8 Essentials for Every Man’s Wardrobe

Brooks Brothers

Navy blazer
It works with khakis, gray slacks, jeans and white pants in the summer. Look for a wool blend in a single-breasted style.

Black suit
For the inevitable funerals — and beyond. The only item more serious is a tuxedo. Again, a single-breasted wool blend is the most timeless and seasonless.

Khaki suit
Perfect for those warm-weather months and equally debonair with white or colors.

Dark necktie
A navy or black style of quality silk in a standard width can last a lifetime. Narrow, extra-wide and knit varieties trend in and out.

Oxfords
Black and dark brown lace-up shoes, polished and in good repair, are the most valuable two pairs of shoes you can own.

Dark dress socks
Nothing’s better or more versatile than smooth, plain black ones. You should never wear socks lighter than your trousers.

White handkerchiefs
Clean and pressed, they can be tucked in a front jacket pocket for an elegant sartorial touch or simply stowed in a pocket for hygienic use.

Pajamas
You may prefer gym shorts and tank tops or sleeping in the buff, but for the invariable road trips, it’s best to carry along a set of silk or cotton-blend peejays with a long-sleeve, button-up shirt and ankle-length, snap-front bottoms.