Chinos, Chukkas, and a Polo is our ongoing series out to prove the benefits of this simple combination during the warmer months. There’s a million ways to do it, the benefits are numerous and significant, and it can be executed at all levels of style budgets. Head here for a further explanation of why this combo works, and click here for the growing archive. Got a suggestion for Chinos, Chukkas, & a Polo? Send those into joe@dappered.com.
The Polo: UNIQLO Dry-Ex Polo in White – $19.90. Going with full-blown tech wear here, being that some cotton-blended polos that claim to be quick-drying/hyper breathable can get a little sticky in the heat. Basically a performance golf polo, minus the logos and what not. It’ll look just fine in a regular, not-on-the-links setting.
The Chinos: J. Crew Factory Oxford Cloth Pant in Sutton or Driggs Fit – $35ish. Leans more light grey than light blue in person. Nice and lightweight. Airy. Soft. Very much NOT a heavy, stiff chino fabric. Note that JCF’s “Sutton” fit is a slim-straight fit, while the “Driggs” is a true slim.
The Chukkas: New Republic “Luther” Chukka – $58.50 ($78). Inexpensive. And while it has that classic, desert boot textured sole, the sole looks a little less aggressive than many other desert style chukkas. And the uppers appear to have a bit more structure. Less sloppy/floppy. (Shown at the top of the post is the often used Massdrop Allen Edmonds chukkas. Those work too.)
The Sunglasses: Persol PO 714 in Light Tortoise – $123.90. Spendy, but worth the investment assuming you don’t lose or destroy sunglasses with any kind of regularity. These are the foldable kind, and you’d be amazed how much of a game changer that feature is. Too damn expensive? Totally understood. Try UNIQLO’s folding wayfarers instead.
The Watch: Deep Blue Master Diver on Nylon – $249 ($299). 300m of water resistance, a super tough & durable case, and powered by a Japanese Automatic movement. Skip the leather band on the super hot days. It’ll just soak up sweat and eventually stink. A cheaper setup would be the well-loved Casio Quartz diver on an after market strap.
The Briefcase: Ted Baker Piranha Briefcase – $92.45 ($185). A tech-oxford brief minus the cost that usually comes with the Jack Spade versions. Ships and returns for free via Nordstrom.
The Mattefier: Anthony Instant Fix Oil Control – $29.00. Unless you run oddly cold, you’re gonna sweat. So keep that forehead shine at arms length with some grease prevention. Well reviewed. Also, consider keeping a basic handkerchief on hand to wipe sweat away.
The Socks: Nordstrom Merino Blend Mid-Calf Socks in Navy – $12.50. Tough to find super pale grey, thin wool socks out there. So, go with some contrast and your pants/socks combo will jive nicely with the contrast on the belt. Still super breathable and easy to take care of. (Wash cold, tumble dry low/cool or lay flat to dry.)
The Belt: J. Crew Factory Striped Woven Belt – $20ish. Wide, bold stripes and Italian leather accents. Perfect for the warm weather.
Suede boots, Swiss watches, and yes... workout gear.
Significant savings. While they last. Which usually isn't very long.
What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions…
Unleash the cheap! 4 style scenarios mined from their end-of-season clearance blowout.
As Ron Swanson once pondered: "What just happened?" ... Our Best Of 2025 week starts…
Stacking sale leftovers, + Nordy Rack New Arrivals.