The Directory: Must-have items for every man

From enduring classics to the accessories that complement any outfit choice, here are a dozen of our favourites. These pieces will be available on our site all year round. 

The grey sweatshirt:

There’s very little sportswear that successfully captures the glory of classic American athletic gear, which is why beautifully made grey sweatshirts remain so sought after. Pair one with worn-in chinos for a timeless casual look, and to channel relaxes, off-duty style. 

The briefcase:

There are few easier ways to upgrade your image than carrying a decent briefcase. A beautifully made case in a classic design won’t just look good for years, it’ll last for decades — so it may be worth checking that your son likes it too. 

The grey suit:

Anyone who wears a suit regularly needs a grey one, which can be worn with white shirts and dark ties for a clean, minimal look or with blue shirts and printed ties to make a more classic impression. 

The white T-shirt:

A man can look good in many different outfits, from the antiquated formality of black tie to the ease of a polo shirt and shorts. But for all that, he’ll rarely look as good as he does in a great pair of jeans and the perfect white T-shirt. This comes pretty close to being the latter. 

The jeans:

The straight-fitting 501 jean is Levi’s most iconic, ground-breaking design. Made in the USA from world famous White Oak selvedge denim, they will shrink on the first wash to achieve the perfect fit. 

The navy blazer:

It’s hard to think of an occasion at which it would be inappropriate to wear a navy blazer. Boglioli is one of Italy’s leading tailors and menswear brands, known for its traditional approach and meticulous craftsmanship. This navy blazer is cut from a cotton-blend fabric and garment-dyed to give the perfect washed finish. It is unstructured and partially lined in the body to give it a nonchalant, very Italian feel. 

The trench coat:

Effective and elegant, a double-breasted trench coat performs its function with impeccable style: keeping a man dry in the rain. This one retains all the military associations that make the classic trench coats so admirably masculine. 

The sneaker:

An easy-to-wear icon of casual dressing, these white textured leather sneakers are a practical and timeless purchase. 

The chambray shirt:

Once upon a time chambray shirts were durable workwear designed for blue-collar workers, but these days their chief virtue is the depth of colour and soft texture that they bring to an outfit. The chambray shirt’s position as weekend wear is unassailable, but it’s also interesting to mix it with more formal clothes — try one under a tailored jacket. 

The tan brogue:

Fine brown leather brogues are a perennially stylish essential. Designed to wear in for the perfect fit and look, this burnished tan Grenson pair will make a timeless investment. 

The white shirt:

When it comes to formal English style, the exceptional quality and design of Turnbull & Asser’s shirts speaks for itself. This white version exudes classic elegance, with a substantial collar and double cuffs to display your smartest cufflinks. 

The sunglasses:

The original Ray-Ban Aviators were developed in 1937 for US Air Force pilots. The aviator style is a flattering and enduringly stylish choice. The sleek metal frame is a classic design, and the grey lenses offer superior coverage.

Toby Bateman is the buying director of mrproter.com, a retail and lifestyle website dediated to men’s style, combining international menswear with editorial content. It delivers to more than 140 countries, including the UAE. Go to mrporter.com.