A trip to the record store can turn into coffee, coffee can turn into lunch, and before you know it, you’re heading somewhere that calls for a slightly more put-together look. The best wardrobes are built for exactly these kinds of days: clothes that feel easy enough for wherever you start but can carry you through whatever comes next.
That’s where the right menswear staples come in. Think easy denim, relaxed tops, a few reliable layers and the finishing touches that pull a look together, there are plenty of pieces that can take you from a record store afternoon to a rooftop in the evening. These are the styles you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, no matter where the day leads you.
Denim that goes wherever you do
Some outfits require planning. Jeans generally don’t. They can handle a morning spent browsing record stores, an afternoon catching up with friends and whatever plans happen afterwards. Whether you’re keeping it relaxed with a straight leg or dress it up with a tailored fit, men’s jeans are an easy starting point for outfits that can take you from day to night.
Knitwear that makes things feel a little more considered
There are plenty of days when you want something beyond a T-shirt but don’t want to overthink the outfit. That’s where knitwear comes in.
A jumper can add texture and a little more polish to an otherwise simple look, whether you’re heading out for brunch, meeting someone for dinner or spending an afternoon exploring the city. Add men’s jumpers and knitwear to the rotation for an easy layer that elevates an outfit without much effort.
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Everyday tops you can build around
There’s a reason men’s tops tend to form the backbone of any wardrobe. A good rotation can work with jeans for a casual day out, sit underneath a jacket when you want a little more structure, or hold its own when the rest of the outfit is kept simple.
Some are simple basics you go to without thinking. Others bring a little more personality to your look. Either way, tops are worth building a rotation around.
Shorts for laid-back days
Not every outing needs a complicated outfit. Sometimes the plan is a coffee, a walk around the neighbourhood and seeing where the day takes you.
That’s where a good pair of men’s shorts earns its place in the wardrobe. Easy to wear and simple to style, shorts can slot into those off-duty days when comfort and looking put-together need to coexist.
Layers for when the plan keeps going
The best extra layers are the ones you barely have to think about. Throw on a hoodie or sweatshirt when you’re heading out for a casual day or add a jacket when you want to give an everyday outfit a little more structure.
They can also be the difference between heading home when the evening kicks off and staying out for one more drink. Stock up on men’s hoodies and sweats and men’s jackets and coats for layers that can move with your plans.
Pants for when jeans aren’t quite the move
Every wardrobe needs an alternative to denim. A good pair of pants can shift the feel of an outfit without making it look like you tried too hard, giving you an easy option when the occasion calls for something a little different.
Wear them with a simple top for daytime plans or build up the look with a jacket or knitwear when you’re heading somewhere later. Explore men’s pants when you’re ready to give your usual rotation a change of pace.
The accessories that make it feel like you
The clothes might make up the outfit, but accessories are where you can have a little more fun with it. A hat, pair of sunglasses, wallet or watch can add personality to an otherwise straightforward look, while giving you an easy way to switch things up. Men’s accessories are worth considering next time your rotation needs a splash of character. It’s the accessories that quietly complete the look.
Shoes that can take you from day to night
A good outfit can go in a few different directions depending on what’s on your feet. Casual shoes can keep things relaxed for a day spent wandering around the city, while another pair can instantly make the same outfit feel more ready for dinner or drinks. If your footwear rotation needs a refresh, men’s shoes are the place to start: one pair for pushing through the day, another for when the night gets a bit dressier.
The off-duty rotation
Not every outfit has somewhere to be. After a full day out, there’s something to be said for having comfortable pieces waiting at home, whether the plan is a slow Sunday morning, or a movie night in, men’s sleepwear has the off-duty side of your wardrobe covered.
The best menswear staples are the ones that can keep up when plans change. From record store afternoons to rooftop nights, a well-rounded wardrobe gives you plenty of ways to put together an outfit without having to start from scratch every time.
Browse Kmart’s full men’s range, with options across different fits and styles including men’s larger sizes, and find the pieces you’ll want to wear on repeat.
