Building a wardrobe - which 5 patterns/colors to get?

[sherwin]

Looking to start a new wardrobe from scratch for grad school. I want to at least wear a dress shirt every day, w/ very little denim usage. I'm going to order from Jantzen.

Which 5 colors and/or patterns are fundamental, and most versatile? Basically "must haves." I can't afford more than that many. Assume I'm starting from scratch.

FWIW, I have a tan complexion, brown eyes, black hair (for color purposes)

Thanks.

 

[DocHolliday]

When you say "dress shirt," what do you have in mind? Are you going with coat and tie?

If you're going mostly open collar, I'd get a solid blue with buttondown collar and another buttondown with fine blue-and-white-stripes.

If these will be all your dress shirts, and it sounds like they will, I'd add a solid white with point or moderate spread collar. You'll need that for interviews/weddings/other important events.

If you're planning on wearing a tie often, I'd get a solid blue with point or moderate spread collar.

 

[Icarium]

After your white/blue/blue-striped shirts, either pink, blue check, or purple stripe all seem good.

 

[koolhistorian]

As the Doc said - solids are the base, for example my grandfather had only solid whites, 2/3 double cuffs, 1/3 single cuffs, which he considered sport (not to be worn with suits, but rather with slacks and sport coats). Solid blues are the second in versatility, but then you have to be rather attentive to the shades and fabric - mid blue oxford will be different from mid-blue poplin. Pink can be good also, with the same caveat for fabric and hue. Then you have the bengal stripe and the gingham as patterns. My advice is first buy a couple of suits that go well with you and that go well with a white shirt (if they go well with white, will go well with other colors). Then buy some good shoes, that complement the suits, then buy some ties and finally buy your shirts.