Written by Paddy Maddison in Tips & Advice on the 30th May 2016

We know it can be easy to get sidetracked by what’s in fashion or what certain celebrities are wearing when it comes to doing a spot of clothes shopping, but you really needn’t worry about it. There are a selection of items that every guy should have in his collection no matter what. Simple, versatile, timeless garments that can be dressed up or down, and will act as the backbone of your wardrobe. These are your ‘basics’ and we’re going to show you how to do them properly.

The Plain White T-Shirt 

How many times have you heard people say “you can’t go wrong with a fitted white t-shirt and jeans”? Well they’re 100% right, although it can be tricky to find good quality AND a great fit. A lot of the offerings you’ll find in most high-street retailers have a tendency to be made from thin, poor quality material which will shrink and loose shape after 1 or 2 washes. Good quality doesn’t mean breaking the bank though, Fruit of the Loom Super Premium T-shirts are made in Europe, fit nicely and are a steal at around £2.50 each on most online stores. If you’re prepared to splash out a little more then Acne Studios and Sunspel both do the plain white T to perfection.

The Slim Selvedge Denim 

No man should be without a real pair of jeans. Selvedge denim, for those unaware is denim on which the rough edge is finished with a strip of fabric (usually in red), which is visible when the seams are turned up; as opposed to regular denim where the edges are stitched. Selvedge jeans also tend to be of a much higher quality and greater weight than most other denim. If you’re new to it the a great place to start is Uniqlo, who have pairs available for around £40, and since the Japanese have a near monopoly on selvedge production you can rest assured that you’re getting the most for your money. If you’d like to explore a slightly higher price bracket then A.P.C. are renowned for their ‘Petit New Standard’ Jean, which you really can’t go far wrong with.

The White Trainer 

In the wake of Stan Smith mania, the plain white sneaker still remains hugely popular and is definitely something you should have. You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a pair but we would say that if you’re looking for a good all-rounder then a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor’s will do the trick nicely. If you’re after something a little sportier then the Nike Air Presto or Adidas Ultra Boost are both good choices.

The Oxford Shirt 

This one should need no introduction; a wardrobe staple for as long as there have been wardrobes (probably). The Oxford shirt looks good with pretty much anything within reason and you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune. Again, Uniqlo have some of the best Oxfords available, all for under £20 and to be honest you’ll be hard pushed to find any better for less than £100. Aside from the high street, Ralph Lauren remains a solid go-to, with a huge selection of cuts and fits to suit every shape and taste.

The Desert Boot 

Arguably the most versatile shoe on the face of the earth; if you ever find yourself in a position where you are going away for a few days but can only take one set of footwear then the desert boot should be your first choice. The one-stop-shop for this particular style of footwear is Clark’s, the original and best. The design of the boot has remained more or less unchanged since its introduction it 1949 and shows now sign of ever going out of style. If you’d prefer to go premium then there are plenty of options available; Mark McNairy has made some very nice luxury alternatives, as do Saint Laurent.

The Light Jacket 

While a winter coat is only needed for half of the year, a good quality light jacket will be used all year round. Some styles to consider are bombers, harringtons and shearling collars. Alpha Industries have got the bomber jackets covered with their iconic MA-1 Flight Jacket. Your best bet for a Harrington is Baracuta and when it comes to shearling collars try A.P.C. or if you’re on a budget, Topman have some good options.

The wardrobe essentials and basic garments that every man should have in his wardrobe. We give you a 2016 checklist to follow.