Consider these to be power rankings. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. You’ll find new arrivals and old favorites, especially good deals, or maybe something pricey to keep an eye on for future sales. The potential best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already. Got a tip on something that deserves to end up in the monthly Most Wanted? Send those in here.
Sierra Nevada “River Ryed” Rye IPA – $12 – $15 / 12 pack
For the guys that like a lot of flavor to their beer, yet don’t gravitate towards the sweeter or stickier Imperial IPAs when the weather turns warm. Has the body of a red IPA but replaces some of a red’s malt chew with the slight, earthy snap of rye. 6.0% ABV, so nice and balanced. Might be tough to find. Sold in 12 oz cans.
J. Crew Rustic Cotton Shawl Cardigan Sweater – $118
All right, so the version 007 is wearing surely isn’t the J. Crew Cardigan, but that J. Crew cardigan is extremely close. Texture, a not overly huge collar, and the buttons even have a brown-ish tone to them, so you could wear brown suede boots (like Bond) and it’d look pretty good together. Straight copying an outfit from a movie can be a little lazy (not to mention fan-boyish), but a white dress shirt, that black cardigan, standard khaki-colored flat front chinos and brown suede boots would make for one hell of a casual, but still really put together look on a cool summer day. Cardigan was just on sale, and expect it to go on sale again.
Banana Republic Waxed Suede Cap-Toes – $96.20 w/ BRSAVE ($148)
Not your average buck, but doesn’t stray too far from tradition either. Darker shade of grey and a lower nap thanks to the very slight “waxed” texture to the uppers. Cap toe is a simple double line of stitching. No extra piece of leather on the end. Keeps em’ sleek. Should look great with many a summer suit as well as light chinos and polos. A summer shoe that’ll transition easily to jeans when the cooler weather rolls around. Goes on sale all the time.
Nordstrom Trim Fit Linen Suit Jacket & Pant – $440
And now a summer suit that would look perfect with those grey waxed lace ups from Banana Republic. Not cheap, that’s for sure, but in-house Nordstrom stuff is usually really solid quality. And it looks like (maybe?) there’s a chance that the sleeve buttons are non-functioning? Extremely well reviewed across different demographics. Also available in a standard “natural” shade of beige/khaki, as well as white. The argument for a navy summer-fabric suit can be found here.
An almost white sportcoat: Bonobos – $248 | J. Crew – $248
As unlined as possible too. Both the Bonobos & J. Crew options above lack the scratchy poly lining you’ll find on the backs of other sportcoats. And while a full white (or off-white) suit seems hugely impractical, it’s pretty easy to acquire something like one of these, then pair it with a pair of white or off white jeans or chinos. Think of it as the summer version of wearing a navy or blue blazer with dark wash denim. If you’re short on cash now, don’t worry. These things are almost destined to plummet as summer starts to wane. Meanwhile, J. Crew Factory is running a sale on their suiting, and their “stone” chino suit jacket is down to $84. Just half lined too.
Want more most wanted? Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.