Way back in the late 1800s, men were slowly beginning to shake off their Victorian ways of dressing, which involved a lot of conservative frock coats, top hots and even walking sticks! Although not all of those accessories would last the time, the classic combination of dressy shirts and formal jackets would be one that would cement itself firmly in the world of timeless men’s fashion. By the time of the 1900s, three piece suits were all the range, and as the 1930s, 40s and 50s approached, menswear seemed to be entering a golden age and the height of elegance. You can wear shorts for men to look stylish and comfortable in warm weather.
With the style muses of the time including fashion icons such as Clark Gabel, Cary Grant, and Gary Cooper – it’s no wonder that this period is remembered as a defining moment in the world of menswear, when many of the basic fashion rules for guys were forged.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and fashion was all about expression and rebellion, with men turning their backs on the conervative styles of their fathers and grandfathers, in favor of looks that were much more rock and roll. By the turn of the 1980s, things had returned to a more serious place again – with the dawn of power dressing. This meant big, broad shoulders, visible suspenders and lots of serious statement ties. But fashion  (as we know!) keeps us all guessing, and the 90s ushered in a sudden age of baggy casual styles which were a stark departure from the formal dress craze that was so popular just a few years before.

As for men’s trousers? They’ve been on a journey of their own too. From Today, the fashion landscape of 2021 looks pretty much like an amalgamation of styles from every one of these historical periods. Sure, there will always be trends that come and go – but these days in the world of mens fashion, there’s a real sense of freedom to just do you and go with the flow. Men’s athleisure outfits are a stylish and comfortable way to dress for any occasion, from running errands to going out with friends. When it comes to tracking menswear style evolution, there are also a select few pieces that have become timeless over the years, and that every man simply must have in his wardrobe. We’ve included 10 of these styles here, in our quick guide to styling quality menswear.

The Oxford Shirt 

This classic style of shirt is perhaps one of the most versatile fashion pieces around. While it might not be the best choice for super formal occasions in the same way as a dress shirt – it can still be used to suit a host of other occasions and is really easy to style. Here’s a great example of such simplistic stylishing from Dockers, who use some of the most sustainable and best quality fabrics for their clothes:

Tailored Blazer 

In a nutshell, a great tailored blazer basically means owning a jacket that doesn’t form part of a suit, but is still considered to be a great piece of formal wear. The perfect tailored blazer is a style investment that will save the day time and time again, when you’re looking for that perfect formal piece to style up an otherwise casual outfit. Here’s how it’s done courtesy of Suit Supply:

Blue Denim

Whether it’s a pair of denim jeans, jacket, or an open collared denim shirt – denim is always in. Dark blue jeans especially are a classic when teamed with a white t-shirt. Simple, yet completely stylish, and th perfect summer look.

The Oxford Shoes 

The perfect pair of Oxford dress shoes can really elevate your sense of style and be the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.  They work perfectly when teamed with a smart Oxford shirt, jacket and smart trousers. To put it simply: every man should own a pair of these classic shoes. For the best summer chic look, try pairing a quality linen shirt with tailored shorts and loafers.

Sandy Chinos

Whether you opt for some classic slim-fit chinos or you’re rolling up the cuffs of a regular fit pair – be sure to team them with a bright white pair of classic tennis shoes and you’ve got yourself a classic and stylish summer look. Beige or sandy chinos in particular will seamlessly slot into your everyday casual wear. Check out this pair from Dockers:

Classic Sunglasses

Sunglasses are the ultimate timeless fashion accessory with the ability to add a seriously cool edge to your look. Not only are they great for protecting your eyes from that annoying sun-induced squint – they’re also able to make a bold and stylish statement, with minimal effort required. Classic brands such as Ray-ban and Persol are a great place to start your hunt for the perfect shades.

The collarless shirt 

The collarless shirt is a classic menswear staple that oozes smart-casual and laid-back style. Perfect for the summer evenings, you can team this timeless piece with anything from a deconstructed blazer to a crewneck jumper – or simply wear it on its own with a smart pair of pants.

Leather Biker Jacket

Originally designed for motorcyclists (duh!), this jacket’s cropped design allowed riders to lean right over the bike with ease. Popularised in the 1950s and 60s by the likes of James Dean and other rock and roll style icons, this is the kind of jacket that will give your look an instant edge. This classic style can be teamed with a plain white t-shirt and jeans. Let the buckles, studs and zips do the talking here, and consider this look from The Kooples a masterclass in how to wear yours:

Classic Khaki Pants 

This classic item of utility wear is something that every man should have in his wardrobe. A little more heavy duty and durable than lighter chinos – a great quality khaki pants are perfect for those grab and go situations where you’re in a rush to get ready for a super busy and active day. This type of trouser looks great paired with a t-shirt and shirt combination on top. Don’t forget too, khaki pants come in all kinds of colours – not just the dark green shades we’re used to seeing. Check out this look from Dockers for inspiration on how to add a pop of colour to this look:

A Terrific tie Selection

Last, but by no means the least important classic looks on our list – the perfect collection of ties. It’s essential when it comes to ties that you get a few for every occasion. Chunky bold block-coloured ones for when you’re wanting to boss that board meeting, as well as playful floral or paisley ones for when you’re in a more casual mood. Getting your tie right can set the tone for your entire day, so make sure you nail the look and make the right choice. Head over to Hawes and Curtis to browse their huge selection.

When it comes to choosing quality menswear, be sure to take into account our list of checkboxes below, to be sure that you’re buying clothes that won’t let you down:

• Price point – An extremely low price point may seem like a bargain, but it’s usually the sign of a fast-fashion piece that hasn’t been built to last.

• Research brand names – Do your homework on the brands you’re buying from. Are they ethically responsible? Do they use sustainable materials? Do they have a good reputation for quality?
• Checking the “hardwear” – This means checking over any buttons, zips, laces or heels to make sure they seem sturdy, and not cheaply made.
• Interrogate the quality of the fabric – This is essential! You don’t want to be investing in a suit that’s made from 90% polyester. If the piece is made from organically sourced, good quality fabric, that is usually a sign of good quality. 

Our last piece of advice is also to shop sustainably where possible. Not only will your eco-friendly style choices mean good news for our planet – but you’ll also be contributing to the fairer treatment of skilled workers, who are often exploited in the garment making process. By shopping for clothes that are made from more durable and natural materials, you’ll also be saving yourself money in the long-run too, as sustainable clothing is often designed to stand the test of time. 

So there you have it! A quick masterclass on how to style ten quality menswear pieces. Remember, the world of fashion can be fast paced and fickle. And while there’s nothing wrong with keeping up with the latest fashion fads and trends – it’s always good to have some of these timeless pieces in your style repertoire, safe in the knowledge that some classic items will never go out of style.

Author Bio:

Joan Calabia operates as the Director of Brand Marketing for Dockers® Europe at Levi Strauss & Co. Joan’s experience spans the intricacies of marketing operations to creating immersive consumer experiences.

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