Style Scenario: Harvest Wine Tasting

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. This time of year, in the world of wine, it’s all about the harvest. Maybe you’re all about wine tasting, or you have a friend or date that is, and you plan to sample some of what your local wine scene is offering. Here’s an outfit that will keep you comfortable, hide wine stains well (because after the 4th winery, you never know), and transition into dinner if needed. Make safe transportation plans, and happy tasting!

 

The Pants: BR Vintage Straight-Fit Five Pocket Cords – $48.65 w/ BRTAKE30 ($69.50) Break out of the dark wash jeans rut with with a pair of deep navy 5-pocket cords. The Vintage Straight cords from Banana Republic are slimmer through the thigh, but not totally restricting. Plus, they’ll be on sale plenty with BR’s usual parade of codes (like today, use BRTAKE30 to get the sale price shown above). You could dump a glass of red wine across your lap and are not likely to easily see stains on these things (but if you’re wearing tighty whiteys, which… you shouldn’t be… be prepared for pink underwear).

The Sweater: ON Rib Knit Cardigan in “Raisin Arizona” – $35.95 w/ FORYOU ($44.94) – Raisin Arizona, a.k.a. wine stain camo. The deep burgundy hue of this cardigan should camouflage any accidental splashes incurred by over-zealous swirling. And since this medium weight cardigan is from Old Navy (and always on sale), you won’t be crying tears into your reserve red-blend if you happen to spill wine on it. Use current code FORYOU at checkout for 20% off (expires 10/1).

The Shirt: ON Slim Fit Shirt in Midnight Madness – $23.95 w/ FORYOU ($29.94) – Sticking with the darker colors here, and this one should also help hide any wayward sloshing of merlot. At this point, you could get in there and stomp away and come out looking like a champ.

The Belt: Billy Reid Brown Felton Belt – $79 ($195) – Limited sizes (like one) left on that Billy Reid belt, but that there is a heritage belt. Two tone brown leather, antique brass buckle, and made in Italy. Pricey. But if you’re good with spending a bit more on a belt, check out this series on English Bridle leather belts. Not so good with it? Try the belt that’s pictured on the BR cords, it’s $34 full retail.

The Shoes: Ben Sherman Aberdeen Chukka Boot – $89.95 – A bit more low profile than a standard Clark’s Desert Boot, which should also do just fine here. Going with the cool-grey to mix it up from a standard brown.

Apparel 1st Aid: Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover – $8.51 – Consider bringing a bottle of this stuff along for the ride. Even if you make it to the end of the day without a drop of sangiovese on you, one of your companions might not be so lucky.

The Necessity: Hydracential Stainless Steel Water Bottle – $27.97 – Of course you might intend on using the spit bucket more than most, but the road to hell (and hangovers) is paved with good intentions. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Keep this with you, and refill when and where you can.

The Thoughtful Date Accessory: Insulated Cooler – $20.90 – You want to be the guy that saves the day? Pack an insulated cooler full of tasty snacks like meats, cheese, some vegetables or fruit (how about grapes?), and some bread or crackers. Having food on hand can satisfy those post boozing cravings.