Style guides 14 min read

Classic Style Has Never Died - 19 Classic Menswear Wardrobe Essentials For Any Gentleman That are Timeless

“Welcome back formal clothing!”. This seems to be the slogan of Milan Fashion Week after Dolce&Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna and Versace’s shows. From blazers to suits, streetwear fashion has never been so far from the scenes.

Classic Style Has Never Died - 19 Classic Menswear Wardrobe Essentials For Any Gentleman That are Timeless

CLASSIC STYLE HAS NEVER DIED - 19 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR ANY GENTLEMAN

There's a reason classics never go out of style. They're simple, elegant, and timeless. If you're looking to add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe, then you need to learn about classic fashion styles for gentlemen. In this article, we'll discuss the history of classic style, how to wear it today, and some of the most popular classic looks. Want our favorite Suit Brands instead? Check them out!

What is classic menswear style?

Classic menswear style is a term used to describe the most common and timeless styles of dress for men. It's based on traditional clothing items and pieces that have been popular for many years, and it often features simple, elegant designs.

The classic style of dressing includes a suit, dress pants, a tie, dress shoes, a pocket square, a belt, and a shirt. There are other accessories such as bags, which we will talk about later, but the general gist of classic menswear style is the Sartorial flavor of tailoring - and is best summed up by the works of Cesare Attolini and Kiton.

Classic menswear style attempts to stick to the classic men's wardrobes essentials - but also encourages people to put their own modern twist onto things. This may include several looks, which we have covered in the following articles:

Stylish clothing for men - how to build a men's wardrobe

The most important part of building a wardrobe is to first understand what look you are going for. If you're going for the classic menswear look with a difference, you will need to make sure you pick yourself up a few modern cut suits. These are ideal for channeling the other looks we talked about before, such as wearing a suit with no tie.

This is the base of your new wardrobe, but you will also need the other essentials. Choosing a pair of designer jeans has never been easier, with IsuiT - Italian Luxury. Not only do we have one of the largest collections of Italian designer jeans on the planet, from huge brands such as Kiton, Diesel, and more - we also have a great customer care representative team - who will be happy to look after you. Feel free to message the live chat, send us an email, or send us a WhatsApp today!

19 Basic Wardrobe Essentials For Men: A Gentleman’s Clothes Wardrobe Checklist

A man can't have too many pieces of clothing. I know that's what you're thinking, but hear me out! There are some items that every guy should own in their lifetime, and they're on my list below. When it comes to deciding what clothes to wear with your everyday outfit, these 20 pieces will make any outfit look classy and polished no matter what.

Every Italian man will own at least one of each of the following pieces of clothing, make sure you have at least one of each of these clothes in your closet!

  1. Navy or charcoal-coloured suit

This is one of the most important items a man needs in his closet because it goes well with anything from dress shoes to sneakers depending on where you are going.

We have some fantastic suits created by Kired, especially for IsuiT.

  1. Well-tailored blazer

It looks great over a shirt and tie, but also pairs nicely with jeans as well. Having a suit is important, but having a few different blazer styles is a great way to easily diversify your outfits.

Here is a great example from Kired - For IsuiT again - This time it’s just the blazer in a classic suit colour

  1. Dark Dress Shoes - Sartorial

If you want to look professional, every man should own a pair of black or brown leather dress shoes. You can go for a more outlandish colour if you want, but we definitely recommend having at least one pair of dark dress shoes, for certain events such as an opera or a funeral.

  1. A few pairs of handmade jeans

It's good to have a pair made out of denim or raw denim because they are very durable and will last you much longer. Kiton Jeans are some of the highest quality in the world, and we have classic favourites such as Stefano Ricci, Barba Napoli, Diesel, and more

  1. The classic dress shirt

A good dress shirt will look nice with a suit or blazer. If you don’t know how to choose a dress shirt - check out our guide here

This is an example of an essential white dress shirt, perfect to wear with a suit, from Sartorio Napoli. Their collection of shirts are truly fantastic.

It is absolutely essential that you have at least one white dress shirt - this will be your staple, and you will wear it for most formal situations. Aside from that, you can pick a more casual style of a dress shirt with multicoloured fabrics to stand out when you want to.

If you want some help choosing a shirt for summer, we have you covered.

  1. A plain t-shirt

Every man needs a plain white tee shirt to wear underneath their clothes. Not only is this a great look to have alongside a suit blazer or under an open shirt. 

We personally love our selection of Italian luxury T-shirts - and we’re sure you will too. Kired makes a super simple t-shirt collection, which you can see an example of below:

Here's our article about the best Italian Designer T-shirt Brands

  1. Casual shoes or sneakers - various colours

Every man should own a pair of casual sneakers, such as Premiata.

