Last week I explained why I find the knit polo shirt to be such a fundamental part of my summer wardrobe.
This week, I’m using that polo and a pair of cream linen trousers as the basis for three different looks – three different ways of doing ‘smart casual’ in the summer.
There’s no suit and tie here, but no T-shirt or shorts either. All three sit somewhere in between.
As with the ‘which office’ article, I’ve kept the same colour scheme throughout, allowing us to focus on the materials and proportions.
Those colours can be easily changed, and using warmer, less high-contrast ones would make each outfit more casual. As it is, the stark navy-and-white means this is probably the smartest colour option for each.
With each look I keep the polo and linen trousers the same, but swap the outerwear and the shoes.
The shoes and outerwear are broadly similar each time in terms of formality. But that doesn’t mean you can’t swap them around if you feel it works: I’d happily wear the espadrilles with the blazer, for example, though perhaps not the tennis shoes.
1: Blazer and loafers
Outfit 1, the smartest of the three, combines the polo and trousers with a hopsack blazer and lightweight loafers.
The blazer is my double-breasted from Elia Caliendo, in Naples, and the loafers are the Classic Sagan from Baudoin & Lange.
A normal, Goodyear-welted loafer would also work, but the Sagan is particularly nice in the summer, with its softness and lightness. It’s also a little more casual.
The blazer only works because it has a Neapolitan structure and cut – anything heavier would be too smart, and crush the polo collar. Even here, it has a tendency to move around and flip outside of the jacket.
Grey or brown trousers, in linen or in a high-twist wool, would make the outfit less striking, and perhaps more office appropriate.
2: Overshirt and espadrilles
In outfit 2, the blazer is replaced with a linen overshirt, which immediately makes things more casual. There’s nothing like removing the line of a tailored shoulder to make everyone relax.
The overshirt is an old one from Drake’s, with just two breast pockets and nothing on the hips. Personally it’s the style I prefer, but the current-season ones with two hip pockets are made just as well.
The espadrilles are also from Drake’s, and are something I’ve been wearing regularly when the weather’s warm. It’s not an office shoe, of course, and not great for a long walk. But otherwise, in a dark colour like this, espadrilles are rather versatile.
They can be worn around the house, to the shops, and for work if everyone else is in trainers. They could also happily be worn with either of the other two outfits.
I’ll do a separate piece on them, and the models I prefer, at a late date I think. The different brands and models vary a lot in make and last.
3: Bomber and tennis shoes
The last outfit, number 3, is the most casual.
The outerwear is a suede bomber from Anderson & Sheppard, which is rather warmer than the other two jackets, even though it’s unlined. If you’re this casual, you might also feel you don’t need anything on top.
But a lightweight suede is useful as a place to keep keys and wallet, and nice when the temperature drops in the evening. Plus it’s lovely against the skin.
The shoes are plain-white Converse All Stars.
The process that led to buying these shoes also deserves its own piece at some point. I spent so long trying to find a white tennis shoe in a slim last, made well. I tried over a dozen brands, from Spring Court to PRAS, Doek to Margaret Howell.
But only Converse worked. The others were all off-white or too chunky. And these do achieve the Slim-Aarons-chic-poolside-waiter concept I had in my head.
If anyone knows an alternative, made to a higher standard than Converse, please let me know.
There are many variations on these three looks, and other variables we could have chosen.
A nice pair of white jeans could make everything more casual, and would certainly work with outfits 2 and 3. Chic shorts would also be good.
The polo could be swapped for a light-blue linen or cotton/linen shirt, if you wanted something smarter. And a grey T-shirt would make outfits 2 and 3 more casual, plus make the look less showy.
Perhaps we’ll do another set later in the summer, keeping one outfit but just varying the material. That would be similar to the way ‘Which sports jacket’ played with materials as an alternative to ‘Which office’.
Hopefully each exercise makes you think, along a different line, in a different season. That’s the certainly the aim.
Knit polo is the ‘Adrian’ from John Smedley.
Cream linen trousers are made-to-measure from Jean-Manuel Moreau.
Photography: Alex Natt @adnatt. Thank you to the wonderful Petitou cafe for the background.
I like the look overall, but cannot get how the espie has become a fashion item, let alone something people would contemplate wearing in an urban setting. Better to think of it as an outdoor slipper really.
As an aside, I don’t recall you looking at bamboo as a suitable fabric for a summer jacket or suit. I consider it to be ideal in many ways; light, soft, crease resistant and very hard wearing. And many of the wide range of patterns available would lend themselves very well to your preferred Italian style for a jacket.
No you’re right I haven’t tried bamboo David. To be honest, the jackets I have seen in it have had a little sheen that put me off
It may have been the case in the past, but I have a couple of jackets made in HFW bamboo (320666 and 320691), and they are very dry.
Thanks. I have seen those with Geoff I think – he’s had some made up. But I’ll take another look when I’m in again.
Geoff?
Sorry. Geoff Wheeler from HFW
I’m sure there are higher end brands that make Bamboo clothing but I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A normal summer day is between 92-105 Celsius with 60+ humidity! There’s only so much linen you can wear. Articles of Style made me a few suits and sport coats out of Bamboo. Soft, beautiful, do not wrinkle like linen and very breathable. Anyone in a hot humid climate owes it to themselves to at least try one!
Bamboo is just viscous, a semi synthetic fibre doesn’t really fit with the websites theme.
I have a blue checked Sportcoat in Bamboo from Sartoria Corcos, which is absolutely great. I don‘t find it shining either. The only flipside is that its a bit delicate.
Good to know, thanks
Interesting Post! I think that Superga sneakers are more elegant and even comfortable than Converse. In addition they age better.
Thanks. I did look at them, but they didn’t look as clean with the textured panels extra (Cotu, 2390). They are nice and slim though
Hi Simon,
Not sure if you’d find them too similar and therefore no good, but check out the 2750-Cotu Classic Total White. Don’t really know the difference between 2390 and 2750, but the latter are super comfy and clean. I’ve had the all stars you have here too and I much prefer the supergas.
Thanks JB, will do
Hi Simon. A fan of all the looks but the sneakers on the last one looks off. I think a very casual loafer (e.g. paraboot or boat shoe) or a slip on sneaker like those carried by CQP (https://www.trunkclothiers.com/products/cqp-jetty-navy-suede) may be better.
Thanks Shem. Completely get the loafer or boat shoe, but I’ve never liked those slip-ons for some reason (whether Vans or Loro Piana). They always look a little sloppy to me. But it’s very personal
Would you consider a boat shoe (mid brown leather style, as opposed to the sneaker-style deck shoes) as a substitute for the sneaker or the espadrille? I’m sure it doesn’t matter much. I was just curious where a boat shoe like this would fall on the formality scale.
