Style Scenario: At the pool

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. It’s official. It’s hot. Really hot. And if you  have access to a pool, sometimes there’s no better way to beat the heat. But say after all that swimming you want to head straight out for a burger and beer? Here’s a way to go from pool to pub patio.

The Swim Trunks: boto ‘Aruba – Stripe’ Tailored Fit Board Shorts – $69. A bit on the pricier side, but these look more like a regular pair of shorts than swim trunks, making the transition from pool to going out nice and easy. Sold via Nordstrom, so shipping and returns won’t be a problem. And you might consider holding off until the upcoming Anniversary Sale, just in case they start marking down some seasonal goods (which has to happen soon anyway). A warning for the fellas who prefer trunks with internal briefs: These don’t have those. They’re a board short through and through, which some guys do prefer.

The Shirt: Express Chambray Placket Signature Polo – $39.90. Express likes to often offer their polos at by one full price, get one for $9.90. If you take advantage of that deal it brings these down to just below $25 a pop. Currently they’re running a buy one get one half off deal. Not the best, but the polos are pretty darn good. Cotton/spandex fabric for a sleeker fit. Should transition well into a fall wardrobe.

The Watch: Casio MDV106-1AV Stainless Steel Watch – $40.99. This watch AGAIN. But it doesn’t get much better for a pool scenario. If the rubber strap the watch comes with doesn’t appeal, try a fabric nato strap in its place. That fabric strap will hold a little moisture, but they’re built to dry quick enough.

The Sunglasses: Target Surf Sunglasses – $16.99. Cheapies that you won’t cry over should a game of Marco Polo go terribly awry. Just a few reviews on the Target site, but all are positive and state the quality of these sunglasses seems far above the cost.

The Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider Halyard Sneaker – $54.95. Sneakers with “wave sipping” in the rubber sole for good traction on dry or wet surfaces. Plus these have elastic panels, so you can either wear them with laces, or take the laces off and use them as slip-ons.

The Bag: Factory Canvas Tote Bag – $29.99. An unassuming tote with just a strip of leather (pleather?) to off-set all the neutral canvas. Great pool side, but also for toting beer, or fresh goods from a local market. Has been coming and going in terms of being in stock, so if it’s sold out, and you like the looks, consider upgrading to the made in the USA option from Beckel Canvas.

The Towel: Lands’ End Vertical Rugby Stripe Beach Towel in Compass Red Stripe  – $19. Sure, you could use the bath towel your parents handed down to you that is threadbare and has seen better days. Or, you could get something that will actually be comfortable to lay on, and will actually help you dry off. If the Lands’ End towel doesn’t appeal, great deals on really nice beach towels can be found as discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.