10 Wardrobe Essentials for Your Boyfriend

While you are probably wondering what on earth to wear to your first day at work, I can guarantee that your boyfriend is more worried his own outfit than you are (well, ok, maybe he’s not exactly worried, but he certainly is more clueless).  I have compiled a list of the 10 essential things that every guy needs to own by the time they turn 20.  Ladies, please help out your men.  I promise, they will appreciate it in the long run.

1. An Impeccably Tailored Suit

If your man hates to shop, chances are, he is still holding on to that suit that his mom bought for him when he hit puberty and needed something to wear to a friend’s bar mitzvah.  He will insist that it still fits.  Do not be fooled.  Whether he wears a suit to work or not, a tailored suit will come in handy time and time again, and it is a worthwhile investment that never goes out of style.  Besides, our men look good in suits, right?  (In fact, a dear friend of mine has given the movie Inception the worthy title of “suit porn.”) 

But please, please make sure to get it tailored.  Unless you are dating Brad Pitt, the suit will most likely not fit straight off the rack.  Below is a picture of how a suit should fit.  Okay, maybe the sleeves in this picture are a little too short, but I’ll let that slide.

(David Beckham with the Olympic Torch.)

2. The Huggable Sweater

A classic (or even edgy) sweater looks great over button downs or plain t-shirts or under jackets and pea coats.  Like a suit, it never goes out of style and can be worn dressed up with slacks or dressed down with denim. 

Truthfully, this item is more for you than it is for your man.  Every girl wants her boyfriend to look comfortable, and, dare I say, “plushy.”  Besides, don’t we all need that one article of clothing from our boyfriends’ wardrobes that we can throw on when we are cold or wrap ourselves in when we want something with their scent?  I’ve listed some of my favorite sweaters below.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

3. The Perfect Facial Scrub

Good hygiene is one of the most overlooked qualities in a man, and great skin is one of the most underrated accessories.  Many men will argue that any product beyond a bar of soap is far too girly.  However, most bars of soap, while great for getting off dirt, do not have the same deep cleansing effects as even drug store brands of facial scrub.  If your man has not already started a daily maintenance ritual, now is the time to start.  His skin will look better ten, even twenty years from now, and he will certainly thank you then for your concern and words of wisdom.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

4. The “No-Brainer” Tie

How many times have you been asked, “Does this tie go with this shirt?”  Part of this question is driven by your man’s desire for your validation and help in selecting his outfit; however, this question is asked time and time again because your man really is clueless.  As much as we all love answering this question, we cannot always be around 100% percent of the time to help our men match shirts and ties.  Do you man a huge favor and help him pick out one classy and classic tie that matches the majority of the shirts in his closet that he can wear in any pinch.  Stick to a neutral tie with minimal or delicate detailing (such as a subtle pinstripe) so he does not have to panic when you’re not around.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

5. Leather Dress Shoes

In my opinion, there is nothing as tragic in the world of men’s fashion as noticing a man wearing an impeccably tailored button down shirt and slacks and then looking down at his feet and seeing a pair of dirt-caked, white tennis shoes.  Every man should own a pair of leather dress shoes to wear with suits or even dark wash jeans.  They are polished, and say “work” or “dinner date,” not “gym class.”

(Available here.)

6. Dark Socks

Of course, the second most tragic crime in the world of men’s fashion is wearing a pair of beautiful dress shoes with athletic socks.  It does not matter if the athletic socks are navy, black, or any other color in the spectrum.  Dress shoes require dress socks.  There are two more rules of dress socks: 1) white socks are not appropriate dress socks for any occasion and 2) socks should be matched based around the palate of the pants, not the shoes. 

 

(Available here.)

7. The Graphic T-Shirt

The graphic t-shirt is a great casual look where a man can express his personality and have some fun with his clothing.  While probably not appropriate for work in most instances, the graphic t-shirt makes for an easy weekend look that can be paired with sweaters, jackets, button downs, and jeans.  (Just make the shirt does not say anything vulgar!)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

8. The Sport Jacket

A sport jacket is a versatile option for a man because it can be worn during Spring, Summer, and Fall (and even Winter if you live in a place with milder temperatures).  They are more casual than suits and can be thrown over button down dress shirts and t-shirts alike. It is the perfect option for a day at the office that requires an outfit with polish but not necessarily with the same formality as a traditional suit.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

9. A Dark Leather Belt

This is yet another incredibly versatile piece that can go with anything from jeans to suits.  It is a great investment piece that never goes out of style, and it is an essential piece for any complete menswear look.

(Available here.)

10. Dark Wash Jeans

A classic pair of a solid, dark wash jean is a must have for any guy.  If your man is still wearing faded, ripped, or stained jeans, it is probably time to let those go.  Dark wash can easily read polished and professional with just a simple white button down (tie optional).

 

(Available here.)