Similarly, would a weejun style loafer be too formal/heavy for the first look?
Both of those might be a little chunky to be this elegant. The boat shoe in particular because there’s so much else going on with it, adding bulk
Hi Simon, great to see a new version of your “different looks, different levels of formality” articles, here with a focus on summer attire.
Strange how I always felt espadrilles were only to be worn on the beach or by the pool when preparing a BBQ. All these (half-)sartorial looks with espadrilles I’ve been seeing lately make me reconsider this.
As for white shoes, may I suggest Asahi : https://www.officinegenerale.com/fr/chaussures/1894-baskets-asahi-deck-m014.html
However, they look a lot like Doek models, so if Doek didn’t work, Asahi may not work either.
Cheers
Thanks Christopher. They need to be derbys, not oxfords unfortunately. But thanks anyway!
Hi Simon, ok I didn’t understand they had to be derbies. ^^
Here are other suggestions. I guess none of them fit your requirements completely, but I’d suggest you keep an eye on them during next seasons.
Shoes Like Pottery, made in Japan by the same factory as Doek or Asahi. You may not like the blue brand stamp though :
https://www.endclothing.com/en-fr/shoes-like-pottery-01jp-low-sneaker-12331771.html
Naked & Famous, known for their jeans, makes some nice sneakers too. No white canvas ones at the moment, but hopefully one day :
https://tateandyoko.com/collections/accessories/products/naked-famous-denim-japan-sneakers-pale-blue-slub-chambray
CQP also makes some white canvas sneakers, but the Margom sole may not be thin enough for you :
https://c-qp.com/racquet-off-white-canvas/
Thanks a lot Christopher.
Yes, comments elsewhere in this thread on CQP and Shoes Like Pottery
Personally I think the bomber looks smarter than the overshirt, the latter having a more relaxed fit and workwear vibe. I find bombers (at least ones like yours here – not vintage-style flight jackets) easy to dress up, being fairly interchangeable with a tailored jacket.
Regardless of that, I like all three outfits featured here.
Hi Simon
Great article as always, thanks. I am thinking of ordering the Drakes overshirt for summer (I’ve been looking for a while!), but I see they only have the khaki and brown this year. I generally lack colour elsewhere in the wardrobe – am I right in thinking the khaki is likely to be most versatile? For jeans, navy or taupe chinos, the polo in this piece, a grey t shirt etc. I see it as something to throw over everything and forget about.
Thanks!
I think both the khaki and the brown would be good. They’re both dark enough that they would go with most things.
The only possible clashes would be trousers in similar colours, and perhaps shoes (though I don’t mind a brown overshirt and brown shoes). On balance I would go with the khaki on that basis.
Nice pictures. But shouldnt it be better with a little more contrast in color between the polo and the jacket?
I really like this kind of articles. I just think that it would be better if the polo was a shade lighter.
I think it can be either Carl. Navy under navy is a pretty standard combination and usually looks nice and elegant. But a polo in a pale grey would also be nice, or an olive green perhaps
Is only navy under navy ‘pretty standard’? How do you consider other tone under tone combinations? Do they all work regardless?
Other tone-on-tone looks are more unusual, perhaps because navy is dark and quite universal. There aren’t many others I can think of that I’d recommend.
With other combinations, if you want a similar look, it’s usually best to combine similar tones, rather than the same ones. Hence tonal looks in creams, taupes, greys etc. You see a lot of that with Stoffa and Saman Amel
Hi Simon, some nice outfits here. However, I have to say that I agree with MATT H. The structure of the bomber jacket vs the untucked (and loose) nature of the overshirt and possibly the brightness of your white sneakers vs the ‘beachiness’ of the espadrilles lead me think that 2 and 3 could be reversed. I am aware that you always say that the photos often don’t tell the whole story and I may have been influenced by your ‘power stance’ for outfit 3 and your ‘man about town’ slouch for outfit 2!
It’s all about the stances!
No I can certainly see that. Perhaps the bomber looks more casual in person. Certainly, those two outfits are not as far apart as some in our formality spectrum series, and pieces could be interchanged. I’d even wear the espadrilles with the blazer, as mentioned. Though that would be more of a fashion look.
Did your search for trainers include Grenson Simon? They have a nice selection.
No, because I don’t think they do a canvas tennis shoe really? They just do leather trainers, more similar to a Common Projects or CQP style
On the sneaker front. Have you had a look at Shoes like Pottery.
Yep. Really like them, but for some reason I can never get past the light-blue blob on the outside. It’s fairly subtle as far as branding goes, but it gets in the way rather. (You can see how fussy I am!)
I don’t know if they are better made than Converse but I do love Shoes like pottery – my white canvas ones have aged wonderfully. And the blob is rather nice visually.
They are better made, yes. If only the blob didn’t bother me
Hi Simon – shoes like pottery in pure white and just remove the blob. Easy to do and it will not leave a mark.
Really, you’ve tried that? Is it glued, or attached in some other way?
I know because mine is starting to de-attach in one of the shoes (in a similar way that the patch at the back of converse’s sole de-attach with time). Out of curiosity I pulled it a bit and noticed that there is no obvious mark. I just checked the other shoe and it is better attached (heat and glue?) but it is obvious that it is an independent piece of rubber. I am sure that with patient and a sharp blade it can be removed.
Great, thanks Diego
I am a great fan of espadrilles, when the temperature is above 25 C and I am not at work. I would love to read an article on espadrilles as I have also experienced quite substantial differences in sizing and lasting – as with no other shoe
Noted Niels, thanks.
I also find a lot of variations in the soles. The traditional roped sole feels lovely walking on sand or grass, but isn’t really suited to concrete, tarmac etc. Most today have a rubber sole for that reason, but that sole varies a lot as well – thicker, thinner, to the outside and not.
Simon,
Did you have opportunity to see/try the new private white brushed cotton Mayfair Shacket? If so do you think it would be a versatile piece to have (at the same level of your linen drake over shirt?)
Thanks and I wish you a great weekend
No I haven’t, sorry. From the images, it looks a little more casual and workwear-like, and I’d worry that brushed cotton isn’t really a warm-weather material
And how about the Crown Northampton-made sneakers? They’re leather, so maybe not for these outfits, but for the future?
Perhaps yes – there is a market there for better-made Common Projects (and better priced)
Great article and photos. Thank you.
