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 one is going to be relative to where you live. Sometimes, 60 degrees feels like paradise. Sometimes it’s 80. All depends on what sort of weather you’ve been living in this year. It can be tempting to go nuts with color on the first day it warms up, but if it’s nowhere near summer weather yet, brick red chinos and a white linen blazer is gonna look strange. Here’s one example of a look that invokes some color, while leaning on tones that are more muted than what you’ll see come June. Top Photo Credit: R. Donovan
The Blazer: J.C.F. Herringbone Linen/Cotton – $82.60 w/ SPRINGFEVER. With chinos on the bottom, a chino blazer up top might look a little too… chino-y. that much of the same texture, mismatched, starts to tread into denim on denim territory. That’s why a herringbone pattern linen/cotton blazer works so well here. Dips under $100 often with codes. It’s slightly rougher, thanks to the linen, and an extra layer will be appreciated if you get stuck in the shady spot at happy hour. Code is good for 25% off $75+ or 30% off $100+ and free shipping through today, 3/17.
The Polo: UNIQLO Dry Fabric White Button Down Collar – $24.90. Darn right we’re going with a polo here. It looks much more laid back than a dress shirt, is cooler if you happen to take the blazer off, yet the collar buttons keep it crisp and smart looking all day. Leave it untucked.
The Sunglasses: Cole Haan Polarized Keyhole Wayfarers – $34.97 ($125). Green lenses, a punch of color with the tortoise shell, and polarized lenses for cheap.
The Chinos: Lived in Straight Khaki in “Light Blue” – $35.97 w/ GAPFAM ($59.95). These chinos have some color, but have plenty of grey tones in them as well. Straight fit will help with airflow, and the lived in/washed fabric keeps it casual. Always on sale, and they just extended their 40% off no exclusions F&F offer w/ GAPFAM through today.
The Watch: Timex Waterbury 40mm – $95. The simplified version from Timex’s Waterbury line (the chronos were featured in yesterday’s Best Bets post). Pricey for a Timex, but balances a retro look with a smart-casual vibe.
The Bag: Filson Original Brief in Tan – $212 w/ FRIENDS20. An investment, but legendary for good reason. Made in the USA. Now 20% off through Need Supply w/ FRIENDs20.
The Shoes: Banana Republic Waxed Suede “Ben” Blucher – $148. Grey, waxed suede uppers, and a chukka-like 3 sets of eyelets (makes em’ look a little more casual). Simple stitched cap toe. Shoes don’t get discounted as often as some of the other goods on BR’s site, so, might need to be patient and wait for a sale.
The Belt: UNIQLO Suede Belt in Dark Brown – $12.90 ($19.90). Awfully cheap for a suede belt, so might want to keep those expectations in check. Between the grey suede shoes, the washed out black leather watch strap, and the suede belt, none of the “leathers” match here. But that’s okay, since none of them are super-rich in color, and two of the three are suede instead of smooth leather.