy overcoat, depending on where you live. It's a bit early right now, but where I live I'll need transition pieces all the way to a parka.
@@40OverFashion Hi....l have got almost everything you have mentioned in the video....except a grey chino... l think l must have one very shortly...Thank u so much....!
Great video! I’m in the middle of tossing most of my wardrobe and I’ll be following your instructions. I’m wondering if you’ve produced a video for spring/summer basics. I’d really like to see that. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Jeans are always a problem to find. I typically have purchased Seven jeans. Do you have any other suggested brands for a polished jean look in both medium blue and dark blue? Thank you in advance.
Good essential list. Over the past 2 years I've made most these changes to my wardrobe. By shopping the seasonal sales I've kept the cost pretty reasonable.
@@40OverFashion John your channel helped set me on the right track as a guy that turned 40, 43 now. All my pants/jeans/shorts are solid colors and tapered, sneakers options on point, simple solid shirts for any bottom I choose, etc. I'm fit and confident in my every day style choices thanks largely to your channel. Now I'm updating my gym clothing, luggage, and accessories.
Generally a pretty decent list except for the zip up jumpers which, in England, would most likely to be found in a care home for the elderly. That patterned jacket is a bit "loud" as well.
Personally I would suggest sticking to “plain” (non patterned) trousers. You can make them more interesting playing with different design details and textures. The reason why is that it just makes getting dressed that much easier, the plain trousers will go easily with a pain or pattern shirt and jacket. Besides that I would definitely include a suit as an essential. You will need it for those more formal situations (weddings, funerals). You could even get one in a dark blue in a birds eye weave, that way the jacket could even double as your sports jacket 🙂👍
I got all bases covered except the sneaker, I want the thursday boot sneakers; they give more bang for the buck. As always John, thank you a for magnificent video my friend.
@ Imran Shaikh. I think that is a very good suggestion. Because I have always had a job that required everyone in the Company to wear a Suit, with a shirt and tie the persons hair style became noticeable. In a more formal environment the key issue was to find an experienced Hairdresser. And in my experience you will rarely find that in a modern "Unisex" Hair Saloon. While I am in Australia, the Business dress standards in Melbourne and Sydney mirrors any Top 10 Capital City in the United States and possibly one-third of the Businessmen have some form of hair loss, which includes me. As I have always had to travel a lot and get my hair cut regularly, I found that in the suburbs adjoining the CBD that you could always find a Barber Shop with experienced male staff. That is not a Sexist viewpoint, because you will find that many of the very best Male Barbers working in the very best Ladies Hairdressing Saloons. But not the other way around. As my late wife was the Finance and Administration Manager for Schwartzkopff in Australia and I got invited to a lot of Hairdressing events I well know why the way to find a Hairdresser to help you look your very best will not be found in a Suburban Mall. Phil.
Underwear: I've taken a huge liking to Pair of Thieves the past 3 or 4 years. Super breathable and it's easy to forget you are even wearing any. Very lightweight and comfy.
Thanks, mr. Will definitely be checking out the Straight Up socks. I’m pretty much a Bombas guy but always on the search for something new. And I’ll give the Calvin trunks a shot as well.
Thank you for sharing your fashion insights & guidance. Your most appreciated my friend. On the subject of the dress jacket, is it possible for you to show yourself modeling that pattern jacket with other items in todays video? Love to see your combinations for ideas & inspiration.
Awesome list of basics, I could relate to you with the dad bod thing. I have now realized very late that T-Shirts are not my thing since I am 40 yr old with a dad bod about 20 extra pounds. Not even Slim fitting casual shirts would look good on me anymore, would just go for Regular fitting shirts to avoid showing my dad bod curves.
The only thing I might suggest as addition is ideal basic neckties to have for the dress shirts. I’d also like to request a follow up video on basic accessories that go with the items from this video. Things like belts (colors , width, materials), watches, and maybe a section on cufflinks, tie clasps, rings, etc.
John I just wanted to commend You on a very great and informative Men's Wardrobe Basic list I too will agree with You on all of your points, ironically I have my oldest Nephew who just tuned 18 almost Two months ago start dressing like this when He was 15 and come to find out He loves dressing more like a mature Man than His own age group. It started out with Shirts, Pants, Ties then onto Sweaters (all types), Suits and my favorite Shoes (Every Style that I own). With this being said I really appreciate that you're informing the masses a basic Men's Wardrobe if they haven't started one as of yet....Keep providing EXCELLENT CONTENT!!!
Really enjoyed your site. Some great info. But can't say I'm a fan of suede (desert) boots. Pretty well all the rage in Australia is the iconic R M Williams boots. For both sexes too! Check them out. Would be interested on your thoughts.
Hi there. Really appreciate your content - a few years ago it really help me understand clothes for the first time. So I started from scratch to build a basic capsule type wardrobe - it’s been great. Just thought it might be good to have a video on branching out from there - once you have a solid base. maybe a ‘beyond basics’ for 2024 with some layering?? Thanks
New to your channel and going over your videos for my own education. You talked about dress pants/ chinos / shoes. Can you suggest the brands too that you like for these items the way you mentioned straight up socks? I’m interested in knowing which brands are your favorite for each item you mention - that will make things so much easier for beginners like me. Thanks.
I prefer.r a Barbour or Belstaff Jacket to a bomber jacket as they suit the weather here in Blighty for at least six months of the year, but agree with the rest of your recommendations on jeans shoes, boots & shirts, I’m getting most of my wardrobe right but nice to have it confirmed..
