We are in the thick of Summer and at this point, if you aren’t scrambling to find the thinnest cloth you own, you clearly don’t live in the south or go on vacation.
The real question is, how do you look good, stay cool, and still remain functional. If you’re tuning in to The Wkender for the first time, you may not have the context that I’m referring to when it comes to fashion so allow me to clarify.
If it doesn’t fit, don’t wear it!
THE LOOK (Form):
The fit is more than just size and shape. If you use the term more broadly, fit could mean “do the clothes fit the environment?” In warmer weather, you need lighter breathable fabrics…issa survival tactic!
I’m typically not one for rules, but you have to know these things before you try to wear silk:
1) Silk has natural temperature regulating properties, its cozy in the winter and cool in the summer, it’s a must-have.
2) Although silk is a great way to navigate the heat, you have to pair it appropriately. Do not wear a Silk Shirt and Silk pants together. You will look like you’re heading to a House Party 2 Pajama Jammy Jam, and it’s not 1991.
3) Silk is time tested and is truly a fabric for kings. The beauty of it is that you can dress it up or down with minimal effort.
For this look, I went simple casual: white pants, striped shirt, loafers, and a wide brim pork pie straw hat. Let me start by saying this ain’t your granddaddy’s corn straw hat and although it BBQ ready, this ain’t his look either.
Details:
Shirt (Similar Item)
Shoes (Similar Item)
Hat (Similar Item)
The secret is tailoring. Everything is cut to fit perfectly. This shirt was boxy and far too wide in the body when I purchased it so I had the sleeves and the torso tapered. Big Picture, a snip here and there takes you from off the rack chic to ready to hit the streets.
THE LOOK (Function):
Also, this look is perfect for lounging around or play. If you want to make an impression, set the world on fire with subtlety. The palate for this look is literally four colors: white, blue, chocolate, and tan. With the 4th of July on the horizon, I thought it only appropriate to pull out the wide brim pork pie straw hat. It’s an update to a classic look. Typically I think derby, sear-sucker, and two-tone oxfords or brogues with this hat, but this more casual play is great for backyard parties or hitting the tropics. You can wear it with loafers, a quality flipflop, or mandles (man sandals – Birkenstocks).
WISE WORKS FROM A DECENT MAN:
And now for a completely fashionably irrelevant story. As I was doing this shoot, I had the pleasure of being approached by a couple celebrating their anniversary. I was sitting on the chess board and the gentleman stopped and watched as the shots were being taken. Don and I have done this enough times at this point that we are accustomed to people stopping, which is to say that this was business as usual. When we stopped to review the shots the man walked over and said something that was insightful so I figured I’d share. “Don’t lose your queen chasing pawns!”
This post is not the venue to unpack this, but I’m heavily considering diving into relationships at some point. (Maybe a Podcast – who knows)
Happy 4th guys, Send me the address to your BBQ!
To a Life Worth Living,
The Wkender.