Building your wardrobe: the essential shirt.

So let's get into some specific recommendations for building your everyday business/upscale casual wardrobe, assuming it currently is based on the short-sleeve polo shirt and khakis. We'll approach this from the standpoint of the first purchase we'd make if we were looking to make some upgrades.

It may not be a no-brainer, but it's pretty close: find and purchase at least one quality blue oxford cloth button-down (OCBD, for short) shirt. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile workhorse for your everyday wardrobe. The no-iron or pressed versions are a classic look with a tie, wool slacks, and blazer on the high end. Or pair it with some chinos for your business casual look instead of a polo. When the weekend comes, forget the iron, embrace the rumpled look, and roll up the sleeves and wear it with some shorts. Once broken in, it's hard to beat the oxford cloth shirt for comfort and durability.

Where to buy? The classic is from Brooks Brothers, but it's also pricey. Lands' End and L.L. Bean have more affordable options. You can find used shirts from all three at your local thrift store or on eBay. Sources like Lands' End Canvas provide more trendy offerings (slimmer fit, smaller collar). If you find yourself in New York, check out the Uniqlo version, which has good reviews. Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger also have OCBD's, although purists take issue with their visible logos. Even bargain retailers like Old Navy or Target usually have blue oxford cloth offerings.

Personally, we've been well served by the Lands' End versions. One consideration of buying a blue OCBD is finding the proper shade of blue. We would avoid the deeper french blue, which calls to mind the late 90's/early 2000's trend toward that shade. Opt instead for a lighter blue. Our favorite is a weave that uses coarser medium blue and white threads to produce a shirt that reads lighter once you're about a foot away.

 

Avoid.

 

Okay.

Our favorite (buy from Lands' end here).

Finally, we would note that we're not the only ones who have this preference for the blue oxford: more prominent men's style sources share our sentiments. So whether you go the affordable or upscale route, this is an easy first step toward achieving classic men's style.