Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair

10 Classic Wardrobe Essentials for Refined Men in 2023

Mister Urbane is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

How To Pick Your Wardrobe Essentials -


Need to dress better? Want to know where to begin? Well, you aren't alone. Our best advice, invest in quality wardrobe essentials that will stand the test of time. Assembling a well-dressed wardrobe rotation can be a daunting task. But with careful consideration, you can form a collection of wardrobe essentials that will take you from the office to the weekend and everywhere in between. Here are some things to consider when adding to your essential wardrobe rotation:


Quality over quantity. Going out and randomly buying items is tempting, but wardrobe building takes time. So instead of buying many cheap pieces, invest in a few high-quality garments lasting years. These will save you money in the long run and ensure you always look sharp.


Versatility is key. Choose pieces you can wear in multiple ways and for different occasions. For example, a classic suit can be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for a more casual setting. Start with core colors that pair well, like white, black, navy, grey, brown, and khaki.


Fit is everything. All clothes in your wardrobe must fit well. Well-fitting clothing creates a flattering silhouette, the crucial difference between looking sharp and sloppy. You want your clothes to fit your body well while still being comfortable. Don't be afraid to have your items tailored for your body; it is not as expensive as you think.


Remember accessories. Consider investing in a high-quality watch, belt, and shoes to elevate your style.


With that said, here at Mister Urbane, we have carefully curated a list of 10 wardrobe essentials you should consider investing in this this year. So read on.

10 Wardrobe Essentials You Should Consider Investing in This Year (2023)

1. Oxford Shirt

First on our list is the iconic Oxford Shirt. The Oxford Shirt Button Down has been one of the few critical building blocks in any well-dressed man's wardrobe, mainly due to its versatility and elegance in formal and casual settings. Dress it up with a blazer and dress pants, keep it laid back with jeans and sneakers, or wear it open with a white tee in the summer. The Oxford Shirt is truly essential in any man's wardrobe.

Man wearing white Maison Kitsune Oxford Shirt and Trousers
Mr Porter​​

2. Polo Shirt

Before Lacoste, tennis was a sport with strict sartorial rules. It's time to rediscover the beauty of the Polo Shirt. Few wardrobe essentials are as discreetly elegant, stylish, and timeless as the humble Polo Shirt—an alternative to the classic T-Shirt that gives a casual outfit a touch of polish. Styled simply with indigo jeans or tucked into pleated trousers with penny loafers, the Polo Shirt is as versatile as they come.

Man in Loro Piana Shirt and Jeans
Mr Porter​​

3. Plain T-Shirt

As strange as it seems. Good quality classic T-Shirts are the backbone of any good wardrobe and an item you'll find yourself wearing almost on a daily basis, so it is important to get them right. A comfortable, well-fitting T-shirt is an ideal all-rounder for nearly any occasion. Invest in high-quality cotton shirts in black, white, and navy block colors for an effortless look.

man in tshirt and shorts holding bag
Mr Porter​​

4. Crewneck Sweater

A touch of cool. A classic crewneck sweater is another wardrobe essential that should feature in any man's rotation. It's the perfect tool for layering and looks great with virtually anything - over a shirt or T-Shirt - on its own and even with a suit or blazer. You should aim for cotton, merino wool, or cashmere (if you have the means) for a more luxurious option. Once again, choosing classic colours like grey, navy, or black is your most versatile option.

man in sweater jeans and overcoat
Mr Porter​​

5. Roll Neck Jumper

Sprezzatura. The Roll Neck (also known as a Turtleneck) is one of the most underrated pieces of clothing a man can own. Very few items in a man's wardrobe look as good as the Roll Neck. In addition, due to their versatile nature, Roll Necks can be a great choice when dressing down a tailored outfit, for example, paired with a dark suit or worn under an overcoat but also look just as elegant dressing up a casual outfit when combined with jeans and a leather jacket.

A man wearing a black Tom Ford Roll Neck with black Jeans and Chelsea boots.
Mr ​​Porter

6. Dark Jeans

Birth of the Blues. Every man must have at least one good pair of jeans in his wardrobe, and dark-wash jeans are a classic choice. They are as easy to dress up as down and look great with virtually any shoe. Opt for a slim-fit or straight-leg cut to ensure they flatter your physique. A pair of classic dark selvedge jeans tick all the boxes and should be a cornerstone of your rotation.

A man wearing Tom Ford Jeans and a Suede Trucker Jacket with Brown Sneakers
Mr Porter​​

7. Chinos

Smart enough for parade. Tough enough for war. Chinos are the perfect alternative to dress pants or jeans for a smart-casual look. They're comfortable and lightweight, ideal for both daytime and evening wear. Stick to classic colors like khaki or navy and pair them with a button-down Oxford shirt for a stylish yet relaxed look.

man wearing j crew chinos
Mr Porter​​

8. Wool Overcoat

Luxury outerwear. While a Wool Overcoat is expensive, you should consider it an investment piece that will last a lifetime. A high-quality wool overcoat is perfect for formal occasions or when you need to dress up. For a more 'street-inspired' look, try wearing it over a hoodie or tracksuit jacket. Once again, opt for classic colors like black or camel, and make sure it fits well to ensure a sophisticated and polished look.

man wearing overcoat
End.​​

9. White Trainers

Investing in a pair of white leather trainers is something we would highly recommend. They pair well with everything from jeans and a T-Shirt to chinos and a blazer, making them an excellent choice for most occasions. Classic, timeless, and incredibly versatile. White trainers are a wardrobe essential you should be looking to add to your collection this year.

man wearing white trainers
End.​​

10. Black Suit

The epitome of formality. The heart of menswear. Every wardrobe is complete with a well-fitting black suit. A timeless classic that will never go out of style, making it a wise investment in one's wardrobe. Exuding elegance and sophistication, giving the wearer an air of confidence and authority. In contrast, a poorly fitting suit will read sloppy and careless. Keep accessories simple to make a lasting impression.

man standing in a black suit
Suit Supply​​

So there you have it, our list of 10 wardrobe essentials that any well-dressed man should invest in this year. Adding some high-quality items in core colours will ensure that your wardrobe rotation never goes out of style, making it perfect for any occasion and lasting for years.

Image credit (Mr Porter, End, Farfetch, Selfridges, Suit Supply)

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.