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. Spring has come and gone, and much of the Northern Hemisphere has gone from warm to broil at least once already this year. Looking good while it’s really hot can be a challenge, yet it’s still possible to look put together amidst those scorching temps. Here’s one way to to it.
The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Slim-Fit Homespun in Dark Surf – $32 – $35. Full disclosure… not quite sure what “homespun” means. Looks like it might have a bit of texture to it? Sorta linen like? Apologies if it’s a flannel. That obviously wouldn’t work in the heat. But the different shades of blue and slightly larger check is spot-on. UPDATE: Thanks to the fellas on facebook for the intel. Turns out these might just be perfect for this situation. Kinda like linen, but doesn’t wrinkle as bad. Looser weave. Lighter weight.
The Blazer: J. Crew Summerweight Cotton-Linen in Black/White Fine Stripe – $168. Perfect for the heat. Super lightweight and unconstructed. Cotton/Linen fabric is woven in Portugal. If you’re just not the sportcoat type? Ditch the jacket and long sleeve shirt and wear a white or light blue fitted polo instead. The rest of the outfit still works.
The Pants: B.R. Aiden Slim Fit Lightweight Navy Chino – $48.65 w/ BRDAD ($69.50.) FEAR NOT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. And don’t fret too much about the deep, saturated navy here. Sure, darker colors absorb more light/heat, but these are specifically cut from a lighter weight cotton fabric for summer. If you’re on team thunder thighs, try the same chino, only in their Emerson vintage straight fit.
The Watch: F.F.F. Timex Button Stud Sport on Veg Tan English Derby Strap – $75.60 ($108)
The Sunglasses: Sunski Madrona – $55.00. Decent looking, tortoise frame, blue lens sunglasses… at a fair price. Sold through Huckberry.
The Good Idea: Carry a Handkerchief. If you break a sweat, you’ll be glad you have something other than your shirt sleeve to mop up with.
The Bag: Banana Republic Italian Leather Brief – $138.60 w/ BRDAD ($198). Dead simple, super supple, and very professional. Plus it goes on sale. Back in stock in the terrific “cafe” shade. Review here.
The Shoes: 1901 Hancock Wingtip – $54.98 ($110). Navy pants with rich brown shoes looks terrific. The summerized version is lightweight navy chinos and suede lace-ups. These get the job done for less (much less) than most. Ships and returns for free via Nordstrom.
The Wallet: Tight Wallets Americana Delux – $33.98 ($46). Italian lambskin with a stretchy, patriotic elastic for flexibility.
The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Tan Leather Belt – $21.50. About the same color, only in smoother leather, so it avoids the matchy-matchy look that matching suedes can sometimes suffer from.