Men's Wardrobe Essentials: 57 Stellar Pieces of Menswear Every Guy Should Own in 2023

Your year is already off to a very stylish start.

December 28, 2022

57 Men's Wardrobe Essentials 2023 A Exhaustive Guide to Looking Fly All Year

We made it to 2023, y'all. Maybe you served some serious looks in 2022—great! Or maybe you took more fashion L's than you care to admit—shhhh, we didn't see anything. Regardless of how your last four quarters shook out, it's probably time you reevaluated the men's wardrobe essentials in your repertoire. And while we'd certainly love you regardless of your sartorial track record, we'd also love to see you flourish in the new year. So to help you do just that, we put together a master list of 57 GQ-sanctioned men's wardrobe essentials tailor-made for you—every single, solitary piece you need to get through the next twelve months without clocking a single fashion faux pas. From blizzard-ready jackets to dazzling warm weather accessories, these are the menswear sine qua non you should lean on to keep you looking fly all year long.

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1/58
The Stonemaster Puffer
You may not be scaling anything remotely close to a mountain (driving uphill to get groceries doesn't count), but puffer jackets look a whole lot fresher in their retro expedition form.
Goldwin pertex quantum down puffer jacket
~~$630~~ $378 at Huckberry
2/58
The Basic Beanie
Hide bad haircuts, keep your ears warm, and look damn cool in the process with a rib knit beanie in a solid neutral color. Uniqlo's always got a few pitch-perfect options in stock.
Uniqlo Heatteach ribbed beanie
$20 at Uniqlo
3/58
The No-Sleeves-Necessery Sweater
It's time to welcome '90s-era sweater vests back into your life with open, sleeveless arms. Toss one over a boxy tee on the weekend, or go full college professor and use it to amp up your finest sportcoat and chinos.
Another Aspect Another vest 1.0
$175 at Another Aspect
4/58
The Not-Quite-an-Investment Watch
Not ready to take the plunge on a serious diver from Rolex or Omega? You're in luck: Seiko's much-heralded 5 series gives you everything you could want in a dive watch—an automatic movement, a day and date display, a protected crown at the 4 o’clock position, water resistance, and a near-indestructible case—at a price that won't require a second mortgage.
Seiko 5 SRPD63 watch
$203 at Amazon

5/58
The Statement Cardigan
A mohair cardigan will keep you looking sharp (and feeling cozy) sans the constraints of a blazer. Opt for a funky print or stick with the staple neutral tones—you really can't go wrong.
Beams Plus chevron stripe cardigan
$415 at End. Clothing
6/58
The No-Lace, No-Fuss Boot
Sometimes, tying your shoes is just too much to deal with, especially when it's boot weather. Who has the time to lace up a pair of eight-inch stompers?
Takahiro Miyashita leather biker boots
$1,825 at SSENSE
7/58
The Right Foundations
Slim, abbreviated briefs are the building blocks of every great outfit. Luckily, the folks at CK have perfected them, so all you have to do is start buying these guys in bulk.
Calvin Klein cotton classics boxer brief (5-pack)
~~$70~~ $56 at Amazon

8/58
Big, Baggy Cargo Pants
Remember that brief but painful era when we were actively pushing for slim cargo pants? Sorry about that. Cargo pants are back and, thankfully, they're back to being baggy.
Rothco relaxed fit BDU cargo pants
$45 at Amazon
9/58
The Open Collar Shirt
You're standard button-down has you covered for the work circuit, but when the occasion calls for a more dressed-down vibe you'll want to make sure you're prepared with one of these.
Wythe tencel pearl snap shirt
$198 at Huckberry
10/58
The Graphic Tee
When it comes to graphic tees, try not to overthink it. The rule is that less is more, with just enough to add a little visual oomph to your overall look.
Saturdays NYC long sleeve tee
$68 at Saturdays NYC

11/58
A Swaddlier Topcoat
Topcoats used to be about cutting an imposing figure, with strong shoulders and sharp lapels. These days, though, we're more drawn to coats like this one: softer around the edges, slouchier through the body, with a belt loosely tied around the waist for an extra bit of tossed-off sophistication.
A Kind of Guise "Eddy" shawl-collar coat
~~$715~~ $429 at Mr Porter
12/58
The Puffy Slipper
We all learned to embrace the house shoe in 2020. In 2023, that love affair will only grow deeper.

