Do you care about looking hip? If you’re trying to look cool but don’t want to spend too much money it’s best to stick to stuff that never goes out of style. I’m certainly not a design expert but I can tell you a few items that are always cool no matter what decade you are currently living in.
1. Beards. Grow a super manly mountain man beard and you’ll save lots of money on overpriced razors. Goatees, mustaches, and sideburns have all had their phases. Sometimes they are interesting and fun (it’s the mustaches turn right now) but beards on the other hand – always cool. So save your time and energy. Let those facial follicles loose. Your face will thank you for it. By the way, if you’ve gone to the about page on my site and seen my cleanly shaven face, it’s not that I don’t want to grow a beard. I’m just at a facial hair disadvantage.
2. Converse All Stars – AKA Chuck Taylors. First produced in 1917, Converse All Stars have been the classic American shoe for almost 100 years now. You can pair them with jeans, khakis, shorts, or even a suit. They always look good. If someone tries to convince you otherwise don’t believe them. I actually wore chucks with suit at my wedding. True story. 
3. The Western Shirt. One of the great mainstays of fashion. Two pockets interestingly cut out and awesome pearl snaps to boot. This shirt provides a little sizzle to your wardrobe and provides some extra storage space too. The western shirt is a much better option than the cargo short in that regard. If you don’t need the extra pizazz or storage space then opting for a general plaid is always a solid bet. There’s flannel, regular cotton plaid, gingham, and more. What a gloriously diverse fabric. Plaid will never die!
4. Straight Leg Jeans. The skinny, boot cut, and bell bottoms will all have their day. Stick with classic straight leg denim and you’ll be fine. What’s more American than denim? Ok, you got me, apple pie.
5. Wayfarer style sunglasses. I know they seem to be all the rage now. But trust me, they are a classic style move. Ray Ban invented them in the 50’s and they’ve made it through thick and thin. To save money though don’t buy the name brand.
6. White dress shirts. This one’s for you dressier types. Colors will come and go. Remember when salmon was in back in ’04? I sure do. But the white dress shirt remains a staple. Just make sure it fits well. A baggy one can make you look sloppy as opposed to put together.
7. White t shirt. Speaking of white, the plain white T (not the band) will always be in style. Toss it on with your straight leg jeans and chucks and you’ve got yourself the perfect weekend outfit.
Adding things that will never go out of style to your fashion routine will save you from the wasted time, effort, and money that it costs you to keep up with the latest fashion trends. You can still go pick up a pair of skinny jeans if you want, but these staples will help you balance out that wardrobe.
Are there any classic wardrobe staples I’ve missed? Who’s heading out this weekend to pick up an 8 pack of off brand white t shirts?
[photos courtesy of Brian and Robert]
I agree with this list. I love my Raybans!
Me too!
I’m going to put a big veto on #1. Otherwise solid list. For women I’d say the “LBD” or little black dress is a staple. Pearls are another.
Why would you hate on beards? They are the cheapest most interesting accessory of all time. Good call on the LBD and pearls btw.
My nickname in college was “Pocket tee” because I owned about 10 shirts and they were all the exact same style. I believe the pocket tee to be superior to the plain white t shirt for 2 reasons: 1. Colors hide dirt and stains much better 2. They have a pocket.
Otherwise, a great list to plan my wardrobe around for the rest of my life.
You are totally accurate Andy, or should I say, pocket tee. Good call on the colored pocket t shirts. They are pretty versatile and attractive.
I’m by no meals a style maven, but I’d say that most of these (minus the beard) are uni-sex. A classic white button up, chuck taylors, western shirts. One of my favorite fall shirts is a western style purple plaid button front flannel.
I totally agree. Chucks are unisex and bad ass on either sex. The beard thing doesn’t work out so well for the ladies though. 😉
I’m living testimony to this. I am rocking the beard and wearing Levi’s right now. However, I wont be buying an 8 pack of white T-shirts anytime soon :).
Nicely done man!
Oh yes…love #2. You can never go wrong with some Chuck Taylor’s!
I agree with a lot of these, but I have to say many don’t fly in the workplace. Other than the dress shirt and sometimes the beard. . .I agree with the comment above about the black dress and pearls for the ladies!
That’s true. I’m fortunate to work in radio where jeans, t shirts, and chucks are always Ok. I wouldn’t know how to recommend business wear because I never have to wear anything fancy!
Yeah doggy, great list. I’m rockin’ two of the 7 as we speak actually: The beard and the plain white tee 😉 In fact, all of your items could actually be worn at the exact same time – minus the duplicate in collared shirts.. Hmm…. maybe I should go out and pick up the remaining items from it and rock the entire collection, haha… The Hip – But ever lasting – Frugal outfit
If I do, I’ll make sure to snap a pic and blog about it…
Interesting read my man, thx!
(side note: I’ve never once owned a pair of converses… I’d really love to one day, but they just look so uncomfortable?)
Do it man. I bet you can pick up a few at your local thrift store. That’s where I get most of my plaid! And we can definitely convert you to the converse all stars. They are actually incredibly comfortable – just don’t go hiking or for a long trek in them. Great for everyday wear though.