The 12 items every guy should have in his wardrobe

IMAGE consultant Paul Giles likes to boast he can dress any bloke for any occasion using 12 simple wardrobe items.

Marcs men's fashion

IMAGE consultant Paul Giles likes to boast he can dress any bloke for any occasion using 12 simple wardrobe items.

Those “key pieces” are must-have items every man should have, regardless of age, occasion or budget.

“I can dress a man for any occasion with these items,” says Giles, author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Cool.

“The most common problem men come to me with is that they don’t know how to put pieces together.

“I look in their wardrobe and often discard 70 per cent of it because it’s filled with pieces that don’t fit right or suit them.”

GILES’ 12 KEY ITEMS INCLUDE:

H&M men's navy blazer

1. Navy blazer

2. Crisp white shirt

3. Dark blue jeans

4. Black or white polo

5. V-neck cashmere jumper

6. Chino pants

7. Black brogue shoes

8. White crew tee

9. Khaki shorts

10. Brown leather loafers

11. Grey track pants

12. Black or brown belt.

Giles adds, there is a misconception that pricier items are better.

“Brands such as Zara, Topman and H&M have provided great choice at affordable prices and they prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to look a million bucks,” Giles says. “People mistakenly think an expensive item will always look good. But no matter where you shop or what you buy, there are two rules; make sure the clothing fits and that you pick items which suit you and your body.”

However, he says if you are going to invest, pay more for a good navy blue blazer, leather shoes and a belt as these will instantly lift your outfit.

Boohoo.com menswear design manager Shane Chin says the modern man is paying a lot more attention to the way he presents himself.

“It is now socially acceptable for the male to show an interest in his own appearance and this has directly influenced the drive for a strong menswear market,” Chin says.

“Fashion is a powerful tool to convey who you are. The interesting thing about menswear is that you can take the same pieces and each man will wear it differently.”

Giles adds the rise of social media has also made men pay more attention to the way they look.

“In such a visual world, you are doing yourself an injustice if you don’t present yourself right.”