Fashion can be a fickle beast. Fashion is a fickle thing. Style is another matter. What is the secret to great style? The key to great style is a reliable selection of essential clothing that can be used as a solid foundation for those annoying, unreliable trends.

Even though fashion trends come and go, some men’s essentials will never date. A pale blue button-down, a pair of dark indigo jeans, or a pair of fresh white tennis shoes are always in style. When it comes time to add trend-driven details like a puffer jacket or sleeveless knit, you’ll need a reliable starting point. For example, a dress shirt will be a great place to start.

It is not easy to choose the right basics. It’s important to choose a T-shirt that is the right weight for your body type. A thin, uncomfortable option will not flatter you. GQ has selected 32 essential men’s clothes to keep you looking sharp no matter what the occasion. You’ll thank us later.

To receive the latest fashion, grooming, and technology news delivered directly to your email, subscribe to our newsletter, GQ Recommends.

A grey jersey sweatshirt

Off-duty essentials include a grey, mottled loopback sweatshirt. It looks great worn under a camel double-breasted coat with a white collar or crewneck tee peeking out from the neckline. You can get away with wearing minimalist options that are free of branding multiple times in one week. However, if you want to add some luxury, invest in subtle logo branding.

White T-shirts for sale

the white T-shirt was once championed and worn by Kurt Cobain and Marlon Brando. Harry Styles, David Beckham, and Robert Pattinson have all worn it in recent years. It’s easy to see why. Wear it under a suit or with jeans of any color. A mid-weight crewneck should be your go-to item for everyday wear.

Leather wallets are durable and long-lasting

Have you ever heard that a man can be judged by the shoes he wears? We think the same is true for his Wallet. It’s, therefore, best to make an informed investment. An oft-overlooked part of our everyday day, most of us are walking around with either a battered wallet that began as a gift or an impulsively purchased newer model that was only added to the rotation because its predecessor fell to pieces. Well, no more. We have three wallets to choose from.

Short sleeve shirts

Do not confuse short-sleeved shirts with garish Hawaiian monsters. There is a place and time for these so-called party shirts. However, a lot of shirts with short sleeves are available in neutral colors and, for obvious reasons, they’re lighter and better fitted. Choose a Cuban-collar short-sleeved shirt to create a look that is equally as stylish buttoned-up as it is unbuttoned with a plain white T-shirt.

Baseball cap with a shade-making effect

The humble baseball cap is a great solution for a variety of sartorial dilemmas, whether you have lost your sunglasses or are having a bad day. The modest baseball cap has helped us solve a number of style dilemmas while adding a retro, sporty touch to our off-duty looks.

A knit polo

Knitted polos are a great addition to your wardrobe for a smart-casual look. The knitted polo is a staple for office wear and date nights. It can be worn with jeans or pleated trousers.

A sharp linen suit

It’s no secret that the linen suits are gaining popularity. After undergoing a major resurgence, the linen suit has shed its reputation as the choice of pretentious film directors and the costume department for 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley. It has now become the face of summer tailoring. It’s impossible to go wrong with a chic, sharp, and breathable linen suit.

White dress shirt

You’ll be rewarded for investing a little extra in a classic white work shirt. Uniqlo and Charles Tyrwhitt have some of the best dress shirts, which are not custom-made. They should be worn with a necktie, as opposed to an open-necked shirt. Brioni offers a crisp, modern Italian minimalism.

Slim-fit jeans in blue

Every wardrobe should have a pair of indigo denims. They can be dressed up or down with a navy blue jacket and shirt. Or they can be dressed down with a grey marl sweatshirt and tennis shoes. They should be tapered at the bottom and always turned up so that they can show off white sneakers or chestnut Derbies. They’ll get extra points if the jeans are made from selvage Denim and have that important exposed stitching.

Chelsea Boots

The Chelsea boot, named after the London borough where they were originally adopted, found their A-list supporters in The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Austin Butler is our June cover girl. Black and leather are the best choice for formal wear. The shinier, the better. The boot can be made in suede in more casual colors like tan or brown. They go well with both light and dark jeans.

The plain, slouchy Hoodie

A louche hoodie is a must-have for any off-duty outfit. Celebrity style icons prefer plainer, subtler branded designs. They are a go-to for transitional seasons and can even be worn under tailored jackets during the winter. Emerging brands such as Pangaia, which is committed to sustainability, have been particularly popular with Harry Styles and Tom Holland. Represent’s Owner’s Club hoodie, with its Cobrax closure, is a great piece for a more edgier style.

Black leather belt

Close your eyes and imagine a leather belt. You’re probably picturing black leather. Black leather belts can make a statement with a shiny silver or gold buckle. If the idea of buying one makes you yawn, you will be surprised by the sheer number of options available. These include unique buckle designs, tactile textures, and reversible colors for more fun occasions.

Classic Sunglasses

Even the most outrageous of men’s fashion icons will have a pair of Wayfarers or Aviators for more low-key occasions. They look best in rich tortoiseshell or black acetate and can be dressed up with gold or silver metal hardware (see Tom Ford Eyewear or Ray-Ban) or a subtle flex from a designer’s logo on the temples. Save the statement cat-eye and matrix frames for when the sun is shining.