The Style Maven: men's staples

When I was young and superficial I spent a lot of time wishing my boyfriends would wear something else.

That changed when I met my husband. Not because I got less superficial but because he always looked pretty good.

I'm not someone who thinks a stylish man has to go as far as to carry a clutch bag like our provocative Marni-inspired illustration here (although imagine that bag is an iPad case and it doesn't look so radical). But a bit of know-how does help.

I've learnt a fair bit about how to build a wardrobe through my beloved. So in the spirit of this issue of Stella (Fella?) I pass on what I have picked up:

• Quality over quantity. I used to gasp at the money he parted with. But he went shopping twice a year in Harvey Nicks, and I went every week, everywhere. Guess who had the better wardrobe?

• If something works (ie, you wear it a lot), buy another. Better, buy multiple first time round. How I'd laugh when he came home with five pairs of expensive French socks and - bor-ing - two more navy jumpers. But a pile of navy and a heap of fancy socks go a long way.

• A little bit of what you fancy… Because flamboyance in a man can still be frowned upon they have learnt to get their kicks where they can, through detail or accessory. I still recall my swoony reaction to discovering the exotic floral lining to a perfectly utilitarian Yohji Yamamoto jacket. Potent stuff, I tell you.

• Nurture your geek. Remember the labels and cuts you love and seek them out. Online is your friend: find the sites that stock your favourites and watch out for sales. Set up an eBay search alert and see if you can't turn up a treasure chest of old-stock Lanvin ties. It happens.

• Proclaim your passions. If everyone knows that you are serious about Orlebar Brown swimming trunks, eventually they will start giving them to you as presents.

• You can never ever have too many cashmere jumpers but if at any time you have at least one in both navy and charcoal, you're going to be OK.

Three best men's staples

L-R: Beige linen jumper £170, by Acne ( acnestudios.com ), leather and rubber shoes £230, by Grenson ( grenson.co.uk ), cotton trousers £79, by John Lewis & Co ( johnlewis.com ).

Via: The Style Maven: men's staples