A full suit that is tailored and fits well.
There are no more excuses anymore. You're an adult now. You need at least one suit, preferably in navy or gray.
Really, you should have both by now. What have you been doing all this time?
A nice blazer to add some variety.
As American dress skews more and more informal, blazers have become more important than ever.
A nice blazer will make sure you don't overwhelm a room with a full suit when the occasion doesn't call for it, but it can also separate you from the crowd a bit.
An expensive wristwatch for special occasions.
Even if you're not a watch guy, you should realize the importance of wearing a watch on occasion.
Drop a few hundred to have a timepiece you can call your own.
Good leather dress shoes in both black and brown.
Quality dress shoes are always worth the investment. Make sure you're set for the next decade by doing some research, and get some basic yet bulletproof shoes that you can wear with your suits.
A pair of chino shorts that fit.
Though you seldom wear shorts these days, you should be prepared for the few times you'll need them.
And we don't mean cargo shorts either.
A quality and sturdy pair of boots.
Boots aren't just for lumberjacks anymore. They're an essential part of every man's fall and winter wardrobe.
A quality pair of boots that can last your entire life is something that every guy should have at this stage.
A quality summer shoe.
Whether it's crisp white sneakers or a pair of trusty moccasins, you should have a signature summer shoe.
A winter coat that will actually keep you warm.
For colder climates, everyone knows there's no substitute for a parka.
A winter coat for dressing up.
A parka isn't always appropriate to wear, however, and a gentleman knows that.
A real umbrella.
Sure you can carry a collapsible around with you forever, but after 30 it starts to look a little silly.
A real duffle bag.
When you're 30, you should stop using your old college luggage and purchase grown-up stuff. Because you're an adult now.
A grown-up work bag.
Because when was the last time you were jealous of a man who took a backpack to work with him?
A belt that will last.
Instead of going through belts every year like usual, invest in an expensive one that you can wear for years.
A pair of dark denim jeans that fit like a glove.
Jeans are an important part of every man's wardrobe, and by this time, it's pretty important to have a trusted pair that you really enjoy wearing.
The perfect T-shirt.
The perfect T-shirt is not a myth. You just have to find it.
A perfectly fitting T-shirt is something every man should have before he leaves his twenties.
A casual jacket you love.
It doesn't matter what style it is as long as it fits well and you absolutely love it.
A casual but interesting shirt that you've made your signature.
Maybe it's a henley. Maybe it's an Oxford cloth button-down. Maybe it's a sweatshirt.
Whatever it is, people have come to identify you by it when they see you on the weekends.
A swimsuit you're not embarrassed to wear.
A bathing suit that is actually flattering is one of the biggest tell-tale signs that you've grown up.
A tie collection you actually like.
Buy a few ties for yourself — when your collection isn't 100% gifts from family members, you'll actually have some ties that you like to wear.
Eyewear that makes you look intelligent.
The wire-framed glasses that don't quite fit your face correctly aren't going to cut it anymore.
For help with finding the right shape for your face, check out our guide.