Summer Style: Vineyard Vines, et al.

Officially, summer is now upon us, but here at OTC we have already been working to nail down a few fresh but classic looks for the warmer months.

Dressing for summer is often a blend of worn out shorts, some favorite tee shirts, flip flips, and a stack of reliable polos.  That’s fine when you’re hanging around the house, running errands, or clearing out the garage.  But, when it’s time to clean up, dress up, and maybe even hit the lawn party circuit, you need to take it up a couple of notches.  With some core pieces from Vineyard Vines as a starting point, we teamed up with a few of our favorite brands to bring you examples of versatile and classic summer looks that will help you stand apart from the crowd.

This is how we see summer style.

Above, we start off with a go-anywhere look for work or play.  And remember, if you like going sock-less, this is your season.  Vineyard Vines shirt, Kiel James Patrick belt and bracelet,  Brooks Brothers khakis and cordovan slip-ins, and a Frank Clegg tote bag.

CASUAL WEEKEND

 

Shirt:

Incredibly cool – literally.  This unique sport shirt from Albert Ming was inspired by a trip to Singapore where hot and humid is a way of life.  From a distance, it looks like a standard navy shirt, but the entire garment is actually perforated with tiny holes, allowing air to freely circulate and help keep you cool as a cucumber.

Shorts:

Everyone needs at least  one pair of fun shorts, and Vineyard Vines delivers.  Embroidered with their smiling whale logo in blue, these heavy cotton Nantucket red shorts are whimsically practical. They also age well, so you’ll have another pair of Summer favorites soon enough.

Belt:

Ribbon belts are classic, and Knot Clothing’s Blue Crab D-Ring belt is no exception.  As we are based in the Mid-Atlantic region, Maryland Blue Crabs are serious business, but you can choose a theme that says something about you.  Casual belts are a great and subtle option for expressing your fun or quirky side.

Bag:

A good bag not only holds all your stuff, it also says something about your sense of style and occasionally, your lifestyle.  For the sailor, or the sailor at heart, True Wind bags fit the bill equally.  They are the real deal; built in the USA from actual sail cloth that would otherwise be hard at work on a J-Class boat and meant to take a ton of abuse.  The Skipper Tote also has undeniable charm and personality, imparted by functional design and classic form.

COCKTAILS ON THE LAWN

 

Blazer:

Everyone needs at least one blue blazer.  It is the well-dressed guy’s social exoskeleton.  When it comes to off the rack, you cannot do much better than Ralph Lauren.  This three-button roll, double-vented model will last you a lifetime.

Shirt:

Simple gingham check sport shirts are extremely versatile and comfortable.  This Vineyard Vines model in washed pink works with shorts, jeans, or khakis and can be worn ironed and neat or rumpled and casual. The perfect summer shirt.

Shorts:

Basic khaki shorts also from Vineyard Vines.  You can never have too many and there is almost nothing they can’t do.  They are the workhorse of your summer wardrobe.

Pocket Square:

Yes, pocket squares can be fun – they don’t have live with your suits.  We have a couple of these madras pockets squares from Brooks Brothers (similar) to mix and match warm weather looks.

Bag:

Simple is sometimes better. This basic but functional-cool tote bag from Lumina, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a winner.  Heavy cotton duck from Parrott Canvas Company and sturdy leather straps come together in a bag that will only get better with age.

Sunglasses:

The real deal.  Why sport sunglasses that only look like they are all “top gun”, when you can wear the ones that Top Guns actually use?  Sure, this Sportsman model (similar) from Randolph Engineering is a collaboration with preppy designer Michael Bastian, but they are still military spec.

* Kiel James Patrick belt. Brooks Brothers cordovan slip-ins.