Building a working wardrobe

Shirts, 4 Ties, 3 Suits, 2 Shoes, and 1 Overcoat You Need - By Esquire

5 SHIRTS
Keep the color light and it will go with everything

• 1 plain white French-cuffs
• 1 plain blue French-cuff
  
• 1 dark-and-light blue Benegal-stripe French-cuff
• 1 blue button-down oxford button-cuff
• 1 white button-down oxford button-cuff
  

4 TIES
Simple always looks sharpest.

• 1 plain black
• 1 plain navy
• 1 regimental stripe
• 1 subdue paisley or pattern

3 SUITS
Because you should never wear the same suit two days in a row.

• 1 navy two- or three-button wool suit. Your most flexible investment.
• 1 charcoal flannel suit, single-breasted, two- or three-button.
• 1 mid-gray glenurquhart or pinstripe, in lightweight wool.

2 PAIRS OF SHOES
Because shoes need a day off just like suits.

• 1 pair of lain black cap-toe oxford lace-ups, in calfskin. To get you through the day and well into the night.
• 1 pair of chestnut-brown, fine-cut wing tips. They go with everything except a black suit—which you don't need, anyway.

1 OVERCOAT
Well chosen, it's an investment that will last for years.

• 1 navy or black wool or cashmere fly-front overcoat, knee length and close fitting.