J. Crew Summerweight Cotton/Linen Sportcoat – $168
The lightweight, light color sportcoat isn’t just for the dead of summer. It can be an almost year-round staple in any guy’s wardrobe. It’s versatile enough to start wearing during the cool days of spring, lean on heavily during the hottest days of the summer, and even work in during the fall here and there. We’re using J. Crew’s new summerweight Ludlow Sportcoat, but no matter where you get it (BR, Suitsupply, JCF, Bonobos, Spier & Mackay) the light in shade blazer / sportcoat is a terrific way to transition from spring, into summer, and beyond.
With Jeans and Light Brown Boots
- Boots: Banana Republic Ty Chelsea – $94.99 all but sold out ($178)
- Shirt: Ledbury (but any green gingham button down will do)
- Jeans: Old Navy Athletic Fit “built-in flex” Jeans – $39.94
- Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis – $199
- Belt: J. Crew (Sold out, but this one from Factory is real close.)
Boots seem like a cold weather thing. Especially when worn with jeans. But slim, sleek boots such as chelseas can get lots of work all the way into early summer. If the green checked shirt is a little too loud/too much color for you, a plain white button down or light blue dress shirt works well here too. Yes, this outfit qualifies as what many men’s style purists would call the “northern lights” mistake, but ignore em’. It looks great.
With White/Off White Chinos & a White Shirt
- Shirt: Nordstrom Trim Fit – $55.00
- Pants: Bonobos Washed Chinos (not sure of the exact color name, they’re from a few years back)
- Shoes: Banana Republic “Paul” Penny Loafer in Cognac – $148
- Belt: Brooks Brothers Ribbon Belt (sold out, but they will carry other options)
- Watch: Hamilton (sold out, but more chrono options can be found here)
A quite cool looking outfit for when it really heats up. Downright dashing, without crossing the line into pretentious playboy. You could wear true white pants with that white shirt, but just barely “not” white pants, like those bone colored chinos, offer a subtle bit of contrast with the shirt. Looks great, even if you take the jacket off.
With a Polo and Casual Linen Pants
- Polo: Banana Republic Luxe Touch Tipped – $49.50
- Pants: Gap Linen/Cotton Blend Chinos (sold out, from last summer)
- Belt: Jomers Made in the USA Cotton Macrame Belt – $20.00
- Shoes: Banana Republic “Ben” Waxed Suede Lace-Ups – $148
- Watch: Seiko SNZJ (discontinued, but the Casio Diver is close) on a Heavy Duto Nato Strap – $17.49
Yes, you can wear a polo with a sportcoat. And with as laid back as this sportcoat is, it’s super easy to pair with some equally breezy linen blend pants, and some cool-toned grey lace-ups. The BR Tipped Luxe Touch polo doesn’t have the world’s strongest collar, but that’s okay. The extra bit of contrast at the placket and collar gives it enough interest that it’ll look sharp instead of sloppy, even if the collar does stray a little bit.
About the Blazer: Really, really good. Even at (gasp) full price. Plus, it’ll almost certainly go on sale. About as lightweight as a sportcoat can get without feeling flimsy. Fabric is from Portugal and has some real natural flex to it. Totally unlined back with a self lined fabric front.
About the Shoe Selection: No, this post was NOT sponsored by the Banana Republic footwear division. Noticed after putting it all together that the shoes were all from BR. A credit to them for turning around what was once one of the weakest parts of their lineup. Full review of those penny loafers coming soon.