Men's Suit Staples: Everything You Need for Your Suit Wardrobe

Your clothes create a valuable first — and lasting — impression in business and your personal life. While men's fashion has come a long way in recent years, there are some staples you must have, like long-lasting, quality items you can wear for any occasion. 

Suits are a nonnegotiable style item in your arsenal. Choosing the right suit wardrobe can be challenging, especially if it's your first time investing in staple pieces. Still, with a few versatile garments in your collection, you can open up a realm of fashion possibilities suitable for any event that comes your way. 

Suit and Jackets

A man's wardrobe is only complete with a couple of versatile suit jackets. They come in handy for the office and events, and if you choose wisely, you can change things up and get your money's worth, using them in many different ways for all sorts of occasions. 

The Navy Blazer 

A navy blazer is always an excellent place to start when you're expanding your professional wardrobe. It's a versatile piece of clothing you can dress up or down to suit any occasion. Navy blazers go with anything, from jeans to slacks and shorts. They're perfect for professionals and party-goers alike. Navy looks great on everyone and matches well with a broad color palette, including green, pink, olive and beige. A navy suit is just as versatile and timeless. 

The Black Suit

While a black suit is too formal for most business settings, it's a staple for every wardrobe. Aside from the apparent black-tie events, It's also perfect for weddings and nightclubs. A classic black suit is an excellent tool to bring out for those formal moments, no matter the occasion.

The Charcoal Suit

If you're on a budget, charcoal is more versatile than black. It's great for a business setting, and as a neutral color, you can accentuate it by matching it with more vibrant options for a less formal get-together. 

Dress Shirts

Dress shirts, though understated, can make or break your outfit. A well-fitting slim-fit dress shirt gives you a sleek, neat and modern appearance, while a regular dress shirt is essential for office comfort and semi-casual outings. Cotton shirts are the most versatile for business and pleasure, but if you want to add a casual touch to your wardrobe, consider denim and flannel. 

Your essentials include the following:

The White Shirt

White is probably your best bet if you only choose one dress shirt. It's timeless, has a classic feel that's challenging to beat and goes with everything. Whether at a wedding, black tie event or smart-casual office function, a white shirt makes you look neat, slick and fashionable. 

The Pink Shirt

Light pink is a versatile color that goes seamlessly with navy, charcoal and black. Like many lighter colors, you can dress this option up or down. Pair it with a pair of brown shoes to add another layer of self-assurance and style to your ensemble. 

The Light Blue and Blue Striped Shirts

You can wear light blue in summer or winter to add color to your suit. It pairs well with navy and grey and shows that you take pride in your appearance. Two or three light blue variations can breathe life into your wardrobe. 

Adding stripes to the equation provides a less formal but businesslike option. It's one of the more basic patterns that add subtle visual interest, suitable for formal and casual events. 

Trousers

Aside from your suit, you'll need to consider a few pairs of trousers. Consider adding these staples to your existing wardrobe:

The Grey Wool

Charcoal grey wool trousers go well with everything. You can pair them with a blazer or overcoat in the winter months and dress them down with a dress shirt for less formal occasions. The neutral palette keeps them versatile and businesslike, but with a splash of color, you can stand out from the crowd. 

The Chinos

There's nothing like a good pair of chinos. They're smart-casual, easy to work with and versatile. You can wear them with a dress shirt, a pullover or a blazer and pair them with anything from sneakers to oxfords. Navy and dark colors are perfect for dressing up, but if you'd like to stay more informal, consider lighter shades like beige and olive green.

The Quality Pair of Jeans

What would you do on casual Friday or that smart casual cocktail party without a pair of good quality jeans? The correct fit and style transform this everyday item into something extraordinary for the office and drinks after work. Pair them with your navy blazer or dress shirt for a sleek look. 

Shoes and Accessories

Choosing the right shoes takes careful consideration. They need to be comfortable and add a finishing touch to your look. When shopping for shoes, it's worth prioritizing quality over quantity. A good pair of shoes last long and goes with practically any event. 

These must-have closet essentials are a good place to start:

The Black Oxford

Black oxfords are perhaps the most formal and dynamic shoes you can buy. They work with navy, charcoal and beige, and you can wear them to the office or formal occasions. 

The Dark Brown Derby Shoe

With this option, you get all the advantages of the black oxford while adding a slightly less formal twist to your ensemble. You can style these shoes with jeans or more formal attire, and they're perfect for the workplace, date night and an after-work function. 

The Loafers

Loafers are the ultimate combination of style and utility. They're comfortable and smart, and you can style them with anything from a suit to a pair of shorts and a dress shirt. Every wardrobe would be complete with them. 

The Accessories

The world of men's accessories is so large that it can be difficult to narrow it down to the basics. Depending on your job and style, consider the following accessories to finish off your wardrobe:

• Ties: Keep your colors and patterns low-key for your first few ties so you can get the most use out of them, but don't be afraid to invest in ties with bold patterns and colors if it fits your style. 
• Belts: One belt in brown and one in black are an excellent starting point for your suit wardrobe. You can mix and match them with your shoes to add cohesiveness. 
• Socks: Your socks can be as subtle or as loud as you want them to be, and it's a good idea to have multiple types in your wardrobe to fit your mood and the occasion.
• Suspenders: Suspenders work similarly to belts by offering support and adding visual interest to your overall look. You can find both button and clip-on suspenders available in multiple materials and colors. 

Get All Your Quality Suit Essentials at Penner's

You can get everything you need for your suit wardrobe at Penner's in San Antonio, Texas. Our wide selection of fabrics, cuts and colors spread over our 8,000 square feet retail space provides an unparalleled selection of items from dress shirts to suits, jeans, shoes and accessories. After over a century in the business, we know how to kit you out for success from head to toe. 

With our professional staff — most of whom have been in the business for over 25 years — and seven in-house tailors, you can be sure of the perfect fit. Please call us at 1-210-226-2487 or contact us online, and we'll get back to you. Alternatively, browse our vast selection of garments and accessories for the perfect ensemble today.