Hi, I think these images are super helpful, thanks! I was surprised to nice that somehow, for my taste, the trousers with the converse looks too short, whereas with the BL loafers they look quite nice. It may be just the photos though
Shoes like pottery have a nice white shoe
Thanks, yes – see above in comments
Hi Simon, Shoes Like Pottery definitely. The blue blob is more subtle than you’d think. But the shape through the waist is perfect. Couldn’t recommend more.
This is where it’s purely about personal taste and preference. That blue blob is not subtle at all and just doesn’t look good. In my personal opinion that is. Clearly the people designing, making, buying and recommending these shoes disagree. Doesn’t really make sense to try and convince others of your personal taste / preference
For my semi-formal work environment I would probably wear outfit 3, but probably not outfit 2. I think the espradilles plus the looseness of the overshirt make it to informal – though I really like the look. Anyway, great post as always.
Thanks.
Perhaps outfit 2 with a normal loafer?
Hi Simon, another nice article.
I’m going slightly off topic here, but it seems to me that on the occasions Thatyou wear an open collared shirt, they often seem to gape more than they should. I’m not sure why – I generally undo two buttons myself, and see other guys who’s shirts don’t do this, but it always catches my eye.
I wonder if Luca faloni’s paramontura collars cure this?
However, far better a bit of gape than my pet hate, the tieless shirt or polo shirt fastened up to the neck.
Cheers
Hi,
What do you mean by the gape exactly? That the front opens up, revealing more of the chest than you’d like?
And is this on you, or what I wear? If the latter, to be honest I like it. I have the button placed for the height I want, and I want the collar to then roll outwards, curving upwards towards the face. I can see how some people might think that was showing too much, but I think it’s flattering.
The paramontura is just a one-piece collar as offered by a few people. I don’t think it would solve this issue – but perhaps you mean something else.
S
Simon
Given corona I am planning to start walking into the office whenever it reopens (about an hour/ hour and a half) each day. What shoes would you wear? I don’t have many pairs that seem suitable. My BSLs wouldn’t be comfortable enough and my doeks might give way over time.
For reference I am in tech so can be as casual or dressed up as I please!
I’m going to do the same actually – or rather, walk more at either end in order to only be on the train for 10 minutes.
To be honest, a good laced shoe should be comfortable enough for that. If the fit is good enough, your foot should be held at the back and not move, and at the front your toes should have freedom to move. Your feet will be tired during the day, but as long as you’re not on your feet all day at the office as well, you should be ok.
The only alternative is changing outfits to wear a sneaker like Common Projects, or a running shoe. But please don’t wear them with tailored clothing!
Hello Simon, Have a loof to https://crownnorthampton.com/ for sneakers.
Thanks, yes they were mentioned above. But they’re leather trainers, not canvas tennis shoes
Simon since the Crown Northampton sneakers have been mentioned twice now are they as well made as the Common Projects Achilles?
I don’t know to be honest, I haven’t tried them. They might well be made better
Hi Simon,
Very nice article. Do you wear you Sagan with no show socks?
I’m very curious about your future article about espadrilles. I always buy them in France (and made in France) for about 8-12 euros a pair. They last one or two seasons with fairly intensive use. I’ve seen much more expensive models (I guess the Drake’s ones belong in this category), and I find it hard to justify the price given that they are not repairable in any way and fairly short lived.
For white canvas sneakers:
https://www.pfflyers.com/pd/lo-tops/center-lo/PM19OL3-CLOJUL.html?dwvar_PM19OL3-CLOJUL_style=PM19OL3I#style=PM19OL3I&size=Men%2017%20/%20Women%2018.5
https://c-qp.com/racquet-off-white-canvas/
https://www.selfedge.com/buzz-rickson?product_id=1918
https://en.moonstar-manufacturing.jp/gymcourt/
https://en.moonstar-manufacturing.jp/gymclassic/
Some are more natural cotton color than bright white.
And a truly fantastic model of “sneakers” (resolable) by clinch boots which are probably quite far away from what you are looking for but worth a look anyway: https://www.brass-tokyo.co.jp/onlineshop_en/category/?cat=57
Cheers
Hi Mael,
Yes, I wear pretty much all shoes with no-show socks. My feet become way too sweaty otherwise.
On espadrilles, yes I’ve bought a fair few in France, Italy and elsewhere, and the cheap ones are just more basically made. The canvas isn’t as nice, the sole is usually just rope (the reason they were originally so disposable) and if there is rubber, it’s pretty roughly done. I’ve had them fall apart after a couple of years.
This doesn’t necessarily justify five times the price, but ones offered by Drake’s and others are better, and those from Zabbatigli for example have lasted me years without any need to get rid of them. Just the occasional trimming of the edges if they are rope-soled.
Thanks for all the suggestions on trainers! I have tried most of them unfortunately
– PF Flyers: The ridged end on the toe makes them not sleek enough for me. Spring Court had the same issue
– CQP: Not a fan of the Racquet last unfortunately. It’s not as slim as the Tarmac, unfortunately
– Buzz Rickson: Very nice, and have tried these. Too off white really, as all the workwear-type ones are. Don’t go great with tailored trousers
– Moonstar: I’ve tried the Gym Court but not the Gym Classic. The double toe on the first and the ridged toe on the second count against them, but I will try the latter if I can
– Brass Shoe: Yes, not really the same thing! Though I can see the vintage/bowling shoe appeal
Thanks
Hi Simon, I assume the Drakes espadrilles soles are stiched? Haven’t been an espadrilles fan for a while but bought a pair of H&M to see if the style works for me – it does, but the cheaply glued sole is falling apart after a few wears. Though, I do love the blue-white stripes design of them as this colour combination reflects summer for me – if anyone has a recommendation for a similar design with better quality it’d be much appriciated.
Hi Philipp,
From what I can see the Drake’s rubber sole is glued on, but so are the others I have (Zabbatigli) and I haven’t had issues with the sole coming off on either. Maybe the H&M ones are just cheaply done?
S
Hi Simon,
Really nice article showing causal summer style and how changing one or two things can change the overall look. My 2 cents, I think #3 is slightly less casual than #2.
I have a pair of tobacco brown and absolutely love them , on the other hand, I’ve basically always found cream (and adjacent colors), in linen, to be too see-through to be a viable option. Can you comment on the material for the cream trousers in this piece.
Thanks
Pleased you like it.
This is Irish linen – pretty standard for tailored linen trousers. I don’t find it’s that see through. If you were wearing black underwear maybe, but even then you don’t see much.
If you find that off-putting though (or they’re too smart for you) try the more off-white, biscuity colour a lot of the mills offer. See my pair here.
