Yves Saint Laurent once famously said, "Fashion fades; style is eternal." What he was getting at is that seasons come and seasons go, and with them plenty of desirable items, but certain things—a trench coat, a perfectly cut navy suit—aren't subject to the ever-changing tides of cyclical trends. They're essentials for every man, and for good reason—it's the reason that images of Steve McQueen or Paul Newman look as relevant today as they did a few decades ago. Timeless, see?
Here, we've round-up those things that every man should have in his closet and two examples of each—one for the guy who doesn't mind spending a few bucks, and one for the guy who knows that style comes at any price.
What one thing looks effortlessly stylish on pretty much everyone? A crisp, white, slim-fit Oxford. Get one. Get multiples if you can.
Thom Browne Oxford Button Down Shirt with Grosgrain Placket, $370; Gap Slim Oxford Shirt, $49.95
There's nothing more American than a great pair of jeans. Get a sturdy pair in dark blue—there's literally nothing they won't go well with.
Valentino Slim-Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans, $690; J. Crew 484 Raw Selvedge Jeans, $175
Another thoroughly American staple, the T-shirt has made its way from proletariat uniform to everyday classic. Find one that fits your body (hugs it, not a second skin) and wear it under a lightweight jacket or even on its own.
Visvim Velvet-Panelled Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, $290; Calvin Klein Cotton Classic 3-Pack Crewneck T-Shirt, $39.50
One of the most versatile styles of outerwear, it can be worn practically year-round and by most body types.
Lanvin Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Blend Bomber Jacket, $2,590; Zara Check jacket, $59.99
Gucci Navy Monaco Slim-Fit Wool Suit, $2,300; Suitsupply Napoli Blue, $399
A fine gauge sweater is the perfect in-between layer for when it's not cold enough for a jacket but not warm enough for one layer. Gray compliments most other things you'll have in your closet, like, you know a white Oxford or selvedge jeans.
Maison Margiela Cashmere and Cotton Blend Sweater, $1,275; Everlane Cashmere Crew, $135
Nothing is more elegant than checking the time on a wristwatch, not staring idly at your phone.
Jaeger LeCoultre Ultra Thin 1907 Grand Feu, $29,100; Daniel Wellington Classic Reading 40mm, $229
Lifted from the military in early 20th Century, the trench coat is certainly stylish but it's also an incredibly functional piece of outerwear that can keep you dry and warm when the weather gets chilly.
Burberry Kensington Mid-Length Heritage Trench Coat, $1,795; ASOS Trench Coat with Belt, $120
Bally Powell Boots, $675; Dr. Martens 1460 Boot, $135
Modern times call for a bag that can go anywhere and do anything its carrier can. Something that's solid but damn good looking. Here are two options for the on-the-go guy.
Tom Ford Double Zip Briefcase with Shoulder Strap, $3,750; Filson Briefcase Computer Bag, $345
For those in-between occasions when you should wear a jacket but don't need to wear a suit. Corduroy (right) has a retro appeal whereas a subtle pattern (left) is a bit more rakish.
Polo Ralph Lauren Navy Slim-Fit Tweed Blazer, $895; J. Crew Ludlow Blazer in Corduroy,$198
Now that Casual Friday has invaded the other four days of the workweek, a pair of spiffy kicks can be worn with anything from a full suit to jeans and a tee.
Above: Saint Laurent SL/01 Classic Sneakers, $545; Vans Originals Premium Leather Authentic Decon, $65
A summer staple, the polo shirt allows you to keep it formal (collar) but casual (short sleeves), and slightly sporty.
JW Anderson Hand Stitch Embroidery Polo, $630; H&M Printed Polo Shirt, $17.99
Because you can't wear jeans every day, can you?
Incotex Four Seasons Cotton-Blend Chinos, $380; Bonobos Washed Chinos, $88
Once solely for the rebellious types, now the denim topper is a versatile closet essential.
AMI Bleached Blue Denim Jacket, $354; Levi's Trucker Jacket, $59.90
Women notice shoes, and you should consider the brown lace-ups the most basic but also the most useful type of footwear out there. Invest (if you can) but there are plenty of options at many prices. And, again, these go with everything.
John Lobb Darby II Leather Wingtip Brogues, $1,435; Jack Erwin Wingtip Oxfords, $195
Brunello Cucinelli Suede Field Jacket, $4,726; Alpha Industries M-65 Field Coat, $180
Add a little pattern never hear anyone.
Saint Laurent Signature Yves Collar Shirt in Black and Gray Plaid, $750; COS Checked Cotton Shirt, $44
Give the librarian look a try, you won't regret it.
Come des Garcons Pay Heart Cardigan, $465; Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino V-Neck Cardigan, $39.90
No longer a sign of giving up, a slim pair of sweatpants should be your new go-to weekend look.
Vince Luxe Lounge Wool Cashmere Sweatpant, $365; H&M Tapered Sweatpants, $29.99
An old marine standby, remade for stylish modern men.
Canali Slim-fit textured peacoat, $1,225; Gap Classic Peacoat, $148
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