Save $ - buy short sleeve henleys. Look smarter, too -. roll up sleeves on button-down-collar shirts - no short sleeve shirts with collars. One appears confused. Short sleeves are casual and some makers throw a collar on the things?!
Thanks John, great advice on basics! I've had a few misses in the past but your input has been invaluable in helping me pull it all together. Very much appreciated.
Western boots with jeans and a blazer,or with jeans and nice shirt or sweater as long as the jeans fit over the boots,,great video John you always have great advice
Having a nice good shirt jacket can give nice versatility to various outfits you can wear depending on its color and at the same time kinda act as an outer coat in the cooler seasons or days that it’s cooler. All the rest of stuff completely agree. Everyone starts at a different point in their clothing basics. For me it was having a versatility of basic colors in Chinos and good fabric Dress Trousers of lightweight Wool. Then color Leather Shoes, Belts. Then shirts of variety from Dress Shirts, Knits, casual shirts, polos. It all adds up to give variety. Building it all takes some time.
awesome videos! so much info! reminds me of reading GQ as a young man but so much better. im 61 now but can still pull these combo's without looking awful thanks!
Very long body and short legs here. I have trouble finding any trousers that fit well as they all look like hipsters on me, and trust me, that is not a good look on a 60+ year old man.
No see through white t shirts… hello, awesome videos. I was wondering if you have any advice for a white t shirt that is not see through. Most look cheap.
You've recommended pants, shirts and jackets with patterns, and it would be great to review how these patterns work together, or don't work together. I tend to combine one pattern with solid but would like to hear your perspective. Thanks
Out of my 32 button down shirts, 3 are whiteish. Once you feel the fit and texture of a Euro design, 7 Downey, Bertigo, etc. Bold stand out, get noticed colours and styles, a man will never go back to an American style shirt. T shirts are for toddlers and kids, not men. Bomber jackets work well if they’re leathers. If it’s not bomber jacket attire, 3/4 lengths are the only alternative. Yes men and women will be respectful of ones dress, and also intimidated by your presence. If one feels the need for a runner, Sparco, and Bugatti should be the only footware at the door. I don’t support any style that’s made for 10 cents, and retailed for hundreds.
Great vid as always John. It seems as though we have exactly the same tastes in classics. I'm amazed at the similarities in mine and your wardrobe. Have a Great Day 👍
Good advice . Personally I am at the point in my life where I still need some business attire ( semi retired ) and the need for a suit is still required . One area I will spend money in is good shoes ! They Stand the rest of time and buy classics
I'm pleased to say I have pretty much everything you mentioned, my only additions would be my collection of double monk straps to change up my footwear, great video!
There could be a place for Henley shirts and long-sleeve crew t-shirts as one step, and 2 steps up from a t-shirt - more casual than a polo but less prone to having garish "school-boy" logos on them. Roll-necks, turtle-neck, mock-neck and crew neck merino sweaters along with a good cable knit and 2 colours in a shawl neck cardigan should cover all the colder weather too. I'd also throw in a black and navy dress shirt. What's your take on dress shirt collars? Classic? Semi cut-away? Full cut-away? Thanks in advance.
I'm in Canada, so sweaters are a must. The problem I have is that they don't seem to hold their shape after a season or two. I've got about 8 that I rotate. I machine wash and air dry, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. Could you do a segment on how to pick a good sweater that will last. Mine are the typical ones you'd get like at a Banana Republic or Eddie Bauer.
Great video! If I have a lot casual shirts (button down and polo) that have black in them that I wear with jeans or chinos, should I still opt for a pair of brown shoes instead of a black pair of shoes in that case? Or at the very least, can I wear brown shoes with those shirts in those instances? I guess I always thought that the black shoes went better because of the black in the shirts. Now I'm rethinking that! :-) Thanks!
Good evening, John, 😊 Good to see you back on another new video and a new topic. John, speaking about the Jeans, I liked all the 4 colours but please specify the style. Is it slim tapered or any other style? I always get puzzled choosing the style. I liked the colour and design of the slacks too. Do consider making a video about basic suits in a wardrobe. I think one needs a black suit for funerals... right? Take care,stay safe😷. God bless. Much love❤️ from South India.
Hi John. Yes to all the afore mentioned items but what about a belt? Whether it be a regular or Anson ( a 20% sale on the 1.5 in. cammo belt with buckle today ) ya gotta have a belt. Also imo it doesn't hurt to have some different colored Henleys in your wardrobe arsenal either. Peace . : )
I agree. Now, these days, you can get suit separates which while not perfect, gives the wearer the chance to break up the suit and just wear the pants with an contrasting jacket or sweater, or the jacket with some chinos for a more casual vibe. But in some cases, you really can't wear some dark wash jeans or a pair of chinos with a jacket. traditional weddings, job interviews, funerals, for example.
Really liked the vide. Probably the best video on men fashion i have ever seen. It gives you a complete wardrobe good options and the looks with options given. Feel like buying new clothing.
As always great content John! I have a light black corduroy blazer I wear casually or you can dress up a little. I do own a blue sports blazer similar to yours.
I had to empty my closet while painting my bedroom and this kind of prompted a reassessment of my wardrobe. Thanks for the video, this was very helpful.
Hey John, I'm your new subscriber. Thanks for your channel. Where can I get the BELT with C-Like Buckle? I like to purchase Brown & Black Leather. Thanks!
