What rugged style looks like
A chore jacket over a plain tee is an easy place to start. Wear it with straight jeans or chinos, then add boots if they suit your day.
How it works on a normal day
A canvas jacket, straight jeans, and boots make sense for a cool weekend outside. For a warmer or less active day, keep the jacket but wear a lighter tee and simple sneakers. Rugged does not mean wearing heavy boots and thick layers in every season.
Start with these wardrobe essentials
- Chore jacket
- denim or flannel shirt
- straight jeans
- textured knit
- leather boots
Three rugged outfit formulas
Everyday
- Chambray shirt
- dark denim
- service boots
Cool weather
- Textured knit
- chore jacket
- straight chinos
Casual evening
- Suede jacket
- henley
- black jeans
What to pause before buying
Before buying something new, see if you can make three outfits with clothes you own.
- Too many heritage details in one outfit
- Bulky layers with no clear silhouette
- Distressing that looks artificial
Use the profile without becoming a uniform
You can bring in parts of your second style, too. Try changing the shoes or outer layer first, and keep what you enjoy wearing.
Try your denim or workwear jacket with a plain Oxford shirt and simple trousers. Classic pieces can soften the workwear feel without replacing the whole outfit. Compare classic style →
Heading somewhere unfamiliar? Read our guide to clothes and first impressions before assuming one look works for every setting.