Here at TwentiesLife, our mission is to invigorate and re-invent what it means to be a twenty-something. The transition into one’s twenties is rarely acknowledged and is something of a radical change that should involve transfigurement; a deepened sense of one’s perspective, life goals, and a push for a progressive lifestyle.
One of the most common mistakes that a great number of people make during this transition is sticking to the same monotonous style that haunted them from the decade past. (You would never see a teenager wearing baby booties and a sailor’s outfit, because it isn’t deemed proper for a person of that age and it doesn’t project the best qualities of the person.) The majority of people at this stage in life are in their final stages of schooling and looking forward to some of the following: looking forward to a career, committing to a more meaningful relationship, getting their own life plan in order, and individualizing oneself from the pack.
This typically means seeking out a new sense of self. A metamorphosis into one of societies butterflies. While many mature inwardly, they lack the perception to change externally. (To a lesser extent, it’s like a 40-year-old mom that wears her teenage daughter’s clothes.) Next, we shall talk about the bare-bone essentials, every man should have in his wardrobe.
The Essentials:
Full Sleeve Dress Shirts:
- 2-3 White Shirts : A white shirt is/can be an any occasion shirt. A classic timeless look that always looks crisp, clean, and fresh. Can be worn anytime and anywhere. Being that a white shirt gets dirty pretty easily, it’s always a good idea to have a spare.
- French Blue: A French Blue Shirt is one of the only colors that any man can wear and still compliment the man’s complexions. It has become proper to wear at almost any occasion. It adds a little pizzazz to a wardrobe without being ostentatious or brash. It’s has become the contemporary man’s white shirt.
- Casual Shirt: This shirt is has sole purpose of being the “cool” shirt. It can have anything; vertical stripes, solid, plaid, graphics. Something that bring out the personality of your wardrobe without appearing gaudy. As long as it looks good with dress pants and a sports coat, or a great pair of jeans.
A navy/black/charcoal suit: Read Suit 101: Your First Suit
A dark pair of jeans: A darker wash blue jean has become the iconic everyday wear attire. It can be dressed up or down, and still look fresh. It has become a staple in modern America.
A pair of black slacks: For those days that men need to be a little bit more formal. A nice pair of black trousers can be used over and over without seeming old and tiring. Look for a slack that is of lighter weight, high twist wool, flat front, and plain bottoms. No heavy fabrics here guys, these aren’t made to look and feel like jeans or khakis.
Black belt and dress shoes: IMPORTANT: For the contemporary man who wants a clean-cut look, dress shoes and belt must match! Black is versatile.
Black Dress socks: NOT athletic socks! No thick socks here, something light and dressy. You socks are an extension of your pants. The colors MUST match or can be a shade darker! No hyper-pink sock with olive slacks.
Power Tie. A striped tie characterized by diagonal lines that is typically red or burgundy. These types of ties are very versatile when used in a formal atmosphere. Can be worn to interviews, weddings, work, or any formal occasion.
Polo’s (Green, Blue,White) – Polo’s shirt can be worn on those day you want to be casual but still look proper. Go with a classic logo, nothing too extreme. Make sure it’s made out of piqué cotton, has banded arms, and a shallow shirt tail (so it can be worn untucked.)
Khaki Pants – For those days that jeans seem a little too relaxed and black slacks seem to formal. Avoid pleats, tapered cuts, and elastic waists. A darker khaki in a softer cotton fabric can be worn year-round and still seem appropriate.
Leather Wallet: Get rid of the Velcro. Get rid of the external zippers. Get something classic and timeless.
Sneakers
Athletic wear: Should be worn only when you are working out.
“Home” Clothes: More on this at a later time.
Listed above are just the core necessities to a wardrobe, and is always allowed to expand. If you start with these pieces first, you will have an outfit always at your fingertips. No extra thought involved. Look for timeless outfits and you will never have to worry about the new fashion trends that come around.
Did we leave out any wardrobe essentials? What are the essentials in your closet?
