In this, the era of experimentation and personal-taste freedom, turning to wardrobe classics has never been more of a good time. Modern icons like solid-color track pants, simple coach jackets, and classic sneakers like the adidas Superstar are simple, functional, and always look good—and can be layered up to evoke whatever mood you want them to. With a fresh drop of shell-toes on shelves, and a new lineup of adidas athletic-wear to go with it, we came up with a few of our own ideas. But really, with these ingredients, by all means, experiment.
Black, White, and Wild
Your brain tells your arm to reach for black pants, white shirts, and gray hoodies every time you walk into a store for a reason; they are exceptionally useful and eternally good-looking. Simple colors let you wear everything in your closet in any ridiculous or simple combination. When you do decide to fling something wild into the mix—like, say, a fluro blue shell jacket—you can do so blindly, knowing it’ll land on solid ground.
Never Not Nylon
It’s 2020: it’s time to stop wearing uncomfortable pants. Nylon and poly track pants, wind pants, or high-tech commuter-style pants are the secret to functional, modern, and extremely comfortable style. These all-season, all-reason pants come in every color imaginable but black and khaki green or brown goes with as many things as jeans, which means you can wear them just as often—as in, every single day.
Ace the Base Layers
We like things nice and roomy and ultra-lightweight these days, but it requires a few changes to the get-dressed routine. For one, base layers are now a thing (for another, you can wear boxer shorts again). White t-shirts and ribbed tanks, or turtlenecks and mock-necks when the weather is cold, are essential for adding dimension to your fits—not to mention a barrier between your bare chest and your nylon shirt.
Show Some Ankle
Speaking of base layers, it’s time to stock up on socks. Sorry to your no-shows but those little guys are no match for today’s big pants. Big pants, nylon pants, track pants need an old school crew sock underneath. Something as substantial and comfy as the pants themselves. Whether you’re showing them off with a short cuff or going for the deep break where no one will see them, observe the cardinal rule of athletic socks and don’t mix labels. Trefoil socks with shell-toe shoes—together, forever.
The Superstars of Your Wardrobe
If you’re looking for an excuse to buy more sneakers, hello and welcome to GQ. Sure, the iconic adidas shell-toe goes with everything, but having a few colorways in your closet is like quadrupling your chances to look good. We like the classic white with black stripes, a fully murdered out version, and a color-way that nods to the Superstar’s roots as a ‘70s basketball shoe—a.k.a. the Courtside Superstar, which comes in old school red and blue—but create your own dream team.