The North Face ThermoBall traction water resistant slipper
$59 at The North Face
13/58
The Neck-Saving Accessory
Whether it's oversized or super-skinny, you're going to want a scarf on those days when the windchill is on a whole other level (or when you want to spice up your look).
Bode gluckow wool scarf
$309 at End. Clothing

14/58
The High-Flying Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets will always be a staple piece of menswear. While we can't deny the drip of an MA-1, it's time to shine a light on the lesser-loved yet equally swaggy options out there.
Mil-Tec CWU flight jacket
$103 at Amazon
15/58
The Oft-Forgotten Hoodie
Pullover hoodies have reigned supreme for as long as we can remember. But the sheer convenience and contrarian nature of the zip-up feels especially right in 2023. And besides, who wants to ruin their hair every time need to shed a layer?
Camber cross-knit hoodie
$91 at All Seasons Uniform
16/58
The Indestructible Flannel Shirt
Some days, you just need to pull on a rugged, lumberjack-level flannel shirt that'll keep the chill out and you looking handsome. This is that shirt.
Outerknown blanket shirt
$148 at Outerknown

17/58
The Base Layer You'll Want to Show Off
Sure thermal tees make for great base layers. But there's something punk about layering it underneath a short-sleeve T-shirt that feels extremely cool right now.
Indera waffle knit thermal shirt
$12 at Amazon
18/58
The Red-Hot Retro Sneaker
Yes, a shoe that you'll treat your dogs right when you're jogging around the block and will also look killer at your next function does exist.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 shoes
$150 at Amazon
19/58
The Sky-High Tee
A soft turtleneck tee is the key to staying warm in the colder months (and a great way to add a little dimension under your favorite sweater).
Uniqlo brushed cotton turtleneck long-sleeve T-shirt
$25 at Uniqlo

20/58
The Blizzard-Proof Parka
When the weather is at its absolute foulest, this is the puffer you'll want on your side: slick, warm, and engineered to last a lifetime.
Arc'teryx Atom LT hoody
$259 at Arc'teryx
21/58
A Sweater That Makes Every Outfit Better
A classic Scottish-made wool sweater can easily add some bonus points to an already buttoned-up look (and impress the in-laws in the process). But it can also help your groggy-coffee-run outfit feel like a highly-considered swerve.
Howlin' Birth of the Cool crew knit
$195 at End. Clothing
22/58
The Wear-and-Repair Jeans
Raw selvedge jeans in a slim-straight cut are something every man should buy—and promptly make his own. You'll have them for years, so choose wisely.

Sugar Cane Okinawa jeans
$265 at Self Edge

23/58
The Alpine Stompers
It's about time we circled back to the old-school alpine boots perfected by countless heritage Italian brands, and, of course, the Pacific Northwest bootmakers at Danner.
Danner Mountain Light boots
$440 at Danner
24/58
The Plain White Tank
Pair one of these with an open-collared shirt (like, say, the one a few products above) and a slim chain, and you’ve got yourself a Sopranos-certified fit.

Calvin Klein cotton classics multipack tanks
~~$46~~ $28 at Amazon
25/58
Go-With-Everything Loafers
The right loafers can be dressed-up or -down, worn with or without socks, and only look better once broken in. And it's hard to get more right than Weejuns.
G.H. Bass & Co. "Larson" contrast loafers
$155 at G.H. Bass & Co.

26/58
The Movie Star Shades
Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses are a year-round necessity, whether you're basking in the summertime rays or trying to keep out the wintertime glare. If you need one pair to perform on any occasion, these Moscot frames are it.
Moscot "Lemtosh" sunglasses
$310 at Moscot
27/58
The Throwback Chinos
As far as twill chinos go right now, the dadlier the better. Go wide, get pleated, and pull 'em high on your waist.

J.Crew Giant-fit chino
$90 at J. Crew
28/58
A Solid Skin Care Routine
Trends come and go, but you're stuck with your face forever. Make this the year that you start take caring of your mug—proactively, not retroactively.
Dr. Dennis Gross vitamin C lactic set
$85 at Sephora

29/58
A Black Blazer
Black blazers used to be one of those pieces you'd bust out exclusively for funerals or weddings (the lifecycle events, as it were). These days, though, the right version will look just as sick with faded jeans and slick boots as it will with a tie.
Lu'u Dan '70s blazer
~~$555~~ $322 at SSENSE
30/58
A Hot Top
Slinky and printed, loose and semi-sheer—no matter which way your style skews, you're going to need a shirt that makes you look as good as you feel on a big night out.
Collina Strada cardio long sleeve t-shirt
$265 at SSENSE
31/58
Statement Jewelry
The secret to a fully considered fit? A deceptively simple piece of jewelry. Start with a silver ring, and then feel free to pile 'em on until you're setting off metal detectors from a mile away.
Frederick Grove python ring
$176 at Frederick Grove

32/58
The Only Denim Shirt You'll Ever Need
A denim shirt will last just as long (and work with just as many pieces) as your go-to white Oxford, only the more destroyed it gets, the cooler it's going to look.

