Style Scenario: Dressed well in the Dog Days

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. We’ve arrived at the point in summer where the novelty of sun, shorts, and sockless has worn off, and now it’s just hot. This is an attempt to re-elevate, even though shorts + a t-shirt might have become the “It’s too hot, I’m giving up” norm. Get yourself a date, head out on the town, and enjoy some air-conditioning.

The Blazer: J. Crew Factory Unconstructed Navy Linen Sportcoat – $78.00 Dirt friggin’ cheap, so you can use some of those savings on post-purchase tailoring. Only partially lined. All linen. And in a sharp navy blue that’ll help hide those wrinkles. Lightweight. And again… cheap.

The Sunglasses: Paul Smith Polarized “Berling” – $59.95 ($300) Sixty bucks seems like a more than a fair price. Polarized, made in Italy, and has a bit of a retro-look to the frame, without going overboard.

The Shirt: Old Navy Slim-Fit Classic Button Down in Bluetification – $29.95 A basic with a small, subtle print. If the print is too 70s looking to you, then skip it and go with a classic check.

The Watch: Bulova UHF Quartz – $180 – $200 w/ codes A bit of a splurge, but it’s hard not to like that cushion-shaped case. Comes with the three-pronged quartz UHF movement. Mineral crystal. Water resistant to 100m. Hang out for a 30% – 40% off code.

The Card Case: Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Card Case – $97.50 ($195) Proudly preppy, and from the risk-taking “Black Fleece” collection. Part of their summer clearance event. Made in Italy.

The Belt: Bonobos Stretch Belt – $28 ($60) Very much on sale. Very versatile.

The Briefcase: Jack Spade Marine Canvas Brief – $155.20 ($388) Was 50% off, now 60% off. In case you’re headed to a working brunch or lunch meeting. Sold via Nordstrom, so ships & returns for free, even with the mega discount. (UPDATE: Looks like this one sold out.)

The Shoes: B.R. Suede “Owen” Lace-Up – $44.99 w/ BRGOBIG ($148) Decent quality for a goofy low price. Code knocks an extra 50% off sale items through today, 7/8. Wear these shoes with jeans come fall.

The Socks: Lorenzo Uomo Merino Wool Blend Socks – $12.50 Yes, wool socks in the dead of summer. Why? Because these are thinner merino wool dress socks. And wool regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and keeps your feet cool & dry much, MUCH better than cotton. Give it a shot if you’re addicted to cotton socks or sockless in the heat. Wool will keep you more comfortable, and that barrier is better for your shoes. Ships & returns free via Nordstrom. Merino/Nylon blend. Made in Italy.

The Jeans: B.R. Vintage Straight Stone-Wash Jean – $37.49 w/ BRGOBIG ($89.50). Sure, jeans might be too hot in some locations, but at least BR’s vintage-straight line isn’t too stiff or too tight. And that off-white shade is a perfect pick for now through early September. Another item that’s an extra 50% off with the code through today.