Formally Introduced: A look at some summer formal essentials

So if you haven’t noticed by the mere 90-degree weather we have been having its summer time. Oh no what does this mean, does it mean I can’t get dressed anymore and that I can only wear shorts? What about my suits? Can I still wear those? Well never fear, just because summer is here doesn’t mean you can’t look dapper. It just means you need to make a few minor adjustments. So I have collected some summer essentials to make sure you can still make that statement and stay cool all at the same time.

Suits

Summer time means its all about cotton and linen. Looking crisp well maintaining cool is the number one objective. With that said it is ok to go out and buy a nice summer suit. I would recommend you go one of three routes either the straight tan and brown cotton suit for more traditional occasions, seersucker when want to make more of a statement and during those summer weddings and functions, and linen when its just to hot not too. Also make sure that the suits are tailored correctly, makes a huge difference. The pants should fit well and the leg should barely be hovering over the shoe. Check out GQ for more tips on how too properly wear those summer suits http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201005/reinvent-yourself-gq-essentials-shop-smarter-for-spring-summer-slideshow#slide=1.

Secret: It’s all in the details. Wear well-patterned shirts underneath such as gingham. Keep and maintain using a bold tie. Don’t be afraid to venture of and add a colorful springtime pocket square and utilize brown shoes as a way to make a statement but make sure to wear a brown belt if doing this.

Disclaimer: When in a more formal setting or work environment it is recommended to stay with the traditional darker suit or grey suit.

Shorts

Rugby recently wrote an article on their blog about wearing shorts for those casual Fridays. The secret is to wear traditional flat front chino shorts and to make sure to dress up the rest of your outfit by wearing a clean well fitting oxford shirt and tie combination. Also make sure to wear dressier shoes, nothing less than a boat shoe should be exhibited and I personally believe a nice brown shoe sockless never steered anyone wrong in these summer months.

Secret: Keep it classic and simple

Disclaimer: Need to have a laidback work environment that will be open to the idea of wearing shorts.

Link: http://www.rugby.com/newsroom/blog_post.aspx?id=f9c3c96e-8aff-409c-be89-44e0bc05b8ed&cat=e59a0926-b377-4acc-8b50-81fb9d33df44

Summer Tie

It is ok to let go of those traditional heavier colored ties and venture into some with a lighter more whimsical summer feel. Summer is about bright colors and making a statement, with that I would look at going with more of a repp tie or a brighter color. For the bolder at heart I would also venture to the realms of floral patterns, seersucker and bowties. Who said that dressing up doesn’t mean having fun. One of the brands I have seen that does these ties well are Pierpont Hicks and Brooks Brothers, but you can also find them at stores such as Barneys, Uniqlo, J Crew, and Urban for pretty decent prices.

Secret: Wear the appropriate patterned shirt make sure if wearing a light shirt to wear a tie that contrasts so that the tie stands out. Don’t wear the same color tie and shirt. Keep it light.

Shoes

GQ featured an article about moving past the classical boat shoe and sporting something a little more modern and colorful. Though I am and will always be a proponent of the original Sperry Topsiders I do enjoy some of these newer more colorful looks. Cole Haan, Sperry, and many other brands are featuring this newer rendition of the classic boat shoe.

Secret: Wear it sockless and with jeans or pants that rest just above the shoe. Also more tailored pants will really bring attention to the detail and not drown out the shoes.

Pocket Squares

It’s all in the details and what better way to add some distinction and excitement to an outfit than to equip it with a nice eye catching pocket square. It will increase the swagger of the outfit a thousand times, seriously. This spring its all about making sure to veer away from the classic white pocket square and get a pattern that is both stylish, says spring, and compliments the rest of the outfit. Some of my favorite pocket squares come from J.Press, Vintage shops, Ralph Lauren, and surprisingly Lands End has some great ones for a good price this season. Check out GQ feature for more tips http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201002/spring-style-essentials-ties-watches#slide=14.

Secret: Avoid doing to much by not being to matchy with pocket square, shirt, and tie. They should compliment not be the same, or else you may end up looking you have on a tacky NBA draft suit. Also make sure not to do to much pattern play if have a pattern pocket square match it with a solid shirt.

Paul Smith Dog Pattern Ties

Portuguese retailer Por Vocacao presents a new series of Dog Pattern ties from Paul Smith. They are preppy yet funk. The male retailer brought a different perspective when they took the most manly of items, ties and put them on some pretty fly females.

Site:http://www.porvocacao.com/

A New Point of View: Warby Parker

This past week I set down with Jeff Raider of Warby Parker to talk to him about his partners (Neil Blumenthal, David Gilboa, and Andy Hunt) and his new brainchild. After we both discovered that the other was an avid Celtics fan (yes a plug for the Celtics), we began to discuss how they decided to get started and any advice he may have. Their company is taking the eyeglass industry by storm with an incredible business model that is only bested by their incredible glasses and selection. These vintage-inspired frames came to life after the 4 Wharton MBA students set down, tossed around a few ideas and realized they were onto something. They discovered if they take out the middleman that they could provide the same quality at a much lower price than competitors. With quality fashionable eyeglasses under $100 it is no wonder heads are turning. But they also had a social responsible twist, for every pair bought; one pair will be donated to one of the world’s 500 million visually impaired, impoverished people through nonprofits such as restoringvision.org. When I asked him how they decided to dive into the industry, he said you have a choice you can either go big or not. They clearly decided to go big when they packed their bags to go to China the summer after drafting their business plan to speak with vendors. He also left me with some tidbits for young entrepreneurs reminding the importance of figuring out who your customer is, doing the proper research, but at the end of the day doing what you love and see a need for. It is clear Warby Parker is on its way, having been recognized by the likes of GQ, Vogue and other major fashion media. Raider says, “When I saw a classmate pull out a monocle in one of my classes, I was like yes we have arrived.”

Homage to Penn

So I am officially a grad of the BEST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD. Its crazy sobering, happy, and sad all at the same time. Anyway I think this is the look that best captures my senior week and the preppy PENN spirit.