Levi's Barstow denim shirt
$79.50 at Levi's
33/58
The Anytime Kicks
Don't let the buzzy collaborations distract you: the Samba still remains a pound-for-pound sneaker champ in its original, uber-wearable, crazy-affordable form.
Adidas Samba classic sneakers
$70 at Amazon
34/58
The Striped Dress Shirt
Patterns can be tricky to pull off. A blue striped button-up, like this pitch-perfect option from Ralph Lauren, is not. It's as easy to wear as white, but will add some welcome depth to your look.

Polo Ralph Lauren custom fit striped shirt
$125 at Ralph Lauren

35/58
The New White T-Shirt
There's only so many things you can do to a T-shirt to take it from normal to exemplary, most of them related to fit and fabric. Luckily, Buck Mason nails both.
Buck Mason slub classic T-shirt
$38 at Buck Mason
36/58
The Chunky Clog
Like adding fish sauce to a dish, tossing on a pair of far-out mules or thick-cut clogs will bring some sorely-needed funk to an otherwise bland ensemble.
Birkenstock A630
$100 at Birkenstock
37/58
The Hardworking Pants
Skater teens, construction workers, and no-nonsense dads agree: Dickies makes a mean pair of pants. Even if you don't fall into any of those groups, you need a pair too—for every off-duty day that you're not in jeans.
Dickies original 874 work pants
~~$30~~ $25 at Amazon

38/58
The All-Purpose Hoodie
Todd Snyder's Champion sweats have the stamina to take you from a coffee run to casual Friday at the office (just put it under one of those chore coats we're always telling you about).
Todd Snyder + Champion midweight popover hoodie sweatshirt
$138 at Todd Snyder
39/58
Socks That Get You Noticed
Unless you're headed to a funeral or the gym, there's no reason not to make your ankles a highlight of any outfit. The best way to do that is with a pair of Tabio's luxe ribbed socks, in any of their saturated hues.

Tabio power fit cotton crew socks
$20 at Tabio
40/58
The Foundational Lace-Up
If you're looking for lace-ups that land somewhere between a dress shoe and a casual boot, that won't fall apart after heavy wear, and that will work under any pant out there, consider your search over. Dr. Martens has you covered.

Dr. Martens 1461 3-eye leather oxford shoe
$145 at SSENSE

41/58
The Crispy White Oxford Shirt
No button-down shirt works harder than a white Oxford. And a truly great one, like Thom Browne's now-iconic take on the staple, only gets better with each wear as the sturdy cotton begins to break down and soften.
Thom Browne Oxford shirt
$390 at Thom Browne
42/58
The Around-the-Clock Trousers
When your dressy pants are this good—roomy and comfortable, statement-making but versatile—there's no sense in saving them for special occasions. Wear them all the time, with anything, the way you would your jeans.
Mfpen pinstripe trousers
~~$250~~ $188 at SSENSE
43/58
The Can't-Fail Tie
A silk knit tie is the Switzerland of neckwear. It doesn't go with some of the collared shirts in your closet—it goes with all of them. Hermès' take on the classic is especially crowd-pleasing.

Hermès Tricot de Soie tie
$175 at Hermès

44/58
The Investment Suit
Given the state of the world, it's probably been a minute since you've needed to wear a suit. But whenever the occasion arises again, this is the one you'll want: unstructured and comfortable, in an elegant, all-purpose mid-gray that looks grand with everything.
Drake's chalkstripe wool flannel suit
$2,490 at Drake's
45/58
The Fuzzy Fleece Zip-Up
Nothing packs a punch in the warmth and texture departments quite like a hefty, fluffy Patagonia fleece.
Patagonia classic Retro-X fleece jacket
$229 at Patagonia
46/58
The Mood-Shifting Sweats
The best way to tell the difference between Monday and, say, Thursday in the WFH era? Change the color of your sweatpants.

