Tried & True

Picture of Julia Karns

Julia Karns

February 17, 2026

Every menswear wardrobe is built on a few everyday essentials that bring gravity to your closet. The tried-and-true staples that are reliable, re-wearable, and easy—pieces that make pulling together an outfit uncomplicated, creating space for self-expression.

A solid foundation allows accessories to do the talking. Jewelry, studded belts, baseball caps, or even socks can bring personality into an outfit without having to overthink it. In the age of algorithms, trend cycles have accelerated past a rate that any individual could hope to keep up with, creating fatigue and fueling overconsumption. However, good basics can be styled innumerable ways, allowing you to experiment with the details—to sprinkle in some edge, swagger, or prep depending on what feels right.

In collaboration with Venue Skateboards in Richmond, Creative Director Kristina Wise demonstrates how a good-quality pair of straight-leg jeans, a crisp tee or structured jacket, or even a high-quality sweatsuit serves as the perfect canvas. Paired with pant chains, funky pendants, or a unique Adidas Samba, the simplest staple pieces can become part of something deeply expressive.

This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Venue Skateboards’ legacy. Since 1994, Venue has been a cornerstone of the Richmond skate scene—not only by selling durable decks and apparel designed to withstand wear, but by investing in the community—building skateparks, offering lessons, and fostering community. Their pieces are built for motion, impact, and longevity—naturally designed to be something you reach for time and time again.

Playing with how you style your core wardrobe pieces allows you to evolve with trends without the financial or material cost of constantly buying new items. Investing in well-made basics—and expressing yourself through accessories—creates a wardrobe that’s both personal and made to last.

Credits

Creative Director: Kristina Wise

Creative Team: Bianca Justiniano-Padilla, Emma Ogden, Julia Karns, Miles Ragin

Photographer: Elizabeth Murphy

Assisting Photographer: Thomas White

Models: Jaden Albuquerque, Jon Solomon Habahbeh, Larkel Kier, Wyatt Moser

Hair: Colrain Reed