What are you going to wear? Sometimes there’s an easy answer. Sometimes not. Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Having a slow drink (or two) with a date after the sun goes down is one of the best ways to spend an early, cool spring evening. Color may be big this year, but it’s good to remember that while some dandies will go full palate, there’s a difference between cute and sexy. A blend of late winter and early summer shades and textures make up the outfit seen here, which should take you through early twilight on into the evening.
The Blazer: J. Crew Ludlow in Heather Charcoal Italian Wool – $257.60 ($388). You’ll need the 30% off sale items code SUNSHINE for this price (rundown of the sale here). Yes it’s expensive, but these blazers are the real deal, and rarely go on sale. Great construction. Elegant, slightly lower button stance. Trim arms. 4-season wool, but if it’s already extremely hot where you live, or you’re just on a budget that doesn’t allow $260 for one blazer, try the grey linen blend option from Macy’s.
The Pants: Stafford Prep Chinos – $22.50 ($30). A good option from the new “Stafford Prep” line, and great at this price. Thicker fabric which you’d almost expect on a 5-pocket pant, but these have the pockets of regular chinos.
The Belt: Perry Ellis – $17.99. Not quite sure which belt that is from jcp on the chinos, but the P.E. from Macy’s will do.
The Shirt: Neiman Marcus Trim Fit Stretch Dress Shirt – $35.75 ($88). Not hot pink, not deep purple… lilac. A spring color that’s toned down enough to avoid blinding your date. Part of the extra 35% off one item sale at Lastcall.com that ends today (4/3)
The Shoes: Ciro Lendini Suede Loafers – $183.00. Made in Italy, sleek, and while black, warm evening ready in suede. Further options include these from Bruno Magli for a few bucks more (also part of the LastCall 35% off sale), or the smooth leather single monk strap from Banana Republic, which is just $84 through today w/ BRTAKE40
The Watch: Orient Bambino Automatic – $182 w/ SPRING2013 Full review here. And if that’s too steep, or you’d prefer quartz, there’s always the tried and true Bulova 96B104
The Card Case: OldCalgary Whiskey Wallet – $35.00. Made in the USA from Italian Leather and German Wool felt. Currently on back order. Pic via Maxton Men, where they’re also sold out for now.
The Music: Brian Ferry – Olympia – $8.94. “Make no mistake: this is not music for the gym. There’s a heavy dose of late night atmosphere here, along with some atmospheric soundscapes. It is, however, the perfect soundtrack for an evening with your partner or for a gathering of friends over drinks.” Full review here from our Music Correspondent.
The Good Idea: Carrying Cash – $20 – $60. Servers appreciate it, it allows you to leave quickly, and cash has class.
Cash. Is. Class. I love this. It’s wrong to look like a million bucks with no bills in your pocket.
I’m liking those suede loafers.
Half with a crazy good chest piece/front construction. It feels thick but not iron heavy, flexible as all get out, and moves extremely well. That’s just my experience. I’m personally totally in the bag for J. Crew (despite how much play they get here on Dappered), but I’m a big fan of their wool blazers and suit jackets.
the watch – I really like the mechanical or quartz offset if the $200 bucks is too much. If neither option are enough for your taste, consider ball watch company. A couple grand gets a great watch and it’s going to be different than your typical Rolex, Omega, yada yada.
Great look.
What about the pin stripe Kensington for those of us on a budget?
If you’re aiming for simplicity with a watch, I think the Skagen Ultra Slim in blue (http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-858XLSLN-Steel-Ultra-Black/dp/B0055MQ11K/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1365042216&sr=8-7&keywords=skagen) is far better than the bulova and maybe even the orient. It’s less than half the price, and the face is even cleaner. I personally love the blue, but even a white face looks better/is cheaper.
I want to love the Banana Republic monks at that price… but the reviews on their own site are just so spotty…
The pinstripe looks really cheap and cheesy to me – plus pinstripes are pretty unusual on a blazer, more normal for a suit. Stick with the solid navy Kensington.
It’s definitely cheap, but I like the casual feel to it. The blue Kensington seems too distressed for my taste.
Everyone needs at least a $20 (a C-note would be better) in their pocket. I have had money in the bank but card not working multiple times, and I was a chump for not having a little cash in my pocket.
To each his own, but I’d never spend more on my watch than on my girl, gun or guitar.
I like that card case. I recently switched over to a card case and have come to prefer it to a folding wallet.
Carry five $20s. Covers almost every base. Doesn’t take up too much space.
(rewriting because it didn’t post)
Once you go black you never go back? I’ve gone brown and don’t want to turn around.
I have really struggled with wearing black shoes the last couple years because I feel they just don’t go with the majority of my clothes. It’s like having a bad hair day. However, this outfit is money! Great use of black shoes and belt. Big fan.
Was anyone else expecting cocktail recipes a la the Winter-to-Spring Transitional?
$20 in my pocket you say? Are we going thrifting? Perhaps some tags shall be popped?
Phew, that Orient Bambino has an incredible classic look to it. I’m sold.