Cheers
Hi Simon re gape ( I don’t seem to be able to add the comment to that thread). I think it’s combination of a bit more chest than I would like personally, but also that in the open bit of shirt one side folds over a bit and kind of collapses, rather than holds a clean line You can see it on the polo shirt in this article.
My Faloni linen shirts have a a bit behind the placket and buttons which flares out towards the top, and it seems to hold its line better when you are unbuttoned (!).
Ah I see. That happens with polo shirts as they don’t have the rigidity in the placket. It is a little annoying sometimes, but then the collar is always going to move around as well
Really enjoyed this post and these looks. I always find Vans Authentics are a good simple summer shoe. I find they wear almost like a deck shoe. The all-white and the cream (with blue stripe on the midsole) would work well here. The only downside is that they have a small Vans label on the side which some people may not like, but has never bothered me.
Yes, they are nice. The label would bother me a little, and they’re oxford not derby, but nice option.
Espadrilles are great for warm weather or on holidays. Try Castaner, the Pablo model in suede is my preference
Love that bomber! Does it come in other colors?
I don’t think so, no, and there’s not much stock at A&S either. But worth contacting them to see if they know when they’re getting more
Hi Simon,
This is in reference to your comment regarding wearing a Neapolitan-cut jacket. Would you ever wear a cut with a stereotypically English cut, like Whitcomb or Steven Hitchcock, with a Friday Polo or even a sweater polo, but in an appropriate fabric/style (for example, a Donegal tweed)? if the issue is the collar alone, as opposed to the more structured look of an English cut, I think a Friday Polo would be fine (and frankly, although you might disagree, I think would be fine with a Smedley merino polo, as well).
Yes, I would wear that with a Friday Polo. Not with a Smedley, because the collar is too small and flimsy – it would disappear underneath the jacket collar.
Hi Simon,
I really like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers like the white ones mentioned below.
https://www.onitsukatiger.com/nl/nl-nl/mexico-66%E2%84%A2/p/1183A477-100.html?
Thanks, I hadn’t seen those.
Obviously more of a sports shoe look, but I like the simplicity of them
I just started getting into espadrilles this year, in anticipation of summers walking around National Trust country houses (which may or may not come to fruition). I find the suede ones, such as sold by Morjas, are slightly smarter than canvas, and if you can find a version where the rope portion of the sole is dyed to match the upper (Suitsupply actually has one), that adds to the smartness.
Dear Simon,
nice combination, as always! Camino71 (small German brand, model 71 low white) or Tennis from Ludwig Reiter may an alternative to your converse.
Super, thank you, I’ll take a look
Camino don’t seem to have a canvas option – is that right?
Same with Ludwig Reiter.
Nice how many other sources this is throwing up
You are right, there is no canvas option…. but for canvas I guess the only option with slim last is Converse :—))
tried the Muji Water Repellent sneakers??
https://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=1&Sub=1&PID=11438
Yes, they were a close contender. A bit too round/chunky, but nice otherwise
On the topic of espadrilles, Ludwig Reiter also has a nice variation (though in fact suede and with a crepe sole) that is a little less beach-like but still has the vibe. I wear them as slippers at home: https://www.ludwig-reiter.com/en/espadrillo-t-501-vst
If I’m looking for a slim simple sneaker for wearing under jeans or a chino I like to wear a German army sneaker. They are i think from the 70’s. They can be found for 125 euro but a lot cheaper too if you’re not looking into these hip vintage places.. I bought them for 25. It’s a good shoe if you ask me. I like the combinations but I think the upper two make you look a bit older than you actually are. The blue bomber looks great. Thanks for the post. Cheers.
I am going to commission a bespoke smart casual cream trousers and currently I am thinking either using the Quest Cotton from Huddersfield New Fine Worsted / a Japanese cream denim. I rarely see people using denim for making smart casual trousers but to me it’s more robust and will more likely to hold its shape and pleat. What are you thoughts on this Simon? Thanks
A denim is unlikely to hold a pleat well or drape. It’s not how denim is made.
But it might be nice otherwise – see the ones I had from P Johnson for example.
The Quest would be rather different, much smarter.
Just would like to follow up on the subject. I was thinking of using cream denim for chinos as I noticed denim in “trouser cutting” is getting more common. Would the Quest holds pleat significantly better than denims? I am afraid the Quest would be too smart to pair with t-shirt / casual linen shirt. Cheers
Yes the Quest would hold a crease a lot better. It is much more of a tailoring cloth. And yes, it would be much smarter – too smart for a T-shirt
Quintessential ‘Permanent Style’ – some great looks.
I have a capsule wardrobe that I use for extended summer city breaks.
It is essentially the same as illustrated excepting I don’t bother with the bomber jacket but also take a pair of light grey linen trousers and only one pair of shoes – a pair of chocolate brown, tasseled loafers – that I think are much more appropriate and practical for the city than those illustrated.
I’ve spent three days in Venice, Paris and NYC and have been flaneur ready for all occasions!
Unrelated to the topic above, however, I’ve seen that you have studied philosophy, now, I acknowledge that I’m no expert on the matter but I’ve found a very hard time justifying everything I want not because of cost but because of the belief that I don’t need any of these things and even more terrifying is the thought that I only want these things because I am missing something else in life something I have not yet identified and having too much scares me because it never ends you always want more no matter what you have so my question is do you have a certain life philosophy regarding this subject and I apologize for the lengthy and personal comment
No worries.
I agree, it’s easy to slip into pure consumerism. You need to really value the clothes you have – that’s the key.
None of us need more than very simple clothes and food, but it’s about really valuing what we have beyond that, for me personally.
I wish I could say my philosophy degree covered real-world issues like this, but I’m afraid it was far too academic. (Even the philosophy of aesthetics – it’s all theory of the sublime, relativism etc)
Sneakers: I know they’re leather, but these are well made; I have the high tops: https://www.untamedstreet.com/collections/men-sneakers/products/sneaker_men_white-whisper_11001
Thanks Jochen
Shoes Like Pottery have an all-white model.
http://store.goodweaver.jp/?pid=88084965
Erik Schedin also does canvas sneakers from time to time, though I think these are running low on sizes and colours.
https://erikschedin.com/products/vulcanized-canvas-sneaker
Fantastic, thank you
Hoy does the Anderson & Sheppard Bomber compare to the Valstarino?
A touch above in terms of suede (reflected in the price). Also slightly different style, with the fly front
Hi, great casual outfit. If you had choice between chocolate brown or navy linen schaket bomber which colour you would choose? Which would be more versatile?Thx
Probably the brown, because the navy wouldnt be great with navy chinos or dark jeans, but you’re unlikely to have many trousers in a similar brown colour
Regarding the Sagans, which shade of brown suede do you think would be best for a first pair? Dark brown, bark grey, or brown oak?
