The Dappered Essentials Shop

“What suit should I buy?” “Which shoes are the most versatile?” “Do you have a favorite button down?” This Essentials Shop is an attempt to provide some answers to those FAQs. No, we’re not suggesting you buy everything below. The goal here is to give you a few options for each category. Also know that prices on the below items can fluctuate quite a bit depending on sales, codes, and promos. Follow us on the main page for steals, deals, and opportunities to pick up these wheelhouse items, and more, for less (sometimes a lot less). We’ll do our best to keep this shop updated, but know that in today’s retail world, stock and prices can change fast. Got a question or a tip about any of these items? Send those to: joe@dappered.com.

Click on an item to skip down to our choices:

• Suit
• Navy Blazer
• Sportcoats
• Brown Dress Shoes
• Black Dress Shoes
• Sneakers
• Chukkas
• Dress Watches
• Dive Watches
• Casual Watches
• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweaters
• Polos
• Jeans
• Chinos
• Dress Pant
• Belt
• Neckties
• Briefcase

The Suits

A good suit can elevate any wardrobe, but doesn’t have to break the bank in the process. Start with navy and charcoal options. Half canvas construction if you can afford it, or a flexible fused suit if you need to go cheap.

1. Spier & Mackay Half-Canvas Merino Wool Suits – $448: All wool, lots of colors, and half canvas. An excellent value.
2. Bonobos Jetsetter Suit Separates – $650: Multiple fits. All season weight stretch wool fabric. Bemberg lining. Non-functioning sleeve cuff buttons for easy tailoring. Ships and returns for free.
3. Oliver Wicks online custom – $799+: For the hard to fit. One of those “you measure yourself, then they make it” companies. Nice fabrics. Made in Europe.

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The Navy Blazer

A navy blazer is timeless and incredibly versatile. Look for updated but not trendy versions, which are sleek, slimmed down but not tight, and made of breathable wool.

1. Nordstrom Henrik Navy Wool Sport Coat – $399: Italian wool. Ships/returns for free. Review here.
2. J. Crew Factory Wool-Blend Blazer – $200ish: Versatile and classic. Price varies depending on sales.
3. Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Hopsack Blazer – $400: Airy and unconstructed. A bit of a legend.

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The Sportcoats

There are many reasons to wear a sportcoat. And they’re a great way to branch out from your navy blazer.

1. Faherty Knit Blazer – $298: Casual cotton blend. Nicely seasonal.
2. Nordstrom Green Wool Check Sportcoat – $399: Tonal plaid in a deep dark green.
3. Bonobos Italian Wool Sportcoat in Grey – $400: Just about as versatile as your navy blazer. Goes well with jeans, darker gray trousers, etc.

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The Brown Dress Shoes

More versatile than black dress shoes, and often more eye catching. These are a true workhorse for many a man’s wardrobe. Stick with medium to dark brown shades for maximum versatility.

1. Allen Edmonds Park Avenue – $450: Timeless. Goodyear welted. Crafted in the USA. Review here.
2. Spier & Mackay Balmoral Cap Toes – $198: Blake stitched soles. Full grain leather.
3. Nordstrom Michael Plain Toe Derby – $129.95: Cheap. Simple. Versaile.

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The Black Dress Shoes

For the serious stuff. Big job interviews at conservative places of work, funerals, weddings, etc. Can be worn with navy suits/trousers despite many saying they can’t.

1. Allen Edmonds Carlyle Oxford – $450: More modern than their Park Avenue, but still sober and sharp. Sometimes goes on sale.
2. Spier & Mackay Balmoral Cap Toes – $198: Blake stitched soles. Full grain leather.
3. Nordstrom Martin Cap Toe – $129.95: Cheap. Nothing fancy. But that’s the point.

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The Sneakers

Many sneaker trends come and go, but simple, leather or canvas, court or training inspired kicks have always been in style. Start with white as they’re the most classic and versatile.

1. Nike Air Force 1 – $115: Versatile. Comfortable. Iconic.
2. Nordstrom Viggo Sneakers – $99.95: Classics. Price won’t break the bank.
3. LUCA Leather Terra Low – $156 ($195): Made in Portugal. Materials and overall design are really impressive

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The Chukkas

Not everyone needs (or wants) a heavy pair of boots. But chukkas? Chukkas are good just about anywhere, just about any time.

