Style Scenario: Bocce Ball

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. You’ve likely already been to a few al fresca dining situations at a friends, and with a holiday weekend and a long summer looming, you’ll likely see plenty more. And often, this can mean lawn games, with bocce ball being one of the best. It’s laid back, you have a hand free to hold a drink, and carrying on a conversation with your pals during the game is easy to do. So grab some balls, sport your finest, and get ready to play as the Italians do. 

The Pants: BR Kentfield Slim Linen Cotton Pant – $59.99 ($79.50) Long pants during warm weather can have a two fold benefit. Sun protection and bug protection. But they can also be hot. Cue the linen-cotton blends that are popular this time of year, and for good reason. This pair is currently on sale, and should drop lower with codes.

The Shirt: Club Monaco Made in the USA Stripe Shirt – $69.30 w/ THESALEONSALE ($99) It’s always harder to wear long sleeves in warm weather than pants, so short sleeves are in order. This striped all cotton poplin shirt will be airy while adding a warm weather appropriate pattern to the mix (it almost looks like seersucker). Too long to leave untucked (see the model photo), it gives an old-school warm-weather sporting vibe to the outfit. If you can’t see yourself tucking in a shirt to play bocce? Just wear a polo. Expensive for sure, but it’s always nice to see a mainstream brand carrying something made in the USA.

The Belt: Uniqlo Stretch Mesh Belt – $19.90 A good summer belt that will add quick texture to an outfit. Only brown left in this solid belt option at Uniqlo. Can easily transition into fall.

The Sunglasses: BB Square Framed Sunglasses – $63.75 ($85) Sunglasses that hit a good middle ground between Wayfarers and something sportier. Brooks Brothers house-brand sunglasses are decent quality for the price when on sale. It would sting if they were damaged by a rogue bocce ball, as would your face, but it wouldn’t put too big a dent in your wallet to replace them. Can’t say the same about the dent in your head.

The Watch: Seiko SNK807 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch – $52.99 Canvas strap here, since a sweaty leather watch band can get petty funky pretty fast. All blue is a good look for the warmer months, and the smaller, classically sized dial (37 mm) is on point with an outdoor, analog game like Bocce.

The Shoes: J. Crew Kenton Suede Bucks – $135 w/ SUMMERSTYLE ($193) The type of get-together, whether it’s an evening gathering or mid-afternoon soiree, could dictate the type of shoe you choose to wear, but the Kenton Suede Bucks are a solid choice. Goodyear welted of course, and slimmer through the toe than most other bucks. When wearing sockless, try cotton insoles to absorb some of the sweat.

The Koozie: Oldfield Fine Goods Leather Koozie – $20 As mentioned before, it’s easy to hold on to a drink during bocce. Keep it colder with a koozie, like the leather one featured from Oldfield Fine Goods in Mississippi. Sure you can dig up that freebie koozie (the one that lives in the back of your silverware drawer with the soy sauce packets and toast crumbs) you acquired from a random radio station event. Or you could use a koozie that will draw compliments. Better yet, bring one to your host as a thank-you for providing the space, food, and booze.

The Game: Trademark Global Bocce Ball Set – $39.98 Perhaps you’re having the shindig at your place, and you want to provide the bocce ball. Positively reviewed on Amazon, sounds like the ol’ spheres in this set is are a good size and weight, and will support up to 4 players. You can work on installing your regulation bocce court next summer.