10 Menswear Classics to Build Your New Year Wardrobe Around

East Coasters and Scandi-heads know to invest in their winter layers, but us California boys often let the outerwear lag behind. Wherever you live, no man's wardrobe is complete without a killer overcoat. We love this offering from Madewell because — as their name suggests — it's impeccably made, built to withstand both cold and wear-and-tear over time. The grayish hue has more aura to it than a basic black or navy, but still is the perfect neutral to take in any styling direction. Plus the thing is so comfortable it's dangerously close to housecoat territory.

Take a look at winter style guides from any decade, and one headline rings true: knitwear is a man's best friend. A chunky sweater is the rare garment that harnesses coziness and sex appeal at the same time, so when it comes to choosing one, the more tactile the better. Our brand-new favorite is Buck Mason's mock turtleneck, which embraces thick ribbing for texture at every edge. The 100% Italian merino wool is perfectly soft, not scratchy, and the flecks of different colors keep this basic feeling anything but.

Full disclosure: the leather jacket can go seriously wrong. The best ones feel organic to your pre-existing style, while the worst give off an air of James Dean cosplay. The racer cut, however, is universally flattering, thanks to its streamlined torso that strips away performative bulk. The racer's power is in its simplicity, its easy pairing with just about everything, unlike the bomber and biker silhouettes that scream "leather jacket guy" too loud for our liking. Look no further than Quince for a racer that delivers top-grain leather at an unbeatable price, with the kind of wear that only gets better with time.

Whether you're in the dunes of Nantucket or the back streets of Bushwick, there's always a way to style your Oxford. While a classic or slim cut work great in dressier settings, the roomier relaxed fit lends an irreverent layer to casual looks. J. Crew sells all of the above in a huge array of colorways, and at this price, you should grab two (or three) while you're at it. This is the rare investment piece that doesn't have an investment price tag, and it doesn't have to. J. Crew is the universal signifier for a classic done right. 

A triple digit price for T-shirts might raise a few eyebrows, but the simpler the garment, the more you get what you pay for. Lady White makes a truly exceptional white tee, where everything from the fabric (North Carolina cotton) to the construction (double needle binded collar, tubular knit) gets a chance to shine. Chances are you've already got your favorite broken-in slub tee — Lady White is where you turn for something more structured and luxe. This is a white tee that needs no accessorizing: when simplicity looks this good, it gets to be the statement.

Sure, you've got your black and brown belts on standby, coordinated with your dress shoes as needed. But you need at least one in the rotation that isn't perfunctory; it's an eye-catcher all on its own. Stay away from big, clunky buckles — unless you're going line dancing — and embrace texture instead, like the gorgeous pebbled look of this lizard belt from exotic purveyor W. Kleinberg. The finish looks and feels supple, far from the coarse ridges of more common leathers. Everything from the colorways (chocolate brown, reddish cognac) to the nickel buckle reads sophisticated, but the unusual pattern lends a subtle sexiness other belts don't bring to the table.

You don't have to be a selvedge purist to know that finding great jeans takes real investment. Spend less and you'll get pants that fade and fray over time — which only works if you're chasing the trends in size and fit. A.P.C.'s New Standard Jeans, though, strike a perfectly classic middle ground, with a straight cut, mid-rise waist, and indigo color you can rock in any era. Plus the price tag is more than justified when you feel how these break in, thanks to the French design label's peerless knack for construction.

We're here for the resurgence of 7/11 sunglasses, but cheap, chunky shades have very few options for styling. DITA makes high-quality, featherweight titanium frames that will elevate any look, and there's no silhouette more timeless than the classic aviator. Their simplicity speaks for itself, with just enough clever details like double pressed rim lines to ensure they feel bespoke. Plus they're made in Japan, the mecca of premium eyewear.

The sneaker craze may have roared onto the scene in the mid-80s, but it shows no signs of stopping — and the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming for the online shopper. Allow us to point you towards Axel Arigato, whose unique combinations of textures feel elegant and effortless. The Swedish brand has fourteen core sneaker styles, but the Runner feels the most timeless due to its minimalism. Each colorway looks great, but if you're thinking through an investment lens, black is the best move here. There's no better color for concealing the scuffs and stains that come with getting your steps in. 

If there’s one throughline across this edit — aside from quality — it’s versatility. And when it comes to footwear, nothing covers the spectrum of formality like a great loafer. The streetwear move these days is to wear them offhandedly with shorts and socks, but they’re equally at home as a finishing touch to your nicest suit. The metal bit lends even more cool to this Allen Edmonds classic, handcrafted in Italy like all the best loafers are. They’re the shortcut to elevating any of your looks — while looking like the kind of guy who never had to in the first place.