You can't always shop Visvim, Rick Owens, and The Row. But that's ok. When you are building a stylish, high-quality wardrobe, you have to start somewhere. There are a handful of "staple" brands that are easy to find and sure to please if you are trying to build a nice contemporary look with minimal fuss.

Looking for quality brands to start your style journey? Start here.

If you are new to the idea of wearing high-quality clothing, these brands are a great place to start, occupying a really nice sweet spot when it comes to quality, style, and cost— and some offer seasonal sales that make them even more attainable. I own pieces from most of these brands myself, including some go-to pieces that I've had on heavy rotation for years.

❶ JOHN ELLIOT

You can't go wrong with John Elliot. This one of our favorite staple menswear brands. John Elliot always seems to be hitting the bullseye where wearability and progressive designs meet. Super wearable and high-quality stuff.

My Favorites: University T-Shirt, The Cast Jeans, Hemi Flannel Shirts

❷ NN07

You want European craftsmanship with the minimalist ethos? NN07 is based out of Copenhagen, but the brand's philosophy is based on being a world citizen. So they offer travel-ready staples in that vein. NN07 is a great brand to look at if you work in a creative field and need a casual-but-not-too casual wardrobe to transition seamlessly from office to everyday living.

My Favorites: Button-Up Shirts

❸ Vince

Another accessible, high-quality brand originating out of LA, Vince is best known for its do-everything slip-on shoes. Vince's knitwear is also quite nice, and you can often find good sales on the brand if you look around a bit.

My Favorites: Knits

❹ Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch is yet another solid staples brand from California. The vibe is outdoorsy-professional-heritage, so give them a shot if that's what you are looking for.

My Favorites: Jackets

❺Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone is a favorite of mine. They just seem to nail it with the fits, materials, and styles. Time and time again, when I am packing for a trip, I end up grabbing an incredible black CPO shirt and navy zip-up sweater that I bought from Rag & Bone, leaning on their versatility for my travel needs.

My favorites: All-around

❻ Rowan

A newer brand out of California, Rowan is all about comfortable ready-to-wear-and-keep-wearing gear. If you are into simplicity and minimalism, you can't go wrong by tuning into what these guys are doing.

My favorites: T-Shirts

❼Buck Mason

Buck Mason has been wildly successful by focusing on the essentials, and the brand has "done things the right way" from the beginning. Fusing a heritage attitude with contemporary fits, this brand occupies a really nice sweet spot that's made it the favorite of those looking for a no-nonsense approach to quality style.

My Favorites: Leather Jackets

Have fun out there!

John Elliot

John Elliott Official Online Store | Johnelliott.com
Shop John Elliott for the latest tees, sweatshirts, denim, jackets, shoes and accessories.

NN07

NN07® | The Official Online Store
Welcome to NN07! Find the latest arrivals and essential NN07 menswear and men’s accessories here - We are No Nationality 07!

Vince

Vince Men’s Collection | Vince
Shop the Men’s Collection at Vince including men’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. Enjoy free shipping on all orders and returns.

Taylor Stitch

Classic Men’s Clothing | Taylor Stitch
Inspired & Designed in California. Men’s shirting, outerwear, denim, and basics responsibly built for the long haul. New products released every week for pre-sale in the Workshop, with Essentials and Favorites in stock all-year-round. Established 2008. Shop Taylor Stitch Clothing.

Rag & Bone

rag & bone: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories with Effortless Urban Style
Effortless urban style, with expert craftsmanship - clothing, shoes & apparel for men & women from rag & bone. Free shipping on all US orders!

Rowan

Rowan
Rowan is a California-based clothing brand focused on a small collection of thoughtful, high-quality, goods. It’s based on a generation-spanning love story founded on the principle that wisdom guides us towards legacy.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason® Official Site - Modern American Classics
Inspired by laid back California ethos of easy living, quality, & simplicity, Buck Mason is a modern American brand that makes fashion less complicated.
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