You have to spend money to make money. To dress for success you will need to take some time and money to buy quality clothing. Buying quality clothing will save money because your attire will last for years. I have compiled a list of items that will build a foundation for your wardrobe. The essentials will vary in price and style according to age, income bracket, work environment, and personal style. Assess your lifestyle. If you need to wear a suit to work, you need several suits. If you are in a more casual setting, then you may need more khakis and jeans.

Read my list and note which items are missing from your wardrobe.

Men’s Basics:

1. Black Suit- The jacket needs to be single breasted with no more than three buttons. The pants do not need cuffs unless you are not wearing this until cuffs come back in style. If you will not need one for work, you just might need one for a wedding, funeral, or court case.

2. White Button-Down Shirt- This is a classic item. Make sure it is well tailored and 100% cotton. It can be worn with your suit, jeans, or khakis. Please stay away from the buttoned collars unless you plan on enrolling in an English prep school this year.

3. Light Blue Button-Down Shirt- Well you did not think you could wear the same shirt everyday did you? If you are adventurous, explore other colors instead of light blue. Try pink or a skinny stripe.

4. Tie- You might want to start with a solid color first, then move into patterns. Make sure you stay away from trendy looks if your pockets are thin.

5. Black Dress Shoes- Since your feet are the only thing on your body that will not expand in size (i.e. your waist), invest in quality shoes. Please do not wear these with your jeans unless you were born before 1975- then I would expect you to sneak them on occasionally.

6. Black Belt- Self Explanatory.

7. V-Neck Sweater- Make sure that it is banded in the waistline. A NICE crew neck tee or a collared shirt can be worn with this. Try this with your suit if you want to really look upscale. (Not in the summer please.) It can also be worn with your jeans, khakis, or slacks.

8. Khakis- Stay away from pleated fronts, tapered legs, and cuffed ankles. And absolutely no elastic. Only wear this with a red shirt if it is a company requirement.

9. Navy Sport Coat- This will give you another option when dressing up. You can wear it with your khakis or #10.

10. Gray Slacks- Great for work, a night out, or church (yes you need to attend one). Try a faint pinstripe to add more character.

11. Dark Brown Loafers or Driving Moccasins- Either one can dress up jeans or compliment slacks. These should come up to the ankle, covering the bend in your sock. (Invest in these too please.)

12. Brown Belt- Self Explanatory.

13. Polo Shirt- Try neutral colors like white, black, or gray. Stick to the ones with alligators or horses on them. Remember to tuck with khakis and let it all hang out with jeans.

14. White T-Shirt- Yes I said it. I am not talking about the ones that have chest pockets. I am not even talking about the ones that come in sets of three. You need a good quality tee. (These are not sold in barbershops or car trunks.)

15. Black T-Shirt- To use when the white one will look cheesy.

16. Dark Denim Jeans- This is a pair you can wear casually or formally. Stay away from decorative jeans and the skinny jeans, unless you are starting a singing group with your brothers. Go for a straight-cut and a simple design. (Only wear carpenter jeans if you are actually a carpenter.)

17. Sneakers- You will be safe with black ones (white ones in the summer are fine). When they start to lean, you are way past due for a new pair.

18. Trench Coat- When worn correctly, this piece can be dressed up or down. Stick with the classic khaki color or a black one. Yes, you can wear it even when it is not raining.

19. Watch- Chose between gold and silver. If you have a silver watch, then the buckle on your belt and the hardware on your shoes should match. Tank watches are classic and will not go out of style anytime soon.

20. Leather Wallet- This piece finishes your looks. I do not want to hear the sound of your nylon wallet tearing open at the register with that annoying Velcro sound.