Oxford Shirts

When it comes to shirts , it’s a case of the simpler, the better – block colours, ideally neutral. Fit is arguably more important than shade. These are your off-duty shirts, so they should be slim enough to sit under a jacket but not figure-hugging. You’ll want enough room to leave them unbuttoned over a T-shirt.

Chambray Shirt

One chambray shirt is enough. Depending on how rugged your wardrobe leans, you can pick from so-heavy-it’s-basically-denim up to something that’s indistinguishable from a blue Oxford. If in doubt, chart the middle course – denimy enough to look different, not so denimy that you look like a cowboy when you wear it with jeans.

Wool Roll Neck

Minimalist wardrobes don’t offer much room for impact clothes, so a roll neck is a godsend. Even though they’re absurdly flattering, they’re still comparatively uncommon, which means wearing one under a jacket (or, power move, a shirt) immediately puts you among the best-dressed men in any room. If you buy one, make it black. If you buy a second, try a jewel tone, like emerald.

Polo Shirts

In that smart-casual space between shirts and tees, the polo is a true wardrobe workhorse. Start with neutrals and they’ll dress down a blazer as well as smarten up jeans, especially if you have a long-sleeved option, which always feels that bit more thought-through. Just make sure you nail the fit – baggy and spray-on are surefire outfit-killers.

Breton Top

The sailor’s favourite looks good on land, too. Go classic – thirteen stripes and long sleeves, ideally made by one of the OGs, like Armor-Lux – and you’ll have something that’s as easy to wear as a T-shirt, but feels like you’ve made that little bit more effort when you slot it under a blazer

Knitted Jumpers

One lightweight, for wearing underneath tailoring, and one that’s heavy enough for those truly freezing days. Between them, they’ll provide all the layering gradations you need to take you from snow-on-the-ground to slightly chilly commute. If you only have one of each, stick to neutrals. If you add more, try autumn leaf tones like burgundy or mustard.