Style Scenario: Summer Evening Soiree

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Maybe someone’s getting married. Maybe someone is throwing a warm weather fancy housewarming. Maybe it’s a bigger buy in than normal for a poker night, and you happen to be the host. Whatever the reason, you know these things… dressed up events that drift in and out of doors that usually get underway as the sun is going down. 

The Blazer: Banana Republic Double Breasted Cotton/Linen – $198. Takes some guts to wear, but it’s a modern take on the double breasted blazer. It says that you might just own the place (and maybe you do, if you’re hosting). 74% Cotton, 14% Linen, 12% Viscose, cut in their extra trim Modern Slim fit (so consider sizing UP), and… wait for it… just partially lined. This is the kinda thing that looks best on dudes who have a bit of ugly going on. Not the super clean cut apple cheeked types. Otherwise, you risk projecting Junior Yacht Club member, instead of pal of the Most Interesting Man in the World. Consider holding off until Thursday if interested. Rumor has it there are mailers out there that say there’s a 30% off everything for cardmembers event coming up.

The Pocket Square: TheTieBar Classic Chambray in Warm Grey – $8.00. One of those pocket squares that’s perfect for summer, but sees tons of use year round.

The Shirt: J. Crew Slim Seersucker Button Down – $79.50. Pricey, so might want to wait on a sale. But the seersucker’s pucker should help you keep a little bit cooler, all while delivering a summer-tuxedo-shirt type of look thanks to the texture. Also, the button down collar is appreciated here. The look is loosened up by losing the collar stays (or wurkin’ stiffs/magnets) but kept in line with the buttons.

The Wine: Martin Codax Albari±o – $9 – $12. White wine has gotten the bad/unmanly wrap for far too long. Stick to dryer, crisper stuff like this Spanish White and your gut might be glad you traded in the heavier beers now that it’s warmer. Incredibly refreshing, the Albari±o from Martin Codax is a steal. Look for it at Costco if you’ve got a membership.

The Watch: Orient Union automatic – $168.75 ($250). Been out of stock on Orient’s site for a while, but Amazon has a few of these classics left.

The Shoes: TBNY Parke Suede Penny Loafer – $131.44. An awfully good price for a To Boot New York shoe. Made in Italty. Deep chocolate suede. Less casual-Friday-Dad and very much more Damn. Word is they might run a little big. Sold by Amazon at post time.

The Belt: James Campbell Grey Suede – $29.00 ($89). MISMATCHED SUEDE. The horror. The… sprezzatura?

The Pants: J. Crew Factory Bedford in Cotton Linen – $24.15 w/ SALE30 Has much more linen in the blend than the BR blazer, so the textures will contrast. Straight through the hip and thigh with a narrow leg.