Menswear Basics: A Kickstart to Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe

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Menswear has always fascinated me, especially because I believe many people are interested in dressing well but feel overwhelmed by where to start. This guide provides a kickstart to building your menswear basics.

Capsule Wardrobe: Building Blocks

A capsule wardrobe can be built from clothes you already own. Start by making an inventory of your clothing. Then, establish a theme for your desired capsule. Choose a limited number of versatile pieces, like two pairs of trousers, two pairs of shoes, three t-shirts, and two jackets. Focus on a similar color palette to ensure easy mixing and matching.

The goal is to simplify decision-making. By selecting a few cohesive items, you can create seemingly endless outfit combinations. This approach is also fantastic for travel.

Summer Capsule Example:

Trousers:

• White linen pants

• Light wash jeans

• Dark blue shorts

Tops:

• White or black cotton t-shirt

• Short-sleeved white shirt

• Long-sleeved shirt (white or light blue)

Shoes:

• White minimalist sneakers

Fit and Proportion: Dress for Your Body

Understanding your body shape is key to dressing well. Aim to balance your proportions. You can also use clothing to achieve your desired look.

For example:

• Broader shoulders and narrower waist: Avoid skinny jeans and opt for looser trousers like straight-leg dress pants.

• Wider waist and narrower shoulders: Try oversized jackets and chunky sweaters.

• To appear taller: Opt for high-waisted trousers and ensure your shoes complement your trousers, avoiding harsh breaks between trouser leg and shoe. For instance, light-colored sneakers with dark wash jeans might shorten your legs, while cuffing those trousers with white wide-leg pants can elongate them.

The Sandwich Method: Easy Outfit Creation

The "sandwich method" is a simple way to put together outfits. Imagine your outfit as a sandwich: a top layer (t-shirt), a middle layer (trousers), and a bottom layer (shoes).

Here are some examples:

• White t-shirt, dark blue pants, white sneakers

• Black t-shirt, white linen pants, black loafers

This method ensures balance in your outfit with contrasting colors, adding visual interest.

Invest in Versatile Pieces

When shopping for clothes, prioritize versatility. Here are some rules to follow:

• If you're not 100% sure you like an item in the store, don't buy it.

• Before buying, consider at least three different outfits you can create with that piece.

• Avoid impulse buys for "special occasions." These clothes often end up unworn. Instead, imagine wearing the item in your day-to-day life. This helps ensure it fits your style and gets worn often.

By following these basics, you can build a functional capsule wardrobe and create stylish, balanced outfits that flatter your proportions.