Travis Mathew $59.95
While exploring what men search for when seeking ideas on a capsule wardrobe, I discovered that “capsule wardrobe men” is the most popular term. I was delighted by the efficiency of the search — why bother with prepositions, I say?!
Anyhoo, this week I created a mini wardrobe from scratch for a fella who needed to pass on practically all of his existing clothes. I often do this, but it was particularly efficient this time. Below is a list of the items needed for a classic and casual capsule wardrobe for summer, using blue as the focus color.
Shoes:
- Smart casual navy blue shoes and matching belt
- Casual navy blue shoes and matching belt
- Smart casual brown shoes and matching belt
- Casual brown shoes and matching belt
Shorts:
- Green shorts
- Navy shorts
- Khaki shorts
Pants:
- Khaki pants
- Medium blue jeans
- Navy-ish chinos
- Grey pants
Short Sleeve Shirts:
- Burgundy t-shirt
- Navy polo
- Light blue polo
- Printed white short sleeve collared shirt
- White and grey printed short sleeve collared shirt
- Navy printed short sleeve collared shirt
Long Sleeve Shirts:
- White and navy dress shirt
- White and navy sport shirt
- Printed navy sport shirt
- Dark green dress shirt
Vince Chad Espadrille Slip-On Sneaker (Favorite)
Vince $250
I can’t get enough of these Vince Chad Espadrille Slip-On Sneakers. They are hands down my favorite color shoe for a year-round casual option. FYI, they’re even bolder in person. These sneakers are available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s.
Nordstrom Men’s Shop Dayton Leather Belt
Nordstrom Men’s Shop $69.50
This Nordstrom Men’s Shop Dayton Belt says it’s leather, but it has a nubuck finish that pairs perfectly with the Vince Chad Espadrille Slip-On Sneaker.
The Rail Ravenna Cap Toe Oxford
The Rail $99.95
I adore the muted navy of The Rail Ravenna Cap Toe Oxford. It works for dressy as well as casual occasions.
Original Penguin Men’s Sun Tanned Leather Belt
Original Penguin $59.50 $41.99
Whenever I’m looking for an odd color belt, I go to Macy’s at Fashion Valley. They ALWAYS have the color I seek. Case in point, this Original Penguin Men’s Sun Tanned Leather Belt goes amazingly with the navy Rail Ravenna Cap Toe Oxfords mentioned above.
Ecco ‘Soft 7’ Sneaker
Ecco $149.95
These Ecco ‘Soft 7’ Sneakers are perfect: the texture is nicely rugged, the volume works for lean and straight leg pants, and the leather is wonderfully muted. Most leather sneakers are so damn shiny they look bizarre next to casual pants. These are such a find. They are available at Nordstrom, Ecco, and Zappos.
Ted Baker London Cubes Leather Belt
Ted Baker London $85
I love the supply leather and rich blue of this Ted Baker London Cubes Leather Belt. I also love that more designers are making navy belts. It used to be quite the hunt a few years ago.
Timberland Wodehouse Lost History Boot (Favorite)
Timberland $299
This Timberland Wodehouse Lost History Boot in grey burnished leather is the best boot color I have ever used. It says grey, but it is brown with a grey undertone. They’re one of the few brown shoes that can pair with casual grey pants. I dare say everyone needs this shoe. Notice how it’s not too shiny, and the comfort and construction is dynamite.
John Varvatos Star USA Casual Shorts
John Varvatos Star USA $98
These John Varvatos Star USA Casual Shorts are lightweight, flattering, and the best shade of olive green without feeling militant. They are available at Nordstrom, John Varvatos and Zappos.
AG Lotas Slim Fit Stretch Cotton Shorts
AG $135
These AG Lotas Slim Fit Stretch Cotton Shorts have a subtle print that seems to go with everything. Feel free to pair other printed items with them — the pattern is so subtle it just works.
Sizing Tip: These are best on athletic thighs. Leaner thighs may need to taper them at the tailor.
AG Wanderer Modern Slim Fit Print Twill Shorts
AG $125
These AG Wanderer Modern Slim Fit Print Twill Shorts are a great length and the perfect khaki color.
Sizing Tip: These are best on athletic thighs. Leaner thighs may need to taper them at the tailor.