Dark brown
Hi Simon,
Please could you provide the fabric details of the cream linen trousers and advise if the made to measure by Jean-Manuel Moreau compares to your other bespoke trousers.
Thanks
Rupesh
All coming on the review of the suit in a couple of weeks Rupesh
On Rakan William’s comment, and your reply on caring for clothes, my grandfather advised me to look after all my clothes as if I would never be able to afford a replacement. Great advice as I’ve still got, and wear, items I bought over thirty years ago!
Isn’t the Converse All Star a basketball shoe, and not a tennis shoe?
Yes very true. Not created as a tennis shoe.
Hi Simon,
Strangely enough, I’ve never seen a post devoted to the Harrington Jacket on PS. Frankly, I don’t know why. Would it be a prejudice of yours?
I hope I would deserve an explanation.
John
Hi John,
Good point. No, I’ve never written about them because they aren’t really my style. For that type of short casual jacket, I tend to prefer something in suede – indeed, I’m mildly obsessed with those. A European blouson rather than a cotton Harrington. The latter is also rather more casual, and less suited to the tailored pieces I usually wear.
I hope that makes sense
Thanks for your reply, Simon. To be honest, I don’t see how your rationale does make sense.
Indeed it doesn’t and can’t annihilate the sheer fact that the Harrington jacket remains a great piece for Summer.
And I musst add that I really do not see – as to levels of formality – such a difference between a Harrington jacket and the kind of suede jacket you are wearing on the pic above. Beyond suede being more expansive than cotton, I can’t figure out how a jacket made of the former could be smarter in matter of style. For both could exactly be cut the same way.
I remember the first Harrington jacket I bought while in high school had pockets cut like yours on the same pic. For years, it had remained the most expensive piece of wardrobe I had ever bought. A huuuuge amount of money back then.
Of course this kind of jacket could be worn with the same pieces you would wear with a suede jacket: from trousers down to shoes (loafers not being the single ones you could chose from).
We are speaking of … Summer smart casual items. Aren’t we? How then could you even envision a suede jacket to even be considered. As no matter how this leaher has been tanned and proccessed, it will remain heavier than cotton. Unless you ditched the notion of praticality as being irrelevant to style.
On many occasions, you have professed your interest in Ivy style (see the recent post on Ralf Lauren). How could one show such an interest to this specific style while ditching the Harrington jacket as being “rather more casual” (than suede jacket, and even the shawl collar cardigan, I suspect) is totally a mystery to me.
Yet I must confess that I doen’t own a Harrington jacket anymore, even though I do have a very well French made suede jacket. Indeed, surprisingly enough I’ve realized that I can’t find one that really meets my expectations, and for sure not the level of craftsmanship of the one I bought … decades ago.
The only one I’ve seen so far about which I could be willing to compromise perhaps is the jacket sold by The Armoury.
John
Hi John,
Cotton as a material will nearly always be more casual than a fine suede like this – or indeed wools, cashmeres etc. Because of the way it rumples and fades in particular. The cut is not as important.
A suede jacket is always going to heavier than cotton and probably warmer too, but not by a lot when it is very lightweight, unlined, and perhaps even perforated. And of course it depends what temperatures we’re talking about. In the UK (except for this recent, very sunny Spring) it would often be quite suitable.
I do indeed love many things Ivy, but that doesn’t mean I want to wear all the pieces. I’ve never seen the attraction in a ‘fun’ shirt either.
Thanks for the discussion John
Hi Simon, I was going to ask you the same question about you and Harrington jackets on the John Simmons article but its a good thing I found this comment thread through the search box.
Now to ask a more specific question, what are your thoughts on Baracuta’s Harrington jackets? Is the quality worth the money? Or is it more of a high-street brand milking its heritage for profits? (apologies for being blunt)
I know you’ve previously recommended PW’s Harrington’s but the copper snaps on the collar doesn’t really appeal to me. I much prefer the buttons on the Baracuta models.
Thanks
I can’t really speak to the value for money, I’m afraid, having not owned one. But I do think the style is great – classic, simple and pretty flattering on most guys
Great thanks Simon!
Simon,
Those JMM cream linen trousers look fantastic. I am assuming that you will cover them later in your review of your JMM suit?
Also, on the topic of cream linen trousers, you posted a picture to your IG stories recently with you in a looser fitting pair under the title of Chic Summer. May I ask who the maker of that pair is?
Given how hard both summer dressing and casual dressing are for me I really appreciated this article. Please keep helpful content like this coming.
Cheers, will do.
Yes, the trousers will be covered a little in the full suit review.
The IG trousers are an old pair from Arnys. I need to post a picture of the tops of them though – they are quite extraordinary!
Great article.
Regarding Converse, I believe they offer a heritage model which is slightly higher quality. I haven’t tried Novesta but these may be worth a look too.
You may like the YouTube channel (Rose Anvil) where the guy cuts shoes in half to see the quality.
Hey Andrew,
Thanks, yes I’ve tried the 70s heritage style, which is a tougher canvas and has a padded insole. They’re really nice, but not as smart unfortunately I don’t think.
I’ve seen Rose’s YouTube videos, thanks, they are very good. Sometimes I feel he could do with more context in the analysis, but it is good to see trainers and their makes exposed.
I am sorry if it’s been talked before but I’m kinda new to all things sartorial. Are you saying that only unstructured jackets can be worn casually? Or is it a personal preference? What happens if someone prefers more structure because he thinks it flatters his body type more? I highly doubt the average person you meet notices the shoulders being soft for example or that the jacket is structured as long as it’s in a casual fabric that works with the rest of the ensemble. I had trouble deciding what I would be more comfortable with and because there are zero bespoke or good mtm options where I live I bought online 2 heavily discounted suits, one from Tom Ford and one from Attolini. They are both pretty comfortable but I prefer the how the more structured one looks on my body type and that’s the direction I see my wardrobe evolving. No one ever noticed big differences between them even when I asked, for most one is blue and one is grey.
It is much easier to wear less structured jackets casually, yes. Colour and texture make a bigger difference, but you’ll be better off wearing an Attolini sports coat with casual chinos than a Tom Ford one.
In two suits, people might not notice much of a difference, but the TF jacket on its own would look rather smarter.
It’s unfortunate that the TF cut flatters you more – but then, you can just wear smarter clothes more generally, if you prefer that look
Glad to see you finally endorse good old Chucks. I have been a fan for decades, while sceptically reading praise of much more expensive trainers such as Common Projects, on the basis of an elongated last. Chucks have it, look no farther.
