Summer (late summer actually) for the guys is so easy. Most guys have a work “uniform” i.e. business suit or khakis and a dress shirt. And some men will try to mix those up when they can and make them interesting at times and ladies are really happy when they do! But then, after that, for off days, it’s jeans and a t-shirt or shorts and a polo or some variation of that. This post is going to address a man’s off days when we are with them! We work hard to look attractive and stylish so it’d be nice if our guys would too. So, hand the computer or iPad over to your hubby or significant other or hit forward/send and hopefully some of this will sink in with them:)
This is a bit long sorry so stay with me……
Ok guys, y’all are not so different from us if you’ll admit it….you want to look nice when you’re out and about, not like you just woke up or came from mowing the back 40. Although I will say, worn Levis, scruffy work boots, and a tee don’t necessarily look bad:)
What’s true in the business world is also true at other times too in general. You only have one chance to make a first impression and if you are an adult, that should matter to you. It should also matter what your wife or girlfriend think. But, even after that, you show respect for yourself and that you care by taking the time to put together a look or an outfit. Something with some semblance of thought behind it:) Below are a few examples of easy and not too trendy separates to mix and match for a Saturday out or a date night.
Of course for a guy, a great jean needs to be a staple. No extremes in leg openings or washes. Stay within a couple of shades of a dark wash and stick to straighter leg styles. Most bootcuts have slimmed down some. And steer clear of skinnies unless you’re in an indie band! The pair below is a good place to start.
Bootcut jean/ Banana Republic/ $89.00
Another casual pant to have is of course a great chino. Some of the same rules apply; keep the leg fairly straight and a bit of a broken-in style is a good look for weekends. Like jeans, these can be dressed up or down. You don’t want stiff and starched for what we’re talking about. They don’t have to be khaki colored, fatigue green or a tobacco color are nice also. This pair is currently very popular…I don’t normally recommend Dockers!
Docker chinos/ sale, $29.99
Now for the shirts. You can go with anything from a long sleeve shirt to a tee with a blazer over it. Men really have lots of options.
The shirt below is a favorite look of mine for guys with denim or khakis. A simple linen shirt….the fabric makes it cool, it wrinkles nicely so as not to look too fussy, with this one you can choose from other solid colors or stripes and plaids…..and fyi, Land’s End is great to work with, very customer friendly. There were other more expensive options to show, I liked this one just as well. On fit, you don’t want the shirt billowing around you, try a slim fit or at least one that fits well, not big. Then, roll up the sleeves and leave untucked if the tail isn’t too long…it doesn’t need to fall too far below your hips, don’t cover your backside. If tucked since it’s linen or if it’s a lightweight cotton, let it blouse just a bit. The idea is classy and casual. This shirt with khakis….so summery.
White linen shirt/ Land’s End/ $34.99
Another option is a simple polo. Not too stiff and uptight looking. I like the one below…it has a distressed look. This would look great with jeans or chinos. Either untucked (unless the tail is super long) or tucked will work. For fall with this color, try a navy or charcoal gray v-neck sweater over it.
Green polo/ Banana Republic/ $24.99
For a dressier but still understated, casual look, wear a blazer over your shirt. Either one. This will work for dinner with friends, plays, church….whatever. While I love a classic navy sport coat, this one is great for warmer weather. This designer does Italian fits with American ease. A simple white tee would even work with this.
Summer blazer/ Scott James (Ameripean) / $395
Now, what to wear on your feet. I am not opposed to open toe shoes. But, the ones I like are few and far between for summer so let’s just keep it simple with closed toe:) And, stay with a moderate point, not square, not pointy. Also, don’t get bogged down in what color. Stick to shades of brown and they will match almost anything. Darker browns for fall and winter, lighter for warms seasons.
I love this first shoe. So classy and could be dressed up or down. Cole Haan makes excellent shoes. But, if it’s not casual enough I’ve included one more option. This driving moc, so-called for the rubber piece on the heel that protects the heel while driving. I really like this one too and they are super comfy! You could even do this one with shorts and one of the shirts I’ve mentioned. Well, really you could do both with shorts but the other comes off kinda high brow with shorts I think, but nice enough.
Cole Haan leather loafer/ $188
RJ Colt driving moc/ Zappos.com/ $66.00
There ya go….a mini lesson on casual dressing for dates, movies, walking around downtown Franklin, or whatever. The main point is to take time to put an outfit together period It should express you but have some sophistication also. I’ve also included some good tips from an earlier Esquire magazine blog. I have the link if you’d like it, I didn’t include it because some of the tips are on the not so polite side:) I’ll send it to you if you’d like to read all 68 tips.
How to Dress for the Weekend
Put down the wrinkled button-down, step away from the Crocs, and open your closet. We need to talk about the new rules of casual.
4. The closest a man should ever come to touching denim shorts….I edited this one:) but the gist is, no denim shorts!
5. There is a name for men who can pull off wearing sports jerseys. They’re called professional athletes.
8. The 1950s and ’60s were the high points of casual. Everything before and after was hit-or-miss.
9. Fitted is good. Snug is dicey. Tight is just wrong.
12. The man who imparts opinions via T-shirt has neither the intelligence to form a cogent opinion nor the good sense to keep it to himself.
13. Small holes in jeans? Kind of cool. Small holes in sweaters? Pathetic.
15. When purchasing jeans, leave the acid, stone, and other artificial washes to the good people of Eastern Europe. The best way to break in a pair of jeans is to wear them as often as you can.
16. The shinier the shine or the pointier the point, the less casual the shoe.
28. Sweatpants are for sick days, couch surfing, and light exercise. For anything else, throw on a pair of jeans and get on with it.
I know this was long, sorry! Guys, I hope you enjoyed it and are ready to spiff up your style!
Please call with any needs for closet clean-outs, shopping, or any wardrobe assistance. I am booking into late August and early September. Look for a September coupon for $10 off! Thanks so much for reading this novel!!
Tags: Banana Republic, chinos, Cole Haan men's loafer, Dockers, Esquire magazine style tips, guy's casual clothes, linen shirt, men's driving moc, men's jeans, mens casual dressing, polo shirt, Scott James cotton blazer
August 13, 2012 at 7:52 am |
Thanks for this – very helpful!!