If you’re trying to build a dapper wardrobe, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where to start. Here are 16 essentials that give you countless outfit combinations and plenty of room to build.

Shirts, Vests, and Jackets

The perfect white shirt:
The Elms shirt from Tradelands is well made and tailored for a relaxed fit. The shirt retails for $167 here. 

The perfect simple floral shirt:
The Kirrin Finch Brewster shirt is perfectly cut, and sustainably made. The shirt will retail for $125 starting in June at their e-commerce site.

Read our interview with the founders of Kirrin Finch here. 

The perfect casual blazer:
The Miranda Peak Lapel Breasted Blazer from Wildfang comes in a classic plaid with vegan suede elbow patches. The blazer retails for $218 here.

The perfect vest:
Saint Harridan’s “It’s Elementary” Waistcoat brings Baker Street style to you. It retails for $118 here.

Pants

The perfect dark wash jean:
If APC is good enough for Ellen DeGeneres, it’s good enough for you. The Petit Standard jeans retail at $195 here.

The perfect chino pants:
H&M’s Chinos are affordable, come in five colors, and are perfectly cut. They retail for $29.99.

Suits

The perfect affordable suit:
If you can’t afford to drop a ton of money on a suit, this Check Mensy Jacket and Cigarette Trousers from Topshop is the perfect compromise. Buy the set for $185 here.

The perfect affordable suit separates:
The Dempsey Jogger by Lucca Couture for Wildfang elevates joggers to suiting-level. Buy for $98 here.
Pair the Dempsey Jogger with the perfectly cut Blanchett Blazer from Lucca Couture for Wildfang for $148.

Accessories

The perfect tie:
The sophisticated Fatima tie from Saint Harridan will blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. Buy for $56 here.

The perfect floral bow tie:
This fun floral Hope bow tie from Bowline Co. adds the perfect pop of color to your wardrobe for $59.

The perfect suspenders:
These well made suspenders from Haute Butch are an essential accessory. They’re priced at $49.99.

The perfect pocket square:
The Tie Bar offers affordable pocket squares and matching ties or bow ties. The Hinterland Floral pocket square is priced at $10. 

The perfect leather belt:
This Classic Leather Belt from J. Crew comes in four colors, and is priced at $39.99.

Shoes

The perfect boots:
These sturdy Java Metallic Olympias Boots from J. Shoes can be dressed up or down. Buy for $188 here.

The perfect Oxford shoes:
These Melissa Oxford shoes from Frye can double as formal shoes, and will last a lifetime. Buy for $248 here.