Casual Men Wardrobe Basics

The Casual style is very much influenced by trends, from high street to high end. But if you want to future-proof your casual wardrobe, there are a few timeless pieces that every man should own. So we’re here to help get your closet ready with men’s wardrobe essentials.

1. Denim jeans

The backbone of the casual outfit since the 1950s, great fitting jeans can easily be dressed up or toned down.
If you want to project a more polished appearance, opt for a quality pair of jeans in straight-leg styles and a dark wash.

For a more laid-back, off-duty look, go for cuts in lighter hues. Whatever style you choose, denim is always a failsafe go-to style that you can take in many different directions.

2. Casual T-shirts

Inherently casual, T-shirts are an essential part of any man’s basic wardrobe. The humble T-shirt is easy to wear, subtly stylish and as versatile as it gets – it can be worn with anything, even dressed-up tailoring.
For your T-shirt, the rule is to keep it simple. Opt for classic crew-neck cotton T-shirts in plain colours. White, navy, black and grey are good starting points.

You can spice up your casual outfit with some bold patterns, styles and designs if you want. But always make sure to find the right fit for your body type. You want a T-shirt that hugs your body but doesn’t look like a second skin. There is nothing worse than unflattering cuts.

3. Polo shirts

One level of formality above the T-shirt, the Polo shirt is another essential in your wardrobe.

You can’t go wrong when dressing casually if you combine a premium pair of jeans with a polo shirt. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a good polo shirt but you do need to make sure that it fits your body type.
That said, there are a few premium polo shirts that are absolutely beautiful with high-quality materials and cut. So if you want to spend more on a luxury polo, you absolutely can.

4. Casual shirts

Casual long- or short-sleeved shirts are essential when you want to look a little sharper. For a more relaxed look, you can unbutton and roll the cuffs.

Just like for your T-shirt, start building up your shirt wardrobe with the essential colours. A white classic shirt is a foundation. Make sure that the collar looks good when left open to the third button but also when fully buttoned up.

5. Chinos

Chinos are an excellent style item to mix things up from time to time. The same upper outfit worn with chinos instead of your jeans will instantly change your overall appearance.

Invest in the right cut in classic colours such as khaki, navy and beige which are easy to match. Comfortable and stylish, chinos also can help you achieve a smart casual look. Chinos are also perfect for occasions with ambiguous dress codes, especially the smart casual and business casual styles.

6. Casual knitwear

Casual knitwear is another perfect item to mix things up from time to time. Both stylish and easy to throw on, knitwear is a basic essential of any man’s casual wardrobe.

Wear your casual knitwear as an outer layer or underneath a lightweight jacket. Opt for a cut that works well both with your shirts and T-shirt to give you more combination options.

7. Casual jackets

A lightweight jacket is a fashionable finishing touch that can add plenty of individuality to a relaxed look. It’s one of the items in your wardrobe that will stay with you for years, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality model. We like jackets so much that we dedicated an entire guide to men bomber jackets.

Our advice is to stick to the classics that won’t go out of style after six months.

8. Hoodies

A streetwear staple, the hoodie is a great layering piece to keep you warm or add an edgy attitude and athleisure vibe to your casual outfits. Pair it with something sleek for a modern look. To avoid looking sloppy, go with premium fabric and finishing and pair your hoodie with sleek pants.

9. Casual footwear

It’s important to put your best foot forward even when dressing casually. Luckily, the luxury sneaker market has seen astounding growth over the past few years with new high-end sneakers being released every month. Check our in-depth guide to men sneakers to help you find the perfect pair.

For a ‘classic’ look, wear white sneakers that can be worn with virtually every style – go for leather if you want a more polished look.

Don’t limit yourself to sneakers only, however. There are many other casual footwear alternatives such as boat shoes, desert boots and loafers for smarter looks.

10. Cargo and Bermuda shorts

Depending on the occasion and climate, a pair of cargo or Bermuda shorts can be appropriate. They should be in high-quality fabrics and fit you well. Even if the occasion is relaxed enough to wear shorts, make sure that you don’t look sloppy.

Caution: shorts can easily look underdressed in the wrong context.