The Wardrobe: Version 1.2

The Basics

• 14 pairs of socks: 10 dark and 4 light. Tweaked number.
• 10 pairs of underwear, boxers or boxer-briefs. Added boxer-briefs.
• 1 suit, dark. Suggested color: Charcoal.
• 1 blazer, blue or otherwise. Examples: Blue Cashmere ($400); Tweed ($300) Added.
• 6 dress shirts. Added one to mix up rotation.
• 6 ties. Added one to mix up rotation.
• 2 pair of dress slacks, one dark (black?) and one light (tan). Tweaked colors.
• 2 pair of jeans, one dark, one light.
• 1 pair of casual pants.
• 1 reversible belt or 2 belts, black and brown, with a simple buckle.
• 6 t-shirts, V-neck. Tweaked number; Added style.
• 2 pair of dress of shoes, black and brown.
• 1 pair of sneakers.

The Fall Accessories

• 1 light jacket.
• 1 sweater.
• 1 scarf.
• 1 long coat.

Q. Why are your examples so expensive?

A. Optimally, now that we’ve just about got the numbers and styles down, I’d like to add three examples to each category: from beguilingly high, to expensive, to affordable. (I’d call those two blazers both “expensive,” while any blazer under $100 “affordable.”

Q. Are the numbers and styles set in stone?

A. For now. I think we’ve got a nice, comprehensive set of clothes that will get most guys through work with a fair amount of after-hours and weekend attire. Since it’s nearly impossible for someone to own no clothing at all, we can also presume some throwaways like old t-shirts and casual shirts.

Q. What can we add now?

A. Examples of classic, yet fashionable options in each category, even down to options for t-shirts and socks. Once we have decent examples for everything, we can split The Wardrobe into three shopping guides aimed at a scaled set of budgets.

Q. Since this list is clearly aimed at someone who dresses up for work, should we rename it something like “The Business Wardrobe?” Or should every man, no matter his style, have this basic foundation?

A. Gosh, good question. You tell me.