There are some items that just stand the test of time. I've been around this game for over a decade now, so I've seen what has stuck around.

Some things you add to the closet are just simply good investments. The type you buy and hold for a long time. I believe it should be your goal to make those types of investments. Otherwise, you're the equivalent of a fashion day trader, riding the ups and downs of trends.

If you're a client of mine, you're likely aware that I think of my job as somewhat of an investment advisor (among other things). I tell guys what quality items to buy based on what works best for them. Much like a financial advisor would give you quality investments to look at based on your financial situation.

So, let's talk about some of those good investments. If I had to start over and could only own a handful of clothing items, here are five (out of ten) investments that I would make to elevate my style.

GRAY MERINO WOOL QUARTER ZIP
Merino wool is a great fabric that keeps your body's temperature in check, whether you're cool or warm.

This is a bit of a more elevated sweater, and can be paired with nicer jeans or a casual suit, making it the perfect in-between layer.

The reason I like the quarter zip is that you can wear and display something underneath. A collared shirt or plain tee works well here.

This one on display is from Reiss.

WHITE PLAIN TEE
The classic white tee. A plain tee with no graphics or logos ensures that this will have the ability to be dressed up a touch.

Being white, it's a perfect neutral and can be the base layer of many types of jackets and overshirts.

We've seen guys like James Dean and Steve McQueen wearing these 65 years ago, and we'll see guys wearing them 65 years in the future.

This one pictured is from Sunspel - one of my favorite brands for basics.

BROWN SUEDE JACKET
A suede Harrington jacket like this is a little less "badass" than a black biker jacket.

Anything leather can dress up an outfit, and this is a prime example. You could simply throw this over a tee and a pair of jeans for an easy date night outfit. Or, dress it up with a nicer pair of wool trousers.

The picture here is an example from Reiss.

CHARCOAL WOOL DRESS TROUSERS
Speaking of a nicer pair of trousers, a dark gray wool trouser like this will be the base of a lot of your business casual outfits.

However, this can be worn more casually as well, for example, with the above items.

These guys pictured are from SuitSupply.

WHITE LEATHER SNEAKERS
The ultimate versatility shoe. They can be worn with shorts, the charcoal trousers above, or anything in-between.

When I travel for clients around the country, I always pack these guys as I can wear them with almost anything.

The ones pictured are from Zegna. Buttery soft.

What's cool is that you can throw all of these together to make an outfit, which of course, makes sense since these items can pair with nearly anything.

I work with a lot of speakers, executives, and entrepreneurs who are always traveling on the road. When we're developing them a wardrobe, I make sure to construct it in a way very similar to this, where everything pairs together to create simplicity.

Once you have the right systems in place, style becomes easy. Stay tuned for part 2.

Hope this helps.

x Patrick