Paige Transcend – Federal Slim Straight Leg Jeans (Favorite)
Paige $185 $129.50
These Paige Transcend – Federal Slim Straight Leg Jeans are the most versatile wash. They will go with everything listed above. These jeans are available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
AG Everett SUD Slim Straight Fit Pants
AG $178
The AG Everett SUD Slim Straight Fit Pants are a go-to for all the shirts listed above. They are available at Nordstrom.
AG Everett Slim Straight Fit Jeans
AG $198
These AG Everett Slim Straight Fit Jeans will work as your dressy jeans. Instead of pairing your t-shirts and polos with them, opt for your collared button fronts.
Ted Baker London Modern Slim Fit Trousers (Favorite)
Ted Baker London $229
The Ted Baker London Modern Slim Fit Trousers are what I call party pants. You can dress them up for cocktail hour, or simply treat them like chinos and go to work.
Brax Cooper Prestige Stretch Cotton Pants
Brax $188
These Brax Cooper Prestige Stretch Cotton Pants are one of the best grey pants I have ever put on a client. The color is fresh and the fabric is lightweight, giving them year-round abilities. I mention this because grey pants are often dreary, and can end up feeling industrial or fall-like if they are too rugged or dark.
Travis Mathew ‘Trumbull’ Trim Fit Slubbed T-Shirt (Favorite)
Travis Mathew $59.95
I am wild for this Travis Mathew ‘Trumbull’ Trim Fit Slubbed T-Shirt. It’s so soft, washes well, and flatters the torso with its conservative v-neck — no need to worry about chest hair peeking out. The burgundy color flatters most, even those with red in their skin.
Sizing Tip: It runs long, so a 5’6″ fella will want to hem it. You tall fellas will love it.
1901 Space Dyed Pocket Polo
1901 $55
This casual 1901 Space Dyed Pocket Polo feels like a soft t-shirt, but is more put-together with its collar and buttons.
Sizing Tip: It runs long, so a 5′ 6″ fella will want to hem it. You tall fellas will love it.
Billy Reid Owen Slim Fit Polo
Billy Reid $145
I love the Billy Reid Owen Slim Fit Polo. It feels very casual, but the quality, texture, structure, and details give it a grown-up vibe.
Sizing Tip: It runs short, so you petite men will love it.
7 Diamonds Pure Luck Woven Shirt (Favorite)
7 Diamonds $79
This 7 Diamonds Pure Luck Woven Shirt in a micro floral print is my favorite short sleeve collared shirt this spring. I can’t get enough of it. Tuck it in, or leave it untucked. Either way, you will love yourself.
Ted Baker London Narnar Trim Fit Geo Print Camp Shirt
Ted Baker London $155 $116
The Ted Baker London Narnar Trim Fit Geo Print Camp Shirt goes with everything. I love micro-prints for this very reason. It’s available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
Rodd & Gunn Butler Point Slim Fit Sport Shirt (Favorite)
Rodd & Gunn $148 (Best Shirt Ever)
This is my favorite shirt of all time. The Rodd & Gunn Butler Point Slim Fit Sport Shirt goes with everything!
BOSS Ronni Trim Fit Floral Print Sport Shirt
BOSS $135
I love this BOSS Ronni Trim Fit Floral Print Sport Shirt for its ability to be both playful and dressy. It has collar stays to ensure a nice suit pairing, but its cotton blend makes it work with jeans, and even shorts if you’re really feeling it.
Bugatchi Shaped Fit Flight Print Sport Shirt
Bugatchi $149
I have never seen a more delightful Bugatchi Shaped Fit Flight Print Sport Shirt. Those are hot air balloons, people! Of course, it goes with everything from chinos to shorts. It pairs beautifully with blues, lighter greys, lavender, happy olives, and muted reds and greens.
AG Caleb Slim Fit Sport Shirt
AG $178
This AG Caleb Slim Fit Sport Shirt can go with both your khakis and jeans. It is available at Nordstrom.
Rodd & Gunn Annaby Sports Fit Dot Sport Shirt
Rodd & Gunn $158
This Rodd & Gunn Annaby Sports Fit Dot Sport Shirt will go with grey pants and blue shoes, as well as all khaki pants and shorts.
Burberry Cambridge Aboyd Sport Shirt
Burberry $265
I threw this green Burberry Cambridge Aboyd Sport Shirt into the fold to give the dressier fella another option. This will go with your chino and dressier denim looks.
