Wherever you sit on the shopping spectrum – options range from approaching it as a sport to being forced into action only when something is no longer passable – there’s a non-negotiable we all have to pay attention to: You need basics, and you’ll always need basics. Wardrobe building blocks and closet staples, the best ones come from brands you can rely on and don’t break the bank, such as Celio.
The Polo That Fits
You’re no stranger to the polo shirt, also known as a golf shirt or tennis shirt. Your mom had been dressing you in these for as long as you’ve been fit to go out in public. You’ve spent your life seeing middle-aged guys wear these tucked into dress pants. And you’ve probably eschewed them as you’ve started caring about your personal style, assuming they’re for prep school kids and old guys on the golf course. And, if you’re basing that on what you’ve seen other guys doing, you’d be right.
But the reality is the polo shirt can be one of the sharpest and most versatile shirts in your wardrobe if you focus on getting the fit right. The secret, though, to not looking like an old man is to focus on the fit details. We’re not prescribing a “tight” shirt, a proper fitting polo that is true to size such as the below from Celio will have any gentleman, regardless of weight or shape looking sharp.
The Oxford Shirt – Just because you could always have another oxford shirt, right?
The Relaxed Fit Chino – If it’s not broken, don’t fix it – fashion included. Old-school chinos are still reliable, and a relaxed-fit silhouette has just the right amount of stretch.
The Short Sleeve Crew Neck. Just because something’s a basic doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be thoughtful. Little details like a tag-free neckline make a 100 percent cotton pick the best of the basics.
The Fitted Flat Front Short in Multiple Colors
If you’re only going to buy one item on this list, it’s the fitted flat-front short. So many guys are still stuck wearing baggy, long cargo shorts from the likes of American Eagle and it’s the single biggest thing holding them back with their smart summer style.
Shorts have become slimmer and higher for well over two decades. And while there are plenty that are too high and too tight as you start approaching the fashion end of the style spectrum, there is a great middle-ground that will give you a fitted silhouette without compromising comfort or showing too much leg. Don’t be afraid of seeing an inch to two of leg above your knee cap: It creates a more put-together, intentional look. When done correctly as see below with Celio, it won’t look too tight or too short.