Pangaia 365 sweatpants
$120 at The Pangaia

47/58
A Pair of Rootin' Tootin' Boots
Cowboy boots are the big swing your footwear rotation needs in 2023. The taller the heel, the closer to god.
Tecovas "The Johnny" boot
$245 at Tecovas
48/58
The Belt That Gets Better with Age
Your best dungarees deserve a belt that's as rugged, classic, and badass as they are. And that means no wimpy buckles.
Tanner Goods Meridian belt
$115 at Madewell
49/58
The MVP of Layering
In any menswear lineup, the overshirt isn't just a starter—it's the player consistently putting up the most minutes in every game. The best of them can be the star of your ensembles, sure, but should also easily transition to the backcourt when you need an extra layer.
Wax London Whiting overshirt
$210 at Nordstrom

50/58
The Haul-All Tote
The days of briefcases and folios have given way to a more relaxed breed of business bag: the tote. Anything from New England's Lotuff is a wise investment, but this pocket-happy, zip-top tote is like the Optimus Prime of carryalls.
Lotuff 929 briefcase
$800 at Lotuff
51/58
The Fashion-Guy Trackpants
Mastered the standard three-stripe Adidas pant and ready for a step up? Wales Bonner's grail-level trackpants are slick and vibrant and certainly not for the faint of heart.
Wales Bonner Perscussion track pants
$565 at Matches
52/58
The Boxy Tee
There's a time and a place for slim tees, but a boxy joint like this one is just the update your basics drawer needs. The hefty fabric will actually dress up a pair of jeans, no matter how little thought you put into your outfit.
Everlane premium weight relaxed crew
$45 at Everlane

53/58
Jorts!
Whether the jorts resurgence is merely a flash in the pan moment or a real-deal signifier of classic status is tough to tell. But there's no doubt that denim shorts are cool again.
Levi's 469 loose jean shorts
~~$49.50~~ $29.98 at Levi's
54/58
The Non-Biker Leather Jacket
Used to be, the only leather jackets that mattered were Brando-style bikers and Top Gun-esque bombers. In 2023, opt for something a little more '90s heartthrob.
Frei-Mut car leather jacket
~~$1,625~~ $780 at SSENSE
55/58
The Cozy Corduroy Pants
Cozier than wool trousers but nicer than jeans, cords are your winter wardrobe secret weapon.
L.L. Bean stretch country corduroy pants
shop at L.L. Bean

56/58
The Weekend Rugby Shirt
This preppy-cool shirt only looks better with age and use. Barbarian's OG heavy-duty version is cut beefy and boxy through the body, just like the one your pops used to wear.
Barbarian Traditional 4 inch stripe rugby jersey
$92 at Barbarian
57/58
The Suede Chukka
A bit chunkier than the chukkas you're used to? Maybe. Just as ready to anchor all manner of fits year-round? Absolutely.
Clarks Wallabee shoes
$160 at Zappos
58/58
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The Stonemaster Puffer

The Basic Beanie

The No-Sleeves-Necessery Sweater

The Not-Quite-an-Investment Watch

The Statement Cardigan

The No-Lace, No-Fuss Boot

The Right Foundations

Big, Baggy Cargo Pants

The Open Collar Shirt

The Graphic Tee

A Swaddlier Topcoat

The Puffy Slipper

The Neck-Saving Accessory

The High-Flying Bomber Jacket

The Oft-Forgotten Hoodie

The Indestructible Flannel Shirt

The Base Layer You'll Want to Show Off

The Red-Hot Retro Sneaker

The Sky-High Tee

The Blizzard-Proof Parka

A Sweater That Makes Every Outfit Better

The Wear-and-Repair Jeans

The Alpine Stompers

The Plain White Tank

Go-With-Everything Loafers

The Movie Star Shades

The Throwback Chinos

A Solid Skin Care Routine

A Black Blazer

A Hot Top

Statement Jewelry

The Only Denim Shirt You'll Ever Need

The Anytime Kicks

The Striped Dress Shirt

The New White T-Shirt

The Chunky Clog

The Hardworking Pants

The All-Purpose Hoodie

Socks That Get You Noticed

The Foundational Lace-Up

The Crispy White Oxford Shirt

The Around-the-Clock Trousers

The Can't-Fail Tie

The Investment Suit

The Fuzzy Fleece Zip-Up

The Mood-Shifting Sweats

A Pair of Rootin' Tootin' Boots

The Belt That Gets Better with Age

The MVP of Layering

The Haul-All Tote

The Fashion-Guy Trackpants

The Boxy Tee

Jorts!

The Non-Biker Leather Jacket

The Cozy Corduroy Pants

The Weekend Rugby Shirt

The Suede Chukka

Get 1 year of GQ for $10 + the GQ dad hat

GQ COUPONS