Premiata makes a fantastic collection of shoes - and here at IsuiT we have all colours available. Check out this example of their Andy shoes:

Loafers are another great option - As they are both comfortable and have functionality. These light Blue Kiton loafers are great for a more relaxed look, perhaps when you’re going to the beach.

  1. Stylish and colourful shorts for holidaying

Shorts are a great alternative to jeans if you're feeling the heat - These cotton EA jeans from Kiton are a perfect example. Both comfortable and not overly formal, these shorts are a great for those looking to expand their summer wardrobe - and not look like a mess while doing it.

Also included in this section are luxury designer swim trunks - Here’s another example from Kiton Swim Trunks:

  1. A pair of boots to go hiking in

Previously classed as workwear, boots have slowly been creeping back into the mainstream, and our now used for casual wear also.

The best combination of clothes you can get is something that is comfortable, stylish, but still waterproof and very functional.

What better example of this holy trinity can you think of than Timberland boots? Perfect for going on a hike… or going to a formal event in.

A casual boot can be worn with anything from jeans to khakis. Check out our entire Timberland collection today.

  1. A high-quality Crocodile or Suede leather belt

A belt will complete any man's outfit.

But if you're able to afford rich people brands, there are some amazing choices here

You have two main options when it comes to a belt - we suggest you go with a more subtle piece, but some people will adore Stefano Ricci’s Colored Crocodile skin belts. 

Don’t forget to match your belt and shoes together, for a truly refined look

If you’re more of a subtle person and don’t want to stand out by wearing something fairly outlandish, then you cannot go wrong with a suede leather belt created by hand by master craftspeople at Kiton.

  1. A casual jacket

This is a great alternative to the blazer because it can be worn with everything from jeans and sneakers to khakis and dress shoes.

A casual jacket is the difference between being stylish and being perfect. A well-rounded outfit can be perfectly topped with a casual jacket.

Here’s a great example from one of our newest designers, hand-selected by our stylists, Brunello Cucinelli 

  1. A winter coat to keep you warm

A winter coat is necessary for colder climates - so choosing the right winter coat is important.

Even in warmer climates such as Italy, the winter is incredibly cold, and we, therefore, recommend you pick yourself up a winter coat.

Specifically for very cold countries, you may find that a fur coat or jacket is necessary.

We have just taken a huge order of Kired coats, which have fur inside, and are guaranteed to not only keep you warm for one winter season, but every winter season for the rest of your life.

  1. Outwear and casual coat sweaters (Gilet)

This type of coat should go well with anything you're wearing, but it also looks nice by itself over your suit or casual clothes as well.

It’s a much more casual coat - and are often referred to as gilets.

Or maybe you’re looking for a raincoat, luckily for you (as usual), our lead stylists have chosen one of the highest quality brands in the world - which also doesn’t have a huge price tag. Check out our full collection of Peuterey coats today.

  1. High-quality handmade Sunglasses from Kiton and Zilli

Every man needs a good pair of sunglasses that they can wear every day without worrying about breaking them easily.

Our first brand is the infamous Zilli - who have one of the most desirable eyewear collections in the world. Zilli Designer luxury sunglasses, there’s something for everyone on IsuiT - Italian Sartorial Luxury

If Zilli doesn’t tickle your fancy - we’re certain Kiton will. We have one of the largest Kiton sunglasses collections in the world - which we are proud to share with you today!

  1. A winter warmer - Luxury Italian Scarf

This is a great alternative to the winter coat in case you get cold.

We have just taken a huge order of Kiton scarves - which are available on our website now!

  1. An absolute essential - overcoat

You will not find a single Italian man in the world who does not own an overcoat.

Why?

Because, particularly in formal situations, an Italian man will always wear an overcoat over their suit. If you own a suit, and not an overcoat, you’re doing something wrong.

  1. Winter Fall Sweaters

This will look nice over your t-shirt underneath your blazer or suit jacket - this is a very common look in Italy

We have several companies that sell some beautifully made sweaters, one of our favourites being Barba Napoli and Paul&Shark

  1. Beanies - The perfect suit companion

If you're going outside in the wintertime without a hat, then this will keep your head warm!

Every Italian man will have a beanie - as they are the perfect hat to go alongside a suit. You may be tempted to buy a trilby or a different type of hat - but I’m telling you right now to get a beanie instead. Favorites Kiton and Paul&Shark have a great selection of beanies

Another great choice would be a Peaky Blinders’ style flat cap, or Fedora, from Kiton

  1. Don’t forget the ties, scarves, and pocket squares!

The final piece or pieces you will need to complete the classic menswear look is to get yourself a tie, a scarf, and a pocket square. Although, arguably, not completely necessary, the devil is in the detail - and Italian men know the power of these extra accessories. Try to match your tie etc. with the rest of your outfit, and don’t go for any crazy colors unless you’re embracing a general overall look with a lot of vivid colors.

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