Top five menswear essentials for the modern man

There’s a difference between dressing well and dressing with purpose. For menswear expert stylist James Akinyemi, power dressing isn’t about flash; it’s about function, fit, and building a wardrobe that does the talking before you do.

At a time when style is too often confused with trend, his approach is rooted in clarity: wear what works, and wear it well.

“Building an excellent capsule wardrobe takes time and patience,” Akinyemi says. “It starts with looking at what you already have and what you might be missing.”

For the man looking to do more with less, Akinyemi shares five foundational pieces every wardrobe needs, which are timeless, flexible, and always appropriate. “These pieces are versatile items and match to create various looks for different occasions,” he says.

1. The navy suit

A versatile cornerstone for any wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for business meetings, weddings, or even a night out.

2. A crisp white shirt

Not just for the office. “A well-fitted white dress shirt is a classic and essential piece that works with everything,” Akinyemi says. Tuck it into jeans for ease or wear it under a blazer for sharpness.

3. Dark wash jeans

Clean and tailored, this is denim at its smartest. The right pair moves between casual (with T-shirts) and dressy (with a blazer) with just a shoe change.

4. The navy blazer

A prime piece. Often underestimated, men can pair the navy blazer with multiple outfits regardless of colour or pattern. Throw it over a shirt and chinos or use it to sharpen up your denim. “It ties everything together,” Akinyemi adds.

5. Tailored chinos

If you don’t want to look too casual or too formal, chinos are a perfect middle ground. They keep things elevated without being too stiff. Essential for a smart-casual balance.

At its core, power dressing is less about attention and more about intention. And according to Akinyemi, when you’re dressed with clarity, everything else aligns.