Back To Basics

If you waste time combing through your closet for something to wear every day, a capsule wardrobe – a pared-down selection of classic, interchangeable pieces – might be the answer. 

No one knows this approach better than Katie Lee and Jeremy Williams, clothiers with Tom James, a global wardrobe-consulting and bespoke-tailoring firm with a location in Boca Raton. They spoke to us about the building blocks of a men’s capsule wardrobe in South Florida. 

24 Shirts

“The reason we say 24 is that it’s eight in the closet, eight in the hamper and eight at the cleaner,” Williams says. “That way, you always have something fresh for the occasion.” Lee recommends at least four white button-down shirts and four blue. Add patterned shirts in checks, stripes, dots or paisley as well as four to five shirts that can be worn untucked for business casual or social events. Well-fitted T-shirts and polo shirts are musts, too.

4 Suits

“Navy solids, gray solids, a navy stripe and a gray pinstripe,” Williams says. “Those are the four core suits that any gentleman should build their wardrobe around, no matter what your profession is.” 

1 Patterned Sport Coat and 1 Blue Blazer

Suits aren’t always required in South Florida, but you should have at least one patterned sport coat and one blue blazer, they say. These pieces strike just the right level of formality for events ranging from business meetings to weddings. 

3 Pairs of Jeans and a Selection of Pants

Williams recommends owning two pairs of dark-wash jeans for business casual and social events and a pair of acid-washed jeans for more casual events. Throw in a few pairs of chinos in khaki and navy for good measure.

3 Pairs of Shoes

“Shoes are the focal point of any outfit,” Lee says. “It’s really important you have a nice pair of dress shoes and they’re not an afterthought.” Plus, you can dress any ensemble up or down with chic Chelsea boots or nice sneakers.

Essential Accessories

Although fashion is trending toward more casual styles these days, Williams suggests owning a tie and a pocket square for when you desire added panache. Cufflinks and a belt that match your dress shoes are also essentials, they say. O