With a few hundred million people in the United States, there are about…mmm, a few hundred million opinions on what’s fashionable for a man to wear. So, where do you even begin? Let’s start with the basics. I’ve outlined three versatile pieces that I think almost everyone can agree are core staples for every man’s wardrobe.

On the first hanger, the white Oxford. The Oxford shirt originated in the 19th century in Scotland, a country known for its strength in textile mills. One mill’s innovation brought about a unique weave that turned into a fabric dubbed “Oxford.” Throughout its history, the Oxford style shirt found fame for multiple reasons. It made a great formalwear piece. You could throw on a tie and a blazer for a dressy look. It also was a major hit in sporting (pun intended) – often used by polo players. Tucked or untucked, the white Oxford is important because it looks spectacular with everything.

On the second hanger, or possibly folded, is a quality pair of blue denim. Denim began as a durable worker pant – something that could withstand all the stresses of work from the farm to the factories. What Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss didn’t know when they designed denim jeans is that the pant would become one of the most popular items in today’s closets, as well as an iconic fashion piece worldwide.

Definitely not on a hanger, but the third staple piece nonetheless, is a good pair of brown leather dress shoes. There’s a reason that leather dress shoes have been around for hundreds of years and are still completely relevant today. Whether Oxfords or Derbies, brown leather dress shoes provide a perfect primary pair of shoes for any man’s wardrobe.

What do all of these pieces have in common and why are they so important?

They’re timeless: All of these pieces have been around for a long time, and they’re not going away anytime soon.

They’re versatile: Dress them up or dress them down. These items make sense for formal and casual wear, pairing well with nearly everything. So, you can wear them often and be complimented for them without people realizing the frequency of use (we’d advise an occasional wash, though).

Above all, they’re sensible: No matter where you live, what your job is, or what your hobbies are, these clothing options are appropriate, relevant, and practical for a classic or modern gentleman.

Every day, you will find me wearing at least one of these pieces. If I were limited to wearing only one outfit for the rest of my life, it would include a white Oxford button-down, a good-fitting pair of blue denim pants, and brown leather Italian dress shoes. If you’re stepping into finding your own style or on a mission to revamp your wardrobe, consider these three staples as a strong place to start.

How you dress and how you’re perceived is important. Whether you’re confident in your style, trying to find your style, or searching for insights for the man in your life, we’re speaking to you. We hope to be a menswear resource of information, tips, encouragement and creativity. If you have a question, concern, or you’d like us to address a specific topic, let us know by filling out this form: http://nonahood.to/menswear.