Everyone knows garments that convey tradition, authority, credibility and elegance are the hallmarks of a gentleman's wardrobe. However, you do not have to compromise style for the sake of tradition.  Below we list 15 essential garments that every gentleman should have in his wardrobe.

Three suits

Pinstripe lightweight, charcoal, and navy. The colour of your suit does matter.

• The navy suit: According to Vinson, navy is the businessman's power colour. It conveys a sense of authority, and gives the perception that the wearer is a "take-charge" person. You will want to wear your navy suit whenever you wish to be seen as an expert: in public speaking, at opening and closing arguments, and especially during those big presentations.

• The charcoal suit: The ranges of a charcoal suit vary from dark gray to almost black. While all charcoal suits create what Vinson calls a "rock-solid image," the darkest shades of charcoal combine the authority of a black suit with the dependability of gray. Charcoal suits work well for financial planners, CPAs, sales professionals, and other financial professionals.
  The Edenbridge
• The lightweight pinstripe suit: This suit is perfect for travel during warmer weather. We suggest thin pinstripes in a brighter or lighter colour. At least one out of three items (shirt, tie, and pocket square) should be solid-coloured.

Five dress shirts

Long-sleeved dress shirts are most appropriate for formal office settings, VIP meetings or presentations. Here are five essential dress shirts every gentleman should have:

• The button-up white shirt:  A symbol of reliability and ethics, the white dress shirt shows respect for the traditions of a formal work environment.

• The button-up light blue shirt: Appropriate with virtually any well-tailored suit, this shirt evokes a sense of dependability and approachability. It is recommended that you wear a light blue button-up in any of the following occasions: when you are pitching to potential clients at initial sales meetings; when you are soft-selling; and whenever you meet with clients to discuss an issue with a product or service.

• A coloured or striped dress shirt with a white collar: The collar already conveys  trustworthiness and a sense of respect for the work environment. A white collar that is attached to a blue shirt with subtle blue stripes, for instance, reinforces the idea of trust while providing a pleasant color contrast.

• A pastel, dark, or brightly-coloured button-up: In formal business situations, you may wish to avoid stark contrasts. During the summertime, however, your choice of a pastel shirt with tasteful accessories is perfect for a more relaxed work-related situation. In addition, darker colours are a flexible option during the colder months. And a brighter or more saturated color for festive or leisurely occasions can strike just the right note.

• A plaid dress shirt: A men's dress shirt in subtle plaids provides an informal look for routine office days. Tucked neatly into dress pants, a plaid shirt pairs well with a dark, solid-coloured tie.

Four ties

We recommend provided several options below.

• One solid-coloured, dark tie that matches your plaid shirt

• One brightly coloured tie, with or without patterns

• One pastel tie, solid-coloured or with contrasting patterns

• One tie that matches the hue of your navy or charcoal suit.

One coat (cashmere): A cashmere overcoat provides warmth in the cooler seasons. In addition, it is a classic part of the gentleman's wardrobe. From earthy shades like tan and caramel, to the more traditional navy, charcoal and black, the cashmere coat always makes an impressive statement.

Two pairs of shoes

Even if you limit yourself to one brown pair and one black pair, the sky's the limit when it comes to choices in gentlemen's shoes for the office.

• Oxfords, with capped or uncapped toes

• Derby style (similar to oxfords) that come capped or uncapped

• Monk straps - This style comes with single or multiple buckled straps that take the place of laces. Shoe buckle colours are generally silver, brass, or gold. For an extra touch of class, be sure that the colour of the shoe buckle matches the colour of your belt buckle, wrist watch, or cufflinks

With these 15 pieces, you can create classic, elegant looks. These essential garments form an integral part of any gentleman's wardrobe, adjust nicely to a variety of situations, and convey a sense of trust and credibility.