1. Clarks Desert Boots – $140: A casual staple. Crepe sole is tough to dress up, and they’re not super sleek, but you’ll still wear them a ton.
2. LUCA Terra Desert Sneaker Boots – $215: Incredibly comfortable. Casual to smart casual versatility.
3. Frye Paul Chukkas – $188: Can be dressed up or down. Slim rubber sole with grip. Review here.

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The Dress Watches

Clean, subtle, but interesting. That’s what you’re looking for in a dress watch. Try and keep it simple and timeless (while it’s still easy to tell the time).

1. Citizen Eco-Drive 40mm. – $187.50: Simple. Classy.
2. Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chrono – $300: A chrono but still plenty dressy. Old school glamour. Seiko Mecaquartz movement. Reviewed here.
3. Orient Bambino 38 Small Seconds – $310: Automatic movement. Looks like a million bucks.

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The Dive Watches

Sturdy but still smart enough to dress up with a suit if you choose, dive watches are the choice for many one-watch-guys because they look great with just about anything.

1. Invicta Auto Pro Diver – $90ish: 40mm case size. Automatic movement. Review here.
2. Caravelle Sea Hunter Auto – $290ish: Vintage styling. Quick release bracelet. 39mm case.
3. VAER USA Assembled D4 – $499: Assembled in the USA. Solar quartz movement. 39mm case.

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The Casual Watches

Casual but not cheesy, these are the watches that look good with jeans and a t-shirt, or a sportcoat and chinos. Note that any of the dive watches already listed could fit in here too.

1. Timex Weekender – $50ish: Affordable. Looks good. Tells the time. Review here.
2. Seiko 5 Sport Automatic – $250ish: A true “go anywhere / do anything” watch. Automatic movement.
3. Hamilton Murph 38mm – $1045 or original 42mm – $1195: Swiss made. Terrific. Review here.

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Dress Shirts (white, light blue, striped or check)

Most men can get away with a few white and light blue solid dress shirts. For those wanting to branch out, avoid jumping too far ahead in the order of what to buy when. You risk getting stuck with loud checks or stripes when you truly do need solids. Stick with mid-spread collars for their versatility.

1. Target Goodfellow Performance Dress Shirt – $35: Inexpensive. Widely available. Lots of colors.
2. Nordstrom Trim Fit Non Iron Dress Shirt – $79.50: Good quality, white or light blue, ships/returns free.
3. Ledbury White Madison Fine Twill Custom Shirt Dress Shirt – $135: Six different collar options, three fits, and sleeve lengths down to the half inch (no more extra tailoring charges). Delivered in a few weeks since they’re Made to Order.

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Button Down Casual Shirts

“Button Down” usually indicates the style of the collar. “Button up” usually implies a more casual shirt. These would be button down button ups.

1. Amazon Essentials Oxfords – $20ish: Oxford cloth that’s more substantial than poplin, but not weighty like flannel. Available in white, blue, etc.
2. J. Crew Cotton Poplin Shirt – $89.50: Their bestselling casual shirts in a classic navy check. Slim, classic, tall, and untucked fits available.
3. Rhone Performance Fabric Commuter Shirt – $138: Absurdly expensive. Absurdly comfortable. Wicks. Stretches. Dries fast.

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Sweaters

There are a ton of different styles of sweaters. But remember the name of this shop: “Essentials.” That’s why we’re sticking with classics here. Merino wool is lightweight and breathable, but not cheap. Cotton gets the job done if you’re after cheaper options.

1. Bonobos Merino V-Necks – $99: No matter what brand you go with, you’ll probably want a few merino wool V-necks in basic colors like gray, navy, black, and camel.
2. UNIQLO Merino Crewnecks – $49.90: Same strategy for Crewnecks (navy, gray, black, etc.)
3. Spier Merino Chunky Shawl Collar Cardigan – $228: The legend. Classic, masculine style. An investment, but worth it.

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Polos

Polos are such an important part of a guy’s wardrobe that we often devote a big round-up post to them.