Thanks.
I’d say Chucks have a pretty elongated last too by the way. I think it’s one reason a lot of people find them too narrow in the joints (and that is the place they tend to split)
Hi Simon,
Nice watch.Riviera cool.
On a different topic,do you prefer canvas sneakers to leather ones and if so why?
In general, no. I wear leather ones more. But a canvas sneaker is nicer in summer, and has a different vibe – more old-fashioned sportswear – that is nicer with tailoring
I have a pair of Sagan Classics in dark brown, which I’m enjoying very much. They’re comfortable and incredibly versatile – I’ve worn them with everything ranging from high twist trousers to shirts.
What’s your recommendation for a second or third pair? Would you recommend sticking to suede or trying one in deerskin? And if I go the deerskin route, do you think it would make sense to “step up” to a Grand or stick with the classic?
Personally, I’d go for an oak brown in the suede. I have a pair of the deerskin and a Grand, but I find neither get worn anywhere near as much as the suede.
I think it’s because for those other styles of shoes, I would generally prefer a normal welted loafer. I don’t have any slim-soled, cemented Italian shoes for the same reason
Hi Simon,
PWVC have a Harrington in Linen and a Zip through Linen overshirt (with just the two pockets). Would you consider either of these instead of the buttoned overshirt ?
Also, wouldn’t a Denim Jacket work as well instead of the Blouson ?
Cheers
Hey Tom,
I’d certainly consider both of those linen options, but they would both a little more casual and workwear-like. Mostly due to the zips. They would be a slightly different look.
And yes, a denim jacket could work instead of the blouson as well, though it again would be that much more casual. All three of these outfits have more of a smart/casual look, combining aspects of both, and these alternatives would sway away from that. It might make the tailored linen trousers, for example, look out of place all of a sudden
Ah yes, this is great. I have been wearing the exact same variations with one style of pant. Its interesting how certain things go so well together with the same canvas, so to speak. On another note, how have your Sagans worn? Have you “worn out” any of them yet? I have been contemplating buying these or a welted, unlined pair instead from say EG.
I haven’t worn any of them out, no. But then, I don’t have just one pair, and they really only get worn for four or five months or the year
Hi simon are there any brands that would recommend for t-shirts which are solid in value and lasting (but not too thick). Also have you tried any short sleeve shirts thst you would recommend?
I haven’t tried a huge number, but Sunspel has always been good for me, and the current range from Trunk is very nice (a touch heavier, which I prefer).
Usually the really thick ones are only from the workwear brands – Real McCoy’s and so on.
I don’t really wear short-sleeve shirts I’m afraid. Other than a couple of Gitman Bros linen camp-collar shirts.
good ideas. for some reason i find the utility jacket outfit more casual and laid back than the bomber one. also for some reason i cant get around wearing short sleeves tops with blazer jackets. the blazer against the skin on my arms and no cuff at the wrist feels really awkward for some reason.
Yes I know what you mean. It’s the lack of cuff at the end of the jacket sleeve that gets to me. But on balance I think with combinations like this – perhaps when travelling in particular – the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
Hi Simon. Enjoyable reading as usual. So would it be PS heresy to even think of canvas shoes from say adidas or sperry or seavees? They make pretty neat canvas sneakers
I don’t know all the ranges from all of them, but I’d suspect they might not be slim or clean enough. Maybe have a look at the series of three posts on trainers/sneakers to get an idea what I would consider a smarter trainer – and please do let me know which models might work. Thanks.
https://www.permanentstyle.com/search?phrase=trainers
Thank you this article Simon.
I’m currently waiting for a pair of Drakes espadrilles to arrive!
A bit late on the uptake here, but A+ on your Slim Aaron’s reference in section 3. I’m definitely seeing outfit 1 at Hotel de Cap or the B&T in Palm Beach where he would have been sure to snap your photo. If you like the Aaron’s genre and have nothing else to do one Sunday afternoon, google “Ellen Ordway NY Social Diary” and you will see numerous listings of her hundreds of photos of a bygone East Coast American resort life primarily in the 1960s. With the accompanying text, you will find American social history at its finest via her amateur, home photography. All very starchy, but that was the era. More importantly, great navy and white post. Thx.
Wonderful, what a resource. Thank you
Correction to above comment: last line should have read “navy and cream”, not “navy and white”.
Hi Simon,
I like the cream linen pants do have the name of the manufacturer and the swatch number.
Cheers
Nico
Hi Nico,
They were made by Jean-Manuel Moreau in Paris. All details on them will be in the review of the suit they’re a part of, next week.
One thing that popped into my mind when reading this post and the previous one in the series, is that the polo doesn’t really work, even on its own, in my humble opinion. I think it fits we’ll in the sleeves and torso but pulls a bit in the placket and the collar just looks flimsy.
I think these looks are marvelous but I’d opt for one of the short sleeved knit polos Saman Amel and now berg&berg offers. I think that collar looks better especially when worn sans jacket.
I really appreciate these kinds of posts, by the way. Keep em coming.
Cheers JB.
I agree the collar could be better. It would be nicer higher and with more body. Though as I said the Berg/SA ones are too low I find.
The ideal (for me) would obviously be a short-sleeved Dartmoor, at least in terms of wear under tailoring.
Perhaps the drakes one you wrote about recently for their site? The sleeves and cut are perhaps a but less casual, but collar looks like it’d fit well under tailoring at least.
I have no personal experience, but I find in theory, there’s a range from Iolo Korea that would fit the bill quite well, http://iolokorea.com/category/collar/35/
Yes good point, that Drake’s piece does actually. Most of the collars aren’t great for tailoring though.
Thanks on the link – they do look good, though hard to tell on the collar stand from just those pictures
I’ve got a pair of tobacco Sagans which work great with jeans. I’ve also worn them with light khaki or cream colored trousers. Do you have any other suggestions?
Suggestions for colours you mean? If go for dark brown next. The most versatile colour in my experience
Which of the Sagan designs do you prefer? Seems to me the plain apron one is sleek and minimalist but looks a little like a slipper; the one with a tassel avoids that association (looks more like a shoe) but runs the risk of looking effete.
Yes, I think you’re right on both counts. The penny is an interesting alternative that probably avoids both of those
Love following your site from afar as I am based in Japan. Not sure whether you can get them in the UK but Converse have done a lightweight all-white Chuck Taylor here for a few seasons now and they are my go-to-shoe for weekends here when the real heat comes (35℃+). Here they are-I’m afraid the site is all in Japanese but assume Professor Google can find a way around that.
https://shop.converse.co.jp/shop/g/g32168840250/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5bTSy7bs6QIVlnZgCh0TUARHEAQYASABEgLEA_D_BwE
They look fantastic. Thanks Dan
By the way, the Converse web site lets you put together your own custom Chuck Taylors, so it’s possible to design your own off-white version and have it shipped wherever (I have an all-off-white version that I wear constantly).
I hadn’t seen that, thank you
Trousers look fantastic! Were they made by a certain chainsmoking neapolitan?
No, by Jean-Manuel Moreau using the Orazio Luciano workshop (made to measure)
Perfect looks 😉 I love cream linen trousers in summer. But I don’t like espadrilles. I can’t wear shoes without socks.
I think it’s a question of whether you will wear it most with navy chinos, or grey tailored trousers, like flannels. If the former, then go with the houndstooth. If the latter, then navy
No, the limitation is more just that it might be too close in colour to the grey trousers to be worn with them.
But yes, I’m pleased you accept that! So many guys are just looking for the ‘one’ jacket
Hi Simon!
I’ve been meaning to ask this question and this article appears to be the most apt so here goes – as someone who works in the “tech industry” (think Silicon Valley and the classic jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers combo), thoughts on balancing the desire to wear classic menswear pieces such as those here on the PS site and described in this article versus fitting in the office culture?
I know it may be easy to say “You are who you are, wear what you want.” but would love your thoughts on this matter. I wonder if it’s more around “a jacket may be too much but an overshirt is more casual”
Thank you!
I certainly wouldn’t say wear anything you want – anyone that says that doesn’t have to work in any kind of context where it’s important the impression he gives.
Did you see our recent video on ‘dressing up in a dress down office’? There’s lots of good advice in there. It’s in the Video section. Perhaps have a watch, read the comments, and ask more questions there too.
I would also say that most things in our Casual Clothing category would show you ways to wear more casual clothing, but with more lasting style and at a higher quality level
Ah. I have not seen this video. I will definitely have a watch right now while I have my morning coffee and breakfast, perfect for a Sunday morning here in the Bay.
Noted on the Casual Clothing category as well, will keep browsing through that.
Thank you again, love and appreciate the content – always looking forward to seeing the newsletter come through my inbox!
Oh good.
Do leave more comments on any of those posts if you have follow-up questions on the points in them
Hello Simon,
Great article as always.
Do you think that the following combination would work:
– keeping the rather “casual unlined blue blazer”
– replacing the blue polo by a white one
– linen/silk mix light “latte” trousers
Yes, that sounds like a great combination Rui
Thank you for this great read, Simon. Would you believe swapping cream linen for cream wool gabardine would also work?
Thanks Michael.
No, wool gabardine is a lot smarter, and I wouldn’t wear with the more casual things here. Certainly the jacket, maybe the overshirt, not the blouson.
Simon,
Do the suede sagan loafers pair well with chinos (not workwear, but not necessarily anything too formal, either)? They obviously work very nicely with linen tailoring, but I’m wondering just how casual they can get on the formality scale.
With most chinos they should be ok. Certainly not workwear-like ones, and it’s on the edge of suiting their style, so they might stand out a bit more. But it would probably be ok.
Hi Simon, nice post. Does anyone make a casual linen shoe for summer wear?
Good question. I haven’t seen one in a while. Lodger used to make one, but in a dress shoe like theirs, you need to back it with leather anyway, so you lose the breathability of linen.
And I’m not sure linen on its own would be tough enough to use in a shoe without any support. The tougher canvas of an espadrille might be the closest you’ll get in that regard.
Hi Simon, maybe these
you like them, total simplicity.
https://theheritagepost.com/produkt/moonstar-gym-court-white/
Oo, yes, thank you. The toe is maybe a little bulky with those two layers? What do you think?
I think my favourite of all these suggestions is probably the Shoes Like Pottery without the blue dot. But I can’t seem to buy from that Japanese site
Hi Simon,
In your opinion, if I could only choose one due to budget constraints – would you say cream trousers in cotton or linen were more versatile (for the purposes of mostly casual outfits and the rare sport coat)? Or would there be an even more versatile colour for casual trouser/chino (other than khaki/beige)? Appreciate your every post and engagement.
If you want to wear them that casually, then definitely cotton.
On other chino colours, it depends what you wear them with, but navy is usually good (just not with navy on top) and so is either pale olive or a really dark olive. Finally, if you want them casual, I’d go for less a cream colour, and more stone. The latter is not as bright, slightly greyed – more the colour you see generally in casual chinos, and less so in tailoring.
Hi Simon!
I just love reading your articles and so amazed to learn how easy it is to be well dressed. Thank you.
After reading your article i have also to decided to buy for myslef a good navy overshirt for summer months. I just had one doubt in mind and would love your advice.
1. Can i wear dark olive green chinos with navy cotton overshirt or do you advice that there should be a considerable amount of difference even when wearing an overshirt as you generally propose for sports coat?
Thanks
No worries, pleased to hear it’s so useful.
I’d recommend the same amount of difference between an overshirt and the trousers. Perhaps a beige or sand-coloured pair of trousers would be nice with the navy jacket.
Thank you so much for the reply Simon!
Certain times you have also suggested that a person can play around with fabrics to create much needed difference between trousers and jacket if i am correct.
What would be your opinion about ‘navy blue cotton twill overshirt combined with dark olive green linen trouser’? Would the fabric over here create the much needed difference according to you?
Do you believe that for such casual jackets the rules are not that strict? I can totally understand the rules for sports coat and blazers because there is a risk for it looking like a mismatched suit and therefore in your opinion can i try breaking up these rules for such casual jackets?
I am putting forward this question for the sole reason that sometimes during night out at a pub or certain similar places i find a light colur trouser to be a bit inappropriate for the occasion and therefore looking to find a solution to it.
Thanks.
The different fabrics would make a small difference, but not that much.
However you’re right that the rules are less strict here.
So would you suggest going forward with this combination?
I think it should be OK, yes, though ideally I’d want more contrast
Hi Simon! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Love reading your articles and so very kind of you to have solved so many doubts of mine.
I was going to order a ‘dark brown overshirt’ for the summer/spring months and therefore was going through your articles on safari and overshirt to get a brief idea and your piece advice on it and while reading your articles, certain doubts arose in my mind and therefore would your advice on it.
1) Most of the overshirts you have worn seemed to me to be a bit larger than what would be for a regular jacket. Can i make an overshirt for myself the same size as my jacket? If not then what should be the correct fit?
2) What cloth should i chose for my overshirt so that it could also be worn with denim? Can i go for cotton- linen mix for my summer and spring months and wear it casually with chinos and denim?
1) Often you want an overshirt to be a little loose, for the style and also for air circulation. I’d start off with it a little big, and you can always take it in a little later if you want to
2) Cotton on its own might be best if you want it that casual
Loved the outfit in which you are wearing an overshirt. One advice needed if you could help.
Can i keep the whole look the same but just replace ‘espadrilles’ with dark brown penny leather loafers? Would leather penny loafers match the outfit?
Yes, that would look nice.
Hi Simon!
Could this linen overshirt or perhaps a cotton overshirt for instance be worn with a dark indigo denim jeans?
Would love to hear your reply!
Yes, certainly, though generally best to not have navy with dark indigo. They can be a little bit too similar. Try and olive overshirt or mid-blue jeans perhaps
Hi Simon, consider perhaps Seavees Racquet Club or Monterey sneakers. Let me know what you think. All the best for the season, Zeke
Thanks Zeke. These do tick a lot of the boxes. They can’t be very well made for the price though – similar to the Converse, glued not vulcanised, I assume
Actually their website makes a great deal about them being vulcanized. The racquet club seems to be discontinued although available through third party vendors. I have 4 pairs, the only complaint being that the side strips can get grubby.
Great, that’s impressive. Thanks Zeke
Very informative post Simon.
I really want to wear jackets but was not able to do so because nobody around me would wear one. After reading so many articles of your i am fully satisfied with the view that i can wear an overshirt without looking out of place.
I would be going to a tailor and would be asking him to make a cotton overshirt for me which i could wear even with jeans. My only consideration being that wouldn’t a material such as cotton look more like a shirt rather than a jacket or am i wrong in thinking that?
I have never ever made an overshirt for myself and so very naive in these things. Any advice from your side would be of great significance.
Cotton can look very unlike a shirt (think of moleskin or corduroy for example). The issue is that being ‘cotton’, as in the fibre, is only one small part of what makes up a fabric – there’s also weight, weave, finish and so on.
To be honest, I wouldn’t go to a tailor to have one made if you’ve never done so before. The chances of them picking the right material, and the right design, are tiny. Buy one from a brand instead, that you can see and try on. Unless the tailor already has one made that you can try on.
For summer and spring months what would be your preferred fabric for an overshirt?
Linen
Hi Simon!
I have a dark brown cotton overshirt from H&M. Can i wear a dark brown shoe with it or should i go for burgundy?
Would dark brown look too matchy because i don’t find the shade to be too different?
No, that should be OK.
What size are you in the Drakes linen overshirt? I’ve always liked the piece and find that I’m fairly consistently one size below you. Thanks!
Medium
Hi Simon, great looks and article! I’m looking for a linen overshirt and I’ve come across this one from Flax London: https://flaxlondon.com/product/navy-blue-linen-overshirt. Do you (or other readers) have any experience with their products? The style looks similar to yours by Drake’s, at least for the pockets. Thanks
No, sorry Tom. We will be doing our own version in about a month though, partly to create one like my favourite old one here
Thanks, that’s very interesting news.
If it’s not too much to ask, could you tell the price range? I’m sure it will be an excellent piece, but it’d help to know if it would fall roughly in my budget. I totally understand if it’s not yet set, of course.
Sure – it will be just over £200 I think
Thanks Simon!
In the second look how would a tshirt with sagans look.
Would swapping a shoe from espadrilles to sagans make much bigger difference in formality then shifting from polo to t shirt?
I wouldn’t do that, unless it was a knitted T-shirt – see here.
No, it would be a smaller difference
Simon I find navy knitted polo to be more formal than navy chambray or navy linen shirt. Do you also feel the same?
I find it depends a lot on the details. A chambray can be quite formal, but stops being so when details like white stitching or pockets are added. A navy polo also nearly always looks more casual for being short sleeved
Do double pockets look good on chambray shirt? I want to wear it without a jacket
It’s not good or bad Paul, it’s just a different style. And more casual
Hey Simon,
Maybe this could be a good alternative to Converse?
https://artisan-lab.com/shop-minimal-sneakers/off-white-canvas
Wasn’t all that impressed by their leather sneaker, but this one seems to tick most boxes, save for the fact they’re off-white.
Mmm, yes, thank you. I’d change the colour and get rid of the leather binding if I could, but they’re nice
I always thought espadrilles to be a substitute to slippers, but your article has convinced me to think that it can also be a good alternative to sneakers if ‘long walks is not involved’.
Do you think on a casual Friday when everybody else in office is in trainers, then would espadrilles look good?
I think you have to judge your own office Monty, but they would probably look more casual than most people there
Thanks!
The reason I am asking you this question is because I want to know till what extent could espadrilles be used.
Would in an establishment or venue which requires closed toe shoes, would espadrilles fit the bill?
I think for questions like that Monty, you really need to make a call yourself, as venues vary so much. Along the lines of the points we discussed here.
These shoes?
The basket looks really nice, thank you.
Hi Simon, could I ask what size you wear for the A&S suede bomber? Also, would the jacket only be wearable during the UK’s spring and summer?
Many thanks,
Jack
A medium. And no, it would be fine into autumn too if you wore a knit underneath (important to remember with the sizing)
Hi Simon, with summer approaching, I was wondering if you ever found an alternative to all white All Stars that you were happy with?
Thanks,
Joe
Hey Joe,
Yes, I wear these from 45R. Not cheap or that accessible though!
There are some good suggestions above from readers in the comments too.
Hello Simon,
Please have a look at these:
https://www.springcourt.com/en/essentials/2416-g2s-1001-2.html
John Lennon used to wear them…
Rui
Thanks, yes a touch wide but pretty good, thanks for the tip
Hi Simon,
May I ask what it was about the Doek’s that were problematic for you? I thought you liked them a lot. Were they just too cream/off-white as opposed to white, and you prefer the white for summer?
I do like them a lot for more casual clothing, just not for slightly more chic looks like this.
However, since this article I’ve found the 45R oxford ones, which I talk about here, and I wear those rather than the Converse more now
Oh did you go for the indigo AND white?
I checked out their website and only white is available (I think they have a store in NYC which I may visit).
Yep. They do have a store in NYC, but be aware they are more of a fashion brand in terms of stock – there are a lot of new things and they rarely last more than a season or two
Hi Simon,
I have been looking to pick up a piece of Navy Suede outerwear for a wild now. After heavy consideration I have narrowed it down to:
I wanted to ask your opinion on the usefulness of both garments and any differences you have found. Which one would you recommend for someone who will only add one piece to their collection?
I think the navy RLPL is my favourite and more useful, though I’m not sure if they