When it comes to the necessities, guys usually excel. We plan. We prepare. And even when we’re spontaneous, we know how to pull it off. The one glaring area where we so often fall flat on our collective face is building a wardrobe that is as successful as we are. “Dress for success” and “the clothes make the man” are phrases so easily tossed around that they have long since lost their effectiveness. But at the heart of every grating cliché is that inherent truth that gave rise to its overuse in the first place. Your wardrobe is more important than you think. No matter what level of the business world you currently inhabit, there is always a higher rung a brass ring just out of reach. Don’t let your clothes keep you down.

Here are the five suits you need to have a versatile and respectable business wardrobe:

Gray

You can’t go wrong with a great gray suit. Do spend the extra money and be sure it’s a great one. You don’t have to spend a month’s salary on it, but you do get what you pay for. Gray is the most versatile of the color choices out there and that’s why it tops our list – it works for almost any occasion in any season and pairs nicely with a wide variety of shirt and tie combinations. You have a wide variety of shades to choose from, but the closer to the middle of the spectrum you stay, the more options you leave open.

Navy

Your dad had one and so should you. The solid navy suit is about as classic as they come. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a dark tie for a classic business look, but let your creativity guide you from there. Be sure it fits well. In general, the more you pay for the suit, the more qualified the individuals are who are measuring you and performing the alterations. However this is not always the case. If you find a good independent tailor, you’ve found the most valuable resource in your wardrobe arsenal.

Black

Black suits are surprisingly in. If you are new to the world of suits be careful that you don’t buy something that looks like you’re on break from your job at the funeral home or the limo service – even if you are. Look for a slim silhouette and a modern cut to let people know that you know a thing or two about fashion.

Navy Pin-Stripe

Nothing says business like a navy pin-stripe suit. This is your no-nonsense-don’t-mess-with-me-I’m-someone-important suit. It’s the definitive business look, but feel free to keep it fresh with modern cuts and European styles. You don’t have to look like a banker. The secret is in the shoulder pads (this goes for all the suits). If they stick out past your shoulders, they are too big – especially with today’s trend toward slimmer and slimmer cuts. A solid shit keeps things conservative while a striped one can add an additional texture to your overall look.

Khaki

Depending on your profession, this can be more than simply a sporadic look. In spring and summer, this can be your go-to suit. It will keep you cooler than the wool ones and you can keep it fresh with a blue, pink or white shirt and a dark tie. This suit also makes the transition to an evening out easily by ditching the tie and the socks.

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