Gentleman’s Creative Foundational Wardrobe

The start of a new year presents the perfect opportunity for us to purge our closets of the old and unworn pieces from 2022, making room for 2023’s newest additions. This year, we are honing in on the pieces that will withstand closet cleanouts for years to come and focusing on building the foundational wardrobe. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, the concept of creating a foundational wardrobe can seem daunting and complex. However, the process is actually quite simple and rewarding. The key is to choose items that are versatile and timeless, meaning pieces you’ll be able to mix and match to create a range of stylish outfits for years to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Choose a color palette. Pick a few colors that you like and will go with a variety of pieces in your wardrobe. Opt for neutrals like black, brown, charcoal and navy.

Pick a few key pieces to base your foundation on. Think of your day-to-day for the upcoming year or two, and factor in special occasions. For example, are you primarily wearing pieces in a more formal or informal setting? The simplest solution is to account for it all. We’d recommend two suits, a pair of dark-wash and light-wash jeans, a few shirts and sweaters, and last but not least, two formal shoe options and a casual sneaker.

For your suit options, choose a darker set for the fall and winter months and opt for a lighter option to wear in the spring and summer. This Perennial Suit from SuitSupply comes in both a Dark Grey and Navy, granting you that slight variety while maintaining a look and feel that you know fits your form.

When it comes to jeans, one way to account for versatility is by choosing a light wash and dark wash option. The dark wash option can be worn to say a casual friday in the office or out to a nice dinner when paired with a blazer, while your lighter pair will be your more casual, ready to wear option. For your go-to jean destination, Abercrombie has a wide variety to choose from, ranging in cut, fit, and wash at an accessible price. Our picks include the Light Wash Athletic Slim Jean and Dark Wash Slim Jean. 

For the tops of your foundational wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with a few t-shirts and crewneck sweaters that can be dressed up or dressed down. For example, the perfect black T-Shirt can be styled under a suit coat with dark wash jeans. Similarly, a timeless black cashmere sweater can be paired with a more casual light wash jean or dark suit pants for a more formal outing. When choosing your tops, select a durable and crisp white T-Shirt, black T-Shirt, black cashmere crewneck, and gray knitted sweater.

Authentic Supima Black T-Shirt
Authentic Supima White T-Shirt
Black Cashmere Crewneck
Felted Merino Cable-Knit Crew

Choose footwear. Invest in a few pairs of shoes that you can wear with any outfit. Think about classic styles like a black loafer or brown Oxford, and for your more casual pair, a white non-tennis shoe sneaker such as a white pair of leather Oliver Cables will be the trio you won’t ever have to stray far from.

Todd Snyder Black loafer
Taft Brown Oxford 
Oliver Cable White Sneaker

By following these steps, you’ll be able to build a foundational wardrobe that will help you create stylish, timeless looks. Remember, it’s not about quantity, but about versatility. You’ll thank yourself next year when cleaning out your closet isn’t one of your New Year resolutions.