This is what an interchangeable wardrobe gets you: a whole lot of bang for your buck.
We're presenting a very simplified example here, just considering jacket and trouser combinations.
Keep in mind that each combination can be worn with multiple kinds of shirts, neckties, pocket squares, shoes, and belts, as well as with extra layers like sweaters and vests.
So even keeping it simple we're going to turn five pairs of trousers and five sport jackets into twenty-five outfits — and that's the bare mathematical minimum.
With a few good shirts and accent pieces you're talking more like fifty to a hundred outfits.
If you don't have these basic fabrics in the wardrobe yet, it's time to think about them:
Trouser Fabrics
These are all basic styles of trousers that you can find at any good menswear store. You don't have to buy them in particularly unusual colors or cuts — just these interchangeable pieces will be the backbone of a hugely varied wardrobe.
If you don't have one yet, consider owning at least one pair of the following:
Gray Flannel Trousers
ยท Typically worsted flannel (smoother), not woolen (fuzzier)
ยท Medium-gray — not as dark as a charcoal suit's trousers
ยท Traditional staple of menswear
ยท Acceptable business-casual paired with just about any jacket
Cotton Drill Khakis
ยท Compact, diagonal weave looks solid at a distance
ยท Originated with military uniforms — sturdy, low- maintenance
ยท White-collar (non-suit-wearing) office staple
Dark, Fitted Blue Jeans
ยท Easiest way to “dress down” a jacketCan pair with more casual shoes (canvas sneakers, etc.) than other trousers
ยทย Looks more natural with a non-collared shirt under ย ย the jacket than other trousersBrown Gabardine
ยท Can be a wool or a cotton gabardine — former good in winter; latter in summer
ยท More multi-colored effect than drill — woven of mixed lighter and darker threads
ยท Solid earth-tone base for either a darker or a lighter-colored jacket
Colored Corduroys
ยท Relaxed look that's a bit more stylish than blue jeans
ยท Can be a basic menswear color (navy, brown, black) or more adventurous (red)
ยท Softer look works well in looser fits than other materials
Jacket Fabrics
Gray Herringbone Tweed
ยท Goes-anywhere jacket — always acceptable, as long as you're not in the suit-and-tie territory
ยท Sturdy and warm
ยท Textured weave and varied color adds visual interest
Brown Corduroy
ยท Casual sporting jacket for weekend and outdoor wear
ยท Good match for anything blue
ยท Softer fit makes it very relaxed-looking and comfortable
Worsted Tartan
ยท Colorful option for when you want to stand out a bit
ยท Can range from mostly-gray Prince of Wales to deep blue-and-green patterns
ยท Worsted rather than woolen threads gives a smoother surface
Pinstripe Woolen Flannel
ยท Charcoal gray with light pinstripes — similar to suit jacket, but cut softer
ยท Has a slight fuzziness from the woolen threads that makes it casual and soft-looking
ยท Slightly dressier look — good for evenings at nicer places
Camelhair
ยท Paler color makes a nice contrast for darker trousers
ยท Good soft, uniform texture — easy on the eyes and easy to match
ยท Very classic daytime casual wear
