Over the past few years it is clear to see that men are taking more time and care in their appearance. We are slowly swapping our dressed down “casual cool” look for a more considered, smarter approach on an every day basis.

Since the 50s when the teenager was invented, young lads started to dress less like their fathers and created their own rebellious style. The “Greasers” brought us slick backed hair, leather biker jackets and Levi's 501s and sportswear became to the forefront of modern fashion, with the preppy look. In the UK “Teds” wore a more aggressive look with velvet trimmed drape coats, drainpipe trousers, quaffed back hair and most importantly, the intimidating attitude. This was seen as a sloppy approach to fashion, by the parents who were bought up with Victoria style tailoring, no man left the house without his suit. Since the 50s, on a whole, mainstream menswear has been a much more casual affair, with several subcultures spawning each year. The last few years has seen a significant shift on the high street, with smarter and more considered trends emerging, which are in turn, filtering into the “everyman's” wardrobe.

This take on a street style was adopted by young men in the mid 80s, for the “working class” look. Bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division and Echo & The Bunnymen channelled this movement.

With excellent sartorial advice on offer from menswear magazines like GQ, Fantastic Man, 10 Men and Buckstyle, we really don't have an excuse to look sloppy. Plus there really isn't another feeling like when you walk down the street in a perfectly fitting suit.

Over the past few weeks I will be looking at items what a considered as menswear wardrobe staples, concentrating on a different garment/accessory each week. I will be breaking from the norm of what we expect of high street menswear and searching for pieces with a more individual and fashion forward aesthetic.

First up - The Bag

Now generally seen as a neccessity, not man is complete without a bag. A life without bags would mean everything being shoved in your trouser pockets, so here is my top picks.

The Dispatch – Modern take on the classic “student” bag, this style is generally the most popular.

Filson Plaid Field and Paul Smith Trompe L'oeil bags.

The Rucksack – The mountaineering trend hits the high street, practicality meets catwalk trend.

Ally Capellino Nautical and Topman Design silk rucksacks.

The Backpack – Not just for school, this style has really grown up.

Yuketen triangle and H by Harris leather quilted backpacks.

The Tote – Looking for something different? This style is slowly becoming a summer staple.

Calabrese canvas Tote and Reiss 1979 Tote bags.

Follow the links to view the products

Stay tuned for the next instalment of Menswear Wardrobe Staples...

By Matthew Pike

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