Still with the guys - Must Haves 2019

I am cognisant of the fact that men have become more clued up about fashion and particular about what you wear. This is not a new phenomenon, men have been dominating the fashion scene since time in memorial but what’s new is that the trend – allow me to call it that – is now cutting across all ages, genres, races and so forth. So as we get into the middle of 2019, I would like continue paying ode to the guys by continuing with basics. In this post I will focus on the top 6 Must Have menswear items for 2019. You still have time to update your wardrobes in case you are still falling behind. The list is far from exhaustive but I have zeroed in on a few key aspects I believe every man should have in their wardrobe picking from retro, classic and modern trends.

image courtesy of realmenrealstyle.com

1. Dress shirts

The dress shirt is simply a button up shirt that has a collar and long sleeves. This shirt is designed to be worn with a tie and jacket but can also be worn without one or both items. The best look to achieve when wearing a dress shirt is to ensure it properly fits the body. However, most men wear dress shirts that do not fit them properly and the end result doesn’t look too flattering.  When you wear a shirt that fits properly on the chest, sleeves, neck and stomach, you will improve your appearance dramatically and stand out in a good way. Dress shirts come in a variety of colors but the key tones to have in your wardrobe are white and blue which find their way into many different settings and occasions seamlessly.

2. Trousers

It’s important for your wardrobe to carry some key trouser designs that are functional in a lot of scenarios. For formal or workwear, outside owning a full suit depending on your work environment, one needs a pair or 2 of basic formal pants. These are best purchased in dark colors such as black, grey or navy which are not only easy to pull off but highly adaptable to different environs. The type of cut be it tapered or relaxed is solely dependent on your personal style or the look you are trying to achieve.

For an easy smart casual look, chinos come to the rescue.

These are highly versatile and can easily be worn in both a formal or relaxed environment depending on the shirt and or blazer you add on. Best colors for chinos are khakhi, charcoal, black and navy – however the daring can also splurge on some color chinos for a pop of character.

Lastly is denim – our all-weather friend. It’s important to always have at least 2 pairs of very good easy-to-wear denims that will take you from a casual Friday work outfit to a night out with the boys.

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2. Patterns and prints

Always a bone of contention about patterns and prints when it comes to menswear. Our take is simple, don’t be afraid to try something different or new.

Men's shirts – be it dress shirts, casual shirts or tees are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Go bold or go home!

However, for ease of dressing and being conscious of our ‘basic’ guide, it’s always best to limit yourself to the tried and trusted colors that embody professionalism but at the same time allow you to express yourself as an individual. It’s wise to be cognizant of the surroundings you will be in when selecting the type of patterns to include in your wardrobe. Stay safe and invest in basic patterns such as checks and thin vertical stripes and stick to solid colors this ensures a timeless and professional look. For a more casual look however, floral prints and bold stripes are taking centre stage with the more daring going full on with bold and bright colors. Bottom line, find a print/pattern that you are comfortable in sporting and suits your look.

3. Shoes

When it comes to must have shoes, you have to ensure you select styles and colors that are versatile to cover you on key occasions. For formal looks, invest in a good pair of Oxfords or Brogues. These are both classic formal ‘gentlemen’ shoes that make good dress shoes and work with office wear. Oxfords are identified by their unique closed lacing while brogues have perforated patterns on the uppers.

Dress shoes

For a more relaxed or casual look, boat shoes are a good investment and make for a go-to-summer shoe. They look great worn with turned up fitted chinos or jeans. When buying a pair of sneakers, always remember to keep them clean and situation appropriate. Solid colors are usually easier to pull of with colors such as white somehow depicting more fashionability of the wearer. Sneakers work well with chinos, jeans or shorts.

Sandals are another must have when it comes to men’s shoes as they work well for laid back days or occasions. Invest in a comfortable pair preferably made of durable fabric such as leather.

What to carry in your man bag

4. Bags

Yes, we are broaching this eyebrow raising topic once again – the man bag! This trend has hit Zimbabwe and is growing. Why? Believe it or not, it’s a necessity. Just as women move around with hand bags, men do carry a lot of items too, worse now with the advent of technology, we are all carrying phones, tablets, phablets, car keys, house keys, handkerchiefs, you name it. Hence men too need a bag. A man bag is defined by GQ magazine as “a bag worn by men, including back packs and other styles such as shoulder bags.” So there you have it, men actually have been carrying man bags for ages. The key here is to invest in a bag that carries everything you need – not too big and not too small. Invest in fabric and colors that blend with the majority of your outfits.

Well that's my 2 cents on the subject. I'll have my eyes out for our stylish brothers out there. Happy dressing.