1. Target All in Motion Jersey Tech Polo – $20: Cheap. Smooth performance fabric.
2. Target Goodfellow Pique Polo – $15: A basic, but well executed for being so… basic. Cotton/poly/spandex.
3. Rhone Commuter Hidden Button Down Collar Polo – $118: Expensive, but pretty much perfect if you like tech-wear that looks as good as it performs. Same concept as their Commuter shirts. Breathable, wicking, and lightweight.

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The Jeans

Even as society moves more towards athleisure, a pair of dark wash denim will always be a key foundation to any guy’s wardrobe. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options…

1. B.R. Luxe Traveler Jeans – $118: If you prefer a good amount of stretch in your denim, these are great.
2. Amazon Essentials Slim Fit Jean – $25ish: 98% cotton, 2% elastane. Ships fast thanks to being an Amazon product.
3. Target Goodfellow Slim Fit Jeans – $40: Inexpensive, and they can sometimes be had for less when on sale.

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The Chinos

Because there’s more to your pants-life than just jeans. Look for a trim but not tight fit, and feel free to avoid the standard pale-khaki color of Dockers circa 1996 if desired.

1. Old Navy Rotation Chinos – $30ish – $40: An affordable basic made in 98% cotton/2% spandex, eleven colors, and slim, straight, or athletic fits.
2. Bonobos Chino 2.0 – $99: An investment, but comfortable, stretchy, and comes in a ton of fits, sizes, and colors.
3. Lululemon Warpstreme ABC Trousers – $138: Wildly expensive, but the best tech-pant (that doesn’t feel or look or sound like a tech pant) on the market.

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The Dress Pants

Because sometimes a suit can be overkill. Look for slim but not tight trousers made from good quality, four season wool. Favor grays and blues since they’re the most versatile.

1. Lands’ End 98% wool / 2% spandex Year’rounder dress pants – $100ish: One of the few pairs of wool dress trousers you can find for around $100 (assuming they’re running a code/promo/sale.)
2. Bonobos Weekday Warriors – $119: Smooth and sharp 97% cotton / 3% spandex fabric. Wrinkle resistant. Machine washable.
3. Brooks Brothers 1818 Wool Dress Pants – $278: If anyone knows classic office wear, it’s Brooks Brothers. Made from Italian wool, three fits, and does go on sale on occasion.

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The Belts

Belts are a bit like refs in sports. If you notice them, that’s maybe not the best thing.

1. Portland Leather Reversible Leather Belt – $60ish: A simple, reversible belt. Black on one side, and a dark brown on the other. Dark brown = more versatile than a lighter/cognac brown.
2. GAP Leather Belt – $35ish: Often on sale. Works with anything casual to smart casual.
3. CHAOREN (Amazon Sourced) Ratchet Belt – $19.99: Don’t knock ratchet belts until you’ve tried one. Just make sure it looks like a regular belt at a glance. Avoid the cheesy looking buckles.

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The Neckties

Unless you’re in a suit five days a week, you don’t need nearly as many neckties as you might think. But you do need a few. Here’s what you need.

1. Kent Wang Navy Grenadine Tie – $75: Expensive, but you’ll have it (and use it) for the rest of your life. Made in Italy. Here’s a cheap alternative if you can’t swing the $75.
2. Tie Bar Black Grenadine – $58: It might not see a lot of use, but when you need a black necktie, you need a black necktie.
3. J. Crew Striped English Silk Tie – $89.50: Because sometimes a stripe is called for. Occassionaly on sale.

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Briefcases

The goal is to find the direct midpoint between a true, schlumpy messenger, and a hard sided attach©. Meaning: softish sides, quality materials, a detachable shoulder strap, and a top grab handle for shorter trips.

1. Johnston & Murphy Full Grain Leather Briefcase – $189.97: Looks right casual, dressed up, and everything in between.
2. Maverick & Co Manhattan Leather Briefcase – $349: Very professional looking. Textured, structured, saffiano leather. Review here.
3. WP Standard “The Woodward” Briefcase – $435: Classy. Great leather. Lifetime guarantee. Full review here.

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