Basics Every Man Should Own - Pt 1

Everyone knows how difficult it can be to stay abreast of the latest trends, especially if you lead a busy life,  and let's face it, half of what is considered trendy for guys nowadays (in the Jamaican culture, is in my humble opinion, quite tasteless).

So if you're efficient, you will have already done most of the dirty work by making sure your most important fashion pieces, which trump trends any day, never go out of style. These items are the wardrobe and accessory staples every man should own; the things that should be so ingrained in your life that after one of them falls apart, it is necessary to go out and buy another.

Here are some of those trend-repellent staples.

CASUAL CLOTHING

1) White shirt

The ever-classic mainstay in every man's wardrobe, the standard white shirt can be an invaluable clothing item in both casual and professional settings; the key is that it's subtle enough to withstand fashion trends.

What you can wear it with: What can't you wear this with? Ideal for both suits and jeans of all colors, the white shirt is truly your closet's most valuable player. 

2) Blue jeans

There probably isn't a man alive that does not own at least one pair of blue jeans. From Levi's to Diesel, the original blue jeans can be slightly faded or a dirty denim, and yet they're still so programmed in our society that we continue to buy them, regardless of trends.

 What you can wear them with: Versatility is the name of the game here, and rightly so, as blue jeans look good with nearly anything, from a blazer and dress shoes to a T-shirt and sneakers. 

3) Black loafers

Because most people assume these are not the coolest shoes around, black loafers often get a bad rap. Nevertheless, these are a certified male wardrobe staple, if only because of black loafers' true virtue: their simplicity. Free from laces, the loafer is the ultimate in slip-on, slip-off comfort. And because of their minimalism, they will never go out of style. 

What you can wear them with: Jeans, suits or anything else you're comfortable in.

4) White T-shirt

From thin undershirts to standard cotton white Ts, fitted white T-shirts are a wardrobe staple that may never go out of style, mostly because of their year-round versatility.

What you can wear it with: Provided you avoid overly large sizes, you can wear your trusty white T-shirt with jeans or shorts when it's warm, or as an undergarment under sweaters and shirts in the winter.

5) Blazer/Sports coat:

Every man knows that, like the white shirt, a good solid-color blazer (preferably black) can be used in numerous situations and can often make shabby-looking ensembles respectable. Obviously, the simpler the sports jacket, the more likely its timelessness; fabrics like the recently fashionable corduroy and anything with pinstripes are a high risk for the whim of future trends.

What you can wear it with: Your blazer can be worn at the office with a matching pair of suit pants, or in a bar with a pair of your most reliable blue jeans.

6) Sunglasses

Not only useful on the beach, every man should have a pair in his car. When looking for something timeless, avoid big, clunky models, and those that wrap around. Oval-shaped sunglasses are your best bet (especially those similar to aviator glasses, but smaller); these have been worn for years and odds are good this fact will not change.

What you can wear them with: Because of their practicality on sunny days, you can wear them with just about anything, summer or winter.

Get working on your list. Part 2 coming right up!

P.SLadies, don't be afraid to share this list with someone you know needs it.