Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer is just over two weeks away — is your wardrobe ready?
For those of us traveling this summer there is always the dilemma of packing light but having everything you need to look good. At the heart of any good fashion debate: “what bag should I take?” For me, it needs to be lightweight for perusing the spice markets of Istanbul, chic enough for lunch with friends in Memphis, and neutral enough to go with all of the shoes I plan to take to New York. Either of the bags pictured is a good choice. On the left: Christian Louboutin’s linen tote has been finished with a metallic coating to give it durability and a glamorous glow. On the right: Balenciaga’s super soft lambskin bag has a distressed metallic finish that should go with everything, and its slim top will make it comfortable to carry. Both bags have handles that fit well over the shoulder so that you can wear your bag tucked easily (and safely!) under your arm. Both bags are big enough for a wallet, passport, and camera, while still having enough room to accommodate your souvenir shopping.
My two friends and fellow shoppers picked-up Armani’s navy blazer for their summer travels. A navy blazer goes with everything — white jeans, linen pants, khaki shorts or skirt and even over a black sleeveless dress (blue and black is a trending color combo!). I also like the Smythe one-button navy blazer pictured right. The gold button detailing is nice for summer — add white jeans, gold sandals, a nude colored silk blouse and voila!
Packing note: If you are like me and your summer destinations have hot and humid climates you are not thinking jacket. But, airplanes and restaurants can be cold so wear the blazer to and fro and you won’t have to make space for it in your bag!
Now for the MEN: One look at George (Neiman Marcus in San Francisco) tells you that if you have a question about men’s fashion, you have found your go-to guy. George informs me that the big look for men this summer is a “soft” fitting sport coat. You can go wild with prints and colors on your shirt if you choose a tan or navy coat. If you go with the handsome plaid coat pictured here, try a periwinkle, yellow, blue or white shirt.
George assures me that pocket squares are still au courant, so if you haven’t gotten one you should. For tips on how to wear it check out my post “Trends For Spring.”
Complementing the softer structured sport coat this summer are a plethora of cool-looking tennis shoes. Everyone from Ferragamo to Zenga is doing one, and yes, you wear them with your new sport coat and pocket square. But, what you may not be wearing is a belt — I’m seeing a lot of empty belt loops on the oh-so-hip and beautiful.
A relaxed casual look is king this summer so enjoy it gentlemen!
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