Ask anyone about clothing basics and they’ll give you a list as long as their arm. If you need to make space in your wardrobe, and you’re wondering what you really couldn’t live without, maybe it’s time we took a look at what real wardrobe basics entail. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Rugged Clothing

If you don’t have rugged clothing options, your wardrobe is likely stocked for an office job and fun (at the weekends), and not so prepared to help you to live.

Moving home? Helping a teenage son or daughter move out to attend college or university? Got some serious gardening to catch up with? Meeting friends for a walk? Going paintballing with some colleagues from work?

People don’t put enough thought into rugged clothing. If pushed, most of us would probably say that we can throw something together from old bits and bobs. Perhaps some tired gardening shoes in the garage will do. Maybe some old jeans with a busted top button will suffice. And there’s always an old hoodie we don’t mind throwing in harm’s way, isn’t there?

Look the part, feel the part, get the job done as efficiently as possible. If your rugged clothing isn’t all about protecting you and allowing freedom of movement, then you don’t have rugged clothing, you have your dad’s donated rugby shirt. You can - and must - do better (see FXD Australia for ideas).

Something Formal

Even if you don’t have to wear the typical 9-to-5 office gear for your day job, there will come a time when you have an interview with an employer or an appointment that calls for something that looks dry-cleaned. There’s no point in pretending that you always thought you’d be able to get away with smart-casual clothes when really your look is 100% casual and everyone knows you failed to prepare properly.

Think about weddings. Graduations. Restaurants. Important legal meetings. Perhaps you have a funeral to attend. These matters come around more regularly than you may convince yourself of otherwise.

Something for Evenings and Weekends

You can’t relax in the tight-fitting formalities of business suits, pencil skirts, shirts, blouses, and classy but uncomfortable shoes. This is where you will likely need very little encouragement - it’s time to relax your wardrobe. From sports gear and jogging bottoms to all manner of loose-fitting tee-shirts and zip-up sweaters in between. You got this.

You’ll need at least three casual outfits. One to wear, one for tomorrow, and one in the washing basket. That way, you’ll never be rushed to get one of two outfits washed for the next day.

The big thing with casual wear is how many pairs of shoes to own. Again, we’re going to suggest sticking to the rule of three. One pair for everyday use. One pair for looking smart when you need to (like when joining a gym or when family members turn up on a Sunday), and one pair that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy if you get caught out in the rain, for example.

And thus your basics are complete. Simple.