The MR PORTER guide to menswear essentials
Time-tested staples trendy enough to turn heads for SS24 and classic enough to top the style charts for decades to come
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Every week, it seems, a new aesthetic bursts onto the scene; as seasons change, the definition of what’s ‘in’ is in perpetual flux. What remains steadfast, however, is good taste. The key to great style, therefore, is building a firm foundation of reliable menswear essentials that transcend the fickle trend cycle – and MR PORTER is here to help.
Whether you have your eye on the rise of preppy menswear, or fancy dipping your toe into more grungy styles, having a minimal selection of menswear essentials will come in handy. Pieces such as a polo shirt, sleek trousers, or a pair of Chelsea boots provide a versatile base on which to build your outfit.
It is important to focus on fit and fabric when it comes to timeless staples: a flimsy pair of trousers will never measure up to a pair tailored from cotton-twill. Happily, we’ve curated a selection of trusted menswear essentials from MR PORTER that are guaranteed to keep you looking sharp, no matter what next season brings.
Tom Ford straight leg cotton-twill trousers
Dressing up your chinos with a blazer might cut it in a pinch, but, for a formal event, nothing hits the mark like a well-tailored pair of trousers. Cut to a straight fit from double-weft cotton-twill, Tom Ford’s gently faded black trousers work well with a crisp white shirt and jacket for a formal look, or with a cosy cashmere jumper for a casual appearance.
Moncler logo-appliquéd panelled zip-up hoodie
Layering up is not only a weather-dictated necessity, it can also add interesting dimensions to your outfit. For a hoodie that’s enduring enough to stand the test of time, look to Moncler’s functional iteration – cut from navy cotton-jersey, panelled with quilted shell, filled with down, and appliquéd with logos at the chest and sleeve.
Mr P. belted Donegal wool-blend bouclé coat
Elegant in its simplicity, Mr P.’s grey coat is crafted from naturally insulating Donegal wool-blend, with a bouclé texture. The notched lapel collar and belted waist make for a versatile coat that works on top of a casual jeans/jumper combo and formal tailoring alike.
Jacques Marie Mage Dealan Vintage square-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
The best sunglasses make you feel glamorous, and Jacques Marie Mage’s Dealan Vintage sunglasses are as glamorous as they come, having been modelled on the cat-eye glasses sported by Bob Dylan in the ‘60s. Made in Japan from tortoiseshell acetate and blue lenses, these square frame glasses offer 100 per cent UV protection and unfiltered style.
Tom Ford Jagga suede and mesh trainers
Perfect for the office-to-happy-hour transition, Tom Ford’s Jagga trainers offer an elevated take on running shoes. The white sneakers are crafted in Italy from black and grey suede interspersed with breathable mesh on chunky tan rubber soles. Wear this minimal, sturdy pair with anything from faded blue jeans to smart chinos.
Lemaire Croissant small full-grain leather messenger bag
A black backpack is great for stowing away your laptop at the office – for everything else, trade in stuffing your pockets with a chic messenger bag. Lemaire’s sculptural Croissant bag is inspired by its namesake French pastry, and is made from full-grain brown leather. Sling it over your shoulder to channel Gen Z It-boy Jacob Elordi.
The Elder Statesman shawl collar cashmere cardigan
WFH essential, date-ready, and as comfortable as your favourite pair of socks, The Elder Statesman’s cashmere cardigan is knit with a shawl-collar for a loose fit. Drape the versatile cardigan over solids or patterns for a cosy look.
Bottega Veneta 3.5cm Intrecciato leather belt
Chances are your go-to belt is already black, with a silver or gold-tone buckle. Elevate this daily essential with this Bottega Veneta accessory, which is woven using the brand’s signature intrecciato technique. Finished with a silver buckle, the belt pairs perfectly with tailoring and denim alike.
Mr P. cotton-corduroy blouson jacket
Another classic from MR PORTER’s homegrown brand, this cotton-corduroy jacket embodies the label’s penchant for contemporary staples. The blouson jacket features panels of horizontal, diagonal, and vertical wales, lending a unique textural contrast. Available in an assortment of shades including navy, light blue, and red, pick your favourite to effortlessly layer over everything.
R. M. Williams Gardener Commando leather Chelsea boots
Hitting the sweet spot between smart and casual, the Gardener Commando Chelsea boots benefit from R.M. Williams’ nine decades of experience. The classic silhouette is constructed with robust black leather that grows supple with wear, and finished with non-slip tan rubber soles; perfect for jeans and a jacket as well as suits.
Mr P. tapered pleated wool-blend flannel trousers
Cut a smart look at the office in Mr P.’s pleated trousers. Crafted from soft wool-blend flannel, the trousers feature side adjusters at the waist, meaning that you can achieve a flattering fit without a belt. Whether you wear with a crisp Oxford shirt or a cosy jumper, these perfectly-tailored trousers always look sleek.
Loewe logo-print cotton-jersey hoodie
Take a page out of off-duty celeb looks with this loungewear staple. Loewe’s slouchy grey hoodie is made from soft cotton-jersey (perfect for a lived-in vibe) with the brand’s logo splashed out across the chest. Wear with a denim jacket or under a tailored blazer come winter for a chic, layered look
Wales Bonner Dawn slim-fit striped knitted polo shirt
Take cues from the preppy British schoolboy aesthetic currently being inducted into the mainstream with Wales Bonner’s Dawn polo shirt. Fresh from the brand’s SS24 Marathon collection, the slim-fit navy shirt is offset with a contrasting pink collar and features bouclé stripes across the chest and sleeves. Pair with chinos for a smart look, or with shorts for a masterclass in holiday dressing.
Mr P. merino wool-jacquard cardigan
Since ‘grandpa-core’ is apparently a trend for 2024, as coined by the TikTok gang, why not lean into the cosy, patterned aesthetic? This Mr P. merino wool cardigan is jacquard-knitted with zigzag monochrome waves. Wear with a black and grey tonal outfit or go bold with clashing patterns.
Stone Island logo-appliquéd garment-dyed cotton-jersey sweatshirt
Stone Island has led the pack when it comes to cool workwear-inspired outerwear since the 1980s. This black sweatshirt is cut from cotton-jersey and garment dyed for a simple, comfortable look. Detailed with the brand’s logo on the arm and available in multiple hues including navy, mint, and blue, we recommend stocking up on this easy staple.
Shop more menswear essentials at mrporter.com
