Fashion comes and goes, but style is arguably something you’re born with. People often talk about ‘classic’ pieces, and by that they don’t mean ‘vintage’ – they mean ‘timeless.’ Something that doesn’t go out of fashion. Particularly with menswear, timeless style can be worth investing in by spending money on the classic pieces that won’t date. Value for money comes into its own here.
The key is to see your timeless classics as the foundations on which to build your look, and with that you can add elements of high fashion if you choose. Choose the basics that don’t date, and your timeless capsule wardrobe is ready to go. There are just a few key pieces that are an absolute must.
Underwear
With timeless style, details matter, and that starts with underwear. Boxer shorts eliminate visible seams under trousers, and a white undershirt or vest is a must under a white shirt. Match the colour of your socks to your trousers rather than your shoes.
Shirts
Speaking of white shirts, there is no such thing as too many. Buy formal white shirts, like Farah shirts, and replace them as often as is required to keep them looking crisp and bright white. They’ll take you from the office to dinner, and a mens Farah shirt works for social occasions as well as business meetings or even job interviews.
Sharp Suit
Spot on for so many occasions, a suit is arguably the ultimate part of timeless style. Spend as much as you can on the suit. If you can get it tailor-made, you won’t regret it.
Blazer
When a suit is too much, a blazer is a dependable alternative. Choose neutral colours like navy or black.
Smart Shoes
A pair of classic black leather lace-ups is the best place to start. They’ll go with everything.
Timepiece
A watch is the ultimate accessory, and it’s the perfect way to inject some personality into your overall look. Spend as much as you can and consider your lifestyle to make sure it fits.
For more information on the differences between fashion and style for men, see the article on the Thread website.
Once you have the basics sorted, adding the touches that reflect your personality is what turns the separate pieces into your own personal style.