Building a Polished, Professional Wardrobe
Advice from a professional stylist and tailor, Trevor Furbay; bringing old-school detail into the modern wardrobe.
As a busy professional, you’re faced with critical decisions all day long. Deciding what to wear doesn’t have to be one of them. A timeless, high-quality wardrobe simplifies decision-making, saving time and reducing stress when getting ready. Investing in well-fitted, versatile pieces ensures that you’re always prepared for business meetings, networking events and special occasions. A capsule wardrobe ensures a polished and confident appearance without the stress of constantly keeping up with trends. Plus, prioritizing quality over quantity allows you to invest in key pieces that stand the test of time, ultimately saving money and simplifying daily decisions. A relationship with your clothier will help you seamlessly incorporate trends, special event pieces and accessories that complement your personal style while maintaining a refined, professional look that is entirely your own.
Building a capsule wardrobe with Trevor Furbay is about curating a selection of versatile, high-quality pieces that work seamlessly together. With the right essentials, you can dress effortlessly for any occasion without the clutter of unnecessary items. Here’s how to build a refined, stylish, and practical capsule wardrobe using carefully selected pieces with Trevor Furbay’s own closet checklist.
● For shirts and tops, you can maximize your options by adding in some layers, in every season of the year.
○ Casual Oxford Shirts – Solids, ginghams, and mini checks for daily wear.
○ Tatersall Check Shirts – A refined pattern for business-casual settings.
○ Dress Shirts – White, light blue, and Bengal stripe for professional occasions.
○ Sweaters – Navy, light grey, and camel crew necks for fall; charcoal grey wool quarter-zip for colder months.
○ Outerwear:
■ Quilted vests in navy and brown suede (summer and winter options).
■ Classic Barbour Jacket – A timeless wax cotton rainproof option.
■ Navy Car Coat – Ideal for layering over sport coats.
■ Quilted Navy Down Jacket – For winter warmth.
■ Navy Blue Lightweight Shirt Jacket – Rye 51 provides this perfect transitional piece.
● Select pants that provide versatility with both fit and fabric:
○ Jeans – A wardrobe mainstay with dark dressy denim for evenings; mid-wash for everyday wear; white jeans for spring and summer.
○ Straight-Leg and Modern Chinos – Stone and khaki options from Faherty for a relaxed yet polished style.
○ Contemporary Fit Trousers – Navy and grey options for work and evening wear.
○ Grey Flannel Trousers – A winter wardrobe essential.
○ Cream Wool Contemporary Fit Trouser – A summer staple with a bit of stretch for added comfort.
○ 5-Pocket Pants – Versatile alternatives to jeans; white and stone for summer, navy and khaki year-round.
○ Shorts – Performance, golf and outdoor styles in navy, khaki, and grey.
● Some suiting pieces give a style that is refined and timeless
○ Modern, Slim Fit Blazer – The ultimate versatile blazer, some of our favorites are Atelier Munro.
○ Seasonal Plaids & Checks – Options for spring/summer and fall/winter.
○ Charcoal & Navy Suit – Essential for any man’s wardrobe.
○ Model Green & Grenadine Suits – Stylish, yet understated additions.
○ Accessories:
■ Ties – Solid Blue Silk Italian ties for a sophisticated touch.
■ Pocket Squares – White linen for suits; patterned wool & linen options for variety.
■ Socks – Solid tan, navy, charcoal, black polka dot, or striped for a subtle statement.
● A well-rounded shoe collection can offer versatility and style. A few Trevor Furbay essentials include:
○ Brown Chelsea Boot – A go-to for dressy casual looks and business casual settings.
○ Brown Hand-Sewn Loafer – A classic option that pairs well with chinos or dress trousers.
○ Brown Suede Lace-Up – A refined yet slightly relaxed alternative to traditional dress shoes.
○ Cognac Hand-Sewn Loafer – Perfect for summer wear and lighter-colored ensembles.
○ Dress Sneakers – Multiple options for casual elegance, including Magnanni and Martin Dingman.
○ Navy Suede Loafers – A unique, sophisticated touch to casual and semi-formal outfits.
○ Velvet Loafer – Reserved for formal occasions and black-tie events.
● Add some belts, matching the color or style to each shoe, for a polished look. To give your wardrobe several options, consider:
○ Sporty Stretch Woven Belts – Ideal for casual and performance outfits.
○ Cognac and Dark Brown Alligator Belts – Elevate any refined look.
○ Gold & Silver Buckles – Choose based on personal preference; Trevor recommends matching your wedding ring if selecting one metal.
○ Comstock Heritage Sterling Silver Buckle – An investment piece for those who appreciate timeless accessories.
● When it’s time to dress to impress, elevate your options for formalwear pieces, including:
○ Black Tie Ensemble – A must-have for formal events.
○ Tuxedo – The cornerstone of elegant evening attire.
○ Accessories:
■ Cummerbund, bow tie, and suspenders.
■ Formal French cuff dress shirt.
■ Silver cufflinks.
■ White silk pocket square (for tuxedos).
○ Cashmere Full-Length Overcoat – The epitome of sophistication.
A wardrobe is built over time, not to just fill your closet but to reflect every aspect of your lifestyle. This checklist is just a starting point. A well-curated capsule wardrobe ensures that dressing well is effortless, no matter the occasion. By selecting quality pieces that mix and match seamlessly, you’ll achieve a wardrobe that is both stylish and functional, standing the test of time. Let Trevor Furbay help you with these building block pieces. Set up a time for a personalized consultation and we’ll help you build a wardrobe that makes getting dressed the easiest decision of your day.
