It should come as no surprise that there’s a canon of wardrobe essentials for the modern man. White sneakers, navy chinos, a good suit…these are universally acknowledged tentpoles of style, staples that pull outfits together, dress them up and down, make the man, so to speak. By that logic, designer basics are king, the optimal form of whatever fashionable thing it is that might be considered.
These basics do not come cheap. Some of the styles are priced in the thousands, a reflection of countless hours, meticulous design and quality materials — or in some cases, gross overinflation or name recognition — that go into crafting each piece of apparel or footwear. Many of them miss the mark, but the crème de la crème proves more than worth their hefty investment.
To help you decide what you should shell out for and what you can continue to pick up on discount, we’ve chosen10 basics — all available at luxury retailer Mytheresa — worth every penny of their price tag. From otherworldly suits to army-inspired trainers, these ten essentials are guaranteed to look great, feel amazing and, with a little care, last you forever. Plus, with Mytheresa’s personalized customer service, comprehensive return program and fast, free shipping for orders over $500, there’s no problem if you need to swap a size or decide that designer splurge isn’t right for you. Below, ten designer basics worth the splurge.
The Statement Suit: Brunello Cucinelli Single-Breasted Suit
Every man should own a good suit. Brunello Cucinelli — favorites of the fictional Roys, if that’s any indication — has been designing godly tailoring for over forty years, and every ounce of experience and expertise spills through in even a simple single-breasted hemp-linen suit from the Italian label.
The Designer Shades: Bottega Veneta Square-Frame Metal Sunglasses
As far as designer basics go, sunglasses are an obvious choice for splurge-worthy accessories. The difference between a well-made pair (polarized or treated lenses, a heavy metal or acetate frame, and modern detailing) is night and day from your drug store variety, and, barring any misplacements, they’ll stand the test of time, as well. Bottega Veneta’s square-frame sunnies are reminiscent of the timeless Ray-Ban Wayfarers, albeit with a bit more..
The Grown-Up Sneakers: Maison Margiela Replica Leather and Suede Sneakers
Few names in fashion are more recognizable than Belgian darling Maison Margiela, and for good reason; Mr. Margiela’s designs have become synonymous with high-fashion royalty. The Replica Leather and Suede Sneaker borrows its design from the GAT (German Army Trainer), the universally recognized pinnacle for a functional, fashionable sneaker, but utilizes only the finest materials — premium leather, suede and rubber, crafted and designed in Italy — for a comfortable, handsome shoe that can dress down any pair of trousers with stylish aplomb.
The Heavenly Sweats: Sunspel Cotton Loopback Trackpants
Sunspel’s loopback trackpants are proof that a splurge doesn’t have to mean a thousand-dollar investment; sure, they’re a bit more expensive than your average sweatpants, but the unparalleled, luxurious softness of these sweats make the price tag look like a steal. Factor in the whole “living in sweats” thing, and there’s virtually no reason not to upgrade your joggers.
The Luxe Leather Wallet: Berluti Bambou Venezia Leather Cardholder
The ultimate goal of a wallet should be functionality, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on form. Berluti’s Bambou Venezia Cardholder is cut with a tri-pocketed front and back and can take an absolute beating.
The Forever Jeans: Loro Piana Temelo Slim Jeans
Jeans are so unique in part because of their longevity; a pair constructed with thought and care will last decades, if not centuries, under the watchful eye. Loro Piana’s Temolo Jeans are just that — designed in Italy with a 98% cotton-2% polyurethane blend for stretch and durability, they’re a life-long investment (just take care of them, okay?).
The Cashmere Layer: The Row Benji Cashmere Sweater
Mary Kate and Ashley’s The Row may have been a surprise success for some, but the brand’s warm reception by celebrities and fashion heads alike speaks for itself. Billed as “subtle luxury”, their lowkey Benji cashmere sweater is inordinately soft — seriously, you could sleep in this thing.
The Office-Winning Briefcase: Tom Ford Grained Leather T-Clasped Briefcase
A briefcase is a funky little staple — you’ll only ever need one, so it only makes sense to really splurge. Tom Ford’s T-Clasp Leather Briefcase is more or less a perfect example of what your office bag should be — minimal, multifunctional and sleek as hell. The detachable leather strap and variety of internal compartments allow customization to your heart’s content, and the bag’s handsome grained leather and gold fixing are sure to make you the admiration of every junior exec within a fifty-cubby radius.
The Updated Tie: Thom Browne 4-Bar Wool Tie
This isn’t your average tie. No, this one has the signature four-bar design, which means not only is the accessory woven in Italy from 100% wool, but it telegraphs your impeccable taste.
The Buttoned-Up Dress Shirt: Ami Paris Ami Couer Long Sleeve Shirt
The versatility of the button-up is unmatched in its ability to…well, match. From jeans and sneakers to a full-blown formal suit, a solid cotton dress-shirt is a must. Ami Paris’s iteration is especially classy, featuring their signature A-heart insignia, a nice touch of color against a solid blue, 100% cotton shirt.
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