Image via Complex Original
A simple life is a good life. While we love collecting graphic skate tees, buying the freshest gear from indie designers, and splurging on luxury items, the reality is that being stylish is overrated. A wardrobe of just the essentials will make life so much easier for you and your wallet.
This summer, try rotating only 9 items. It'll be like solving a puzzle every morning—finding new combinations and ways to wear your favorite basic pieces. You can always put your own twist on an outfit with accessories like snapbacks and sunglasses, but believe us, you only need 9 pieces of clothing to have the complete summer uniform.
Do more with less. Let us show you how with A Week's Worth of Outfits With Just 9 Items.
RELATED: The Best Rap Songs for Getting Dressed
RELATED: The Best Outfits From White Men Can't Jump
The Items
1. Striped Shirt
We went with a long sleeve version from Saint James.
Buy It Now at J.Crew, $85
2. Chambray Shirt
Not to throw around "classic" too much, but this shirt right here? This shirt right here?! It's pretty damn versatile.
Buy Similar Now at Levi's, $37
3. Chinos
A khaki color is always a good bet, but you can always go for a colored version if that's more your style.
Buy It Now at Dockers, $59
4. Canvas Jacket
This Carhartt jacket is workwear at its finest. Classic and modern at the same time, this piece goes with anything and isn't too heavy for summer.
Buy Similar at Asos, $187
5. Denim
We went with these dope patchwork jeans from Edun, but your worn-in selvedge pair will do.
Buy Similar at Ssense, $416
6. Low-Top Sneakers
Wearing a well-designed and dressier sneaker means you'll look sharp at casual events, and cool at formal ones.
Buy It Now at ETQ, $279
7. Black Oxfords
If you can only have one dress shoe, make it this one.
Buy It Now at Nordstrom, $240
8. White T-Shirt
You should already have a few of these, but what's one more? A fresh white tee is even better than new socks.
Buy It Now at Norse Store, $53
9. White Oxford Shirt
Easy to wear, easy to wash, doesn't wrinkle—the white oxford is a necessity.
Buy It Now at Norse Projects, $130
One
What you need: 1. Striped Shirt, 3. Chinos, 6. Low-Top Sneakers
This look is the most versatile of all. Wear it out with friends, wear it to a date—it's even polished enough for Fridays at the office.
Two
What You Need: 3. Chinos, 4. Canvas Jacket, 7. Black Oxfords, 8. White T-Shirt
A white tee and chinos is casual and comfortable, but at a pair of hard bottoms and a structured jacket and you have a perfect combo of casual and cool. Add a snapback for extra personality.
Three
What you need: 5. Denim, 7. Black Oxfords, 8. White Oxford Shirt
So fresh and so clean. The white oxford adds a crispness that works well with you favorite worn in pair of jeans. To counteract the oxford shoes, we accessorized with a pair of shades and a snapback (worn backwords, duh).
Four
What you need: 2. Chambray Shirt, 3. Chinos, 7. Black Oxfords
We all have to tuck our shirts in once in a while. If a blazer isn't required at work during summer, this outfit will work well in meetings and at happy hour with the boss. The girlfriend's parents will love this one, too.
Five
What you need: 5. Denim, 6. Low-Top Sneakers, 8. White T-Shirt
The holy grail of all outfits—the white tee, jeans, and sneakers. It's fail-proof, you already know this. Wear this anywhere and everywhere because it's always on trend.
Six
What you need: 1. Striped Shirt, 2. Chambray Shirt, 5. Denim, 6. Low-Top Sneakers
Denim on denim too risky a trend for you? Well if you always wanted to try it, but aren't ready for a Texas Tuxedo, try wrapping a chambray shirt over your jeans. First of all, chambray will look nice against your selvedge because it looks like denim's delicate cousin. Second, by wrapping a button-down around your waist, you'll be killing two trends with one stone.
Seven
What you need: 5. Denim, 7. Black Oxfords, 9. Oxford Shirt
This outfit is good for Friday nights, Sunday brunches, and Thirsty Thursdays. Go out and let 'em know who's the cleanest of them all.