The Men's Capsule Wardrobe: 20 Essentials Every Man Needs
Build a small, versatile wardrobe that works for almost any situation. Here are the 20 essential pieces, in the order you should buy them.
Straightforward menswear advice: build a wardrobe that works, find your style, pick the right shoes and socks, and look sharp from the office to the golf course.
Start with the basicsExplore stylesEight sections covering everything a man needs to know about clothes, from first principles to heritage workwear.
Beginner's GuideWardrobe basics, fit & accessories
SeasonsWhat to wear spring to winter
OccasionsWeddings, holidays & celebrations
GolfCourse-ready outfits & etiquette
StylesCasual, classic, smart & sport
Heritage & WorkwearMilitary, British country & US workwear
ShoesThe right shoes for every style
SocksHow to match socks to any outfit
New to dressing well? These guides give you the biggest improvement for the least effort.
Build a small, versatile wardrobe that works for almost any situation. Here are the 20 essential pieces, in the order you should buy them.
Fit is the single most important part of looking good. Learn exactly how a suit, shirt, trousers, jeans and t-shirt should fit, and what a tailor can fix.
What smart casual really means for men, the key pieces, the rules, and 8 outfit formulas for offices, dates, dinners and weekends.
Memorise these and you will already be ahead of most men in the room.
A well-fitting inexpensive garment beats an expensive one that doesn't fit. Find a good tailor.
Navy, grey, white, olive and brown combine endlessly. Add colour in small doses.
Brown shoes with a brown belt, black with black. It's a small detail that shows care.
When unsure, go slightly more formal. You can always lose the tie.
With tailoring, match socks to trousers for a long, unbroken line.
Spend on shoes, coats and the items you use daily. Save on trend pieces.
A bold jacket, loud socks or a patterned tie: pick one, not all three.
Shoe trees, good hangers, brushing and rotation double the life of your wardrobe.
Style is personal. Know the rules so you can bend them on purpose.

Field jackets, waxed cotton, tweed and duck canvas are everywhere again, and not just with people who hunt, farm or build things. These clothes last for decades and look better the more you wear them.
Our heritage section explains where each style comes from, which pieces are worth buying, and how to wear them without looking like you are in costume.
Read the heritage guidesFresh, practical articles from every section of the site.
No-show, ankle, crew or over-the-calf? A practical guide to choosing socks for sneakers, loafers, boots, shorts, golf shoes and every kind of outfit.
The definitive guide to men's socks: colour matching, patterns, length, materials, and the sock mistakes that ruin good outfits.
Every men's boot style explained: chelsea, chukka, desert, brogue, service, moc-toe and combat boots, with which outfits and styles each one suits.
A clear guide to every classic men's shoe: oxfords, derbies, brogues, loafers, monk straps, boots and sneakers. What they are, and which outfits they go with.
Duck canvas jackets, double-knee pants, raw denim and moc-toe boots: how American workwear from brands like Carhartt, Dickies, Red Wing and Levi's became everyday style.
Tweed, waxed jackets, flat caps, corduroy and brogue boots: a guide to traditional English country clothing and how to wear it in the city.
Men's Style Guide is an independent resource for men who want to dress better without following every passing trend. We explain the why behind menswear: why a jacket should fit at the shoulders, why brown shoes are more versatile than black, and why a waxed jacket works in both the countryside and the city. With that understanding, you can make confident choices for yourself.
Whether you're building your first grown-up wardrobe, preparing for a wedding, heading out for a round of golf, or curious about the return of military, British country and American workwear, you'll find a clear, practical guide here. Start with our beginner's guide, or jump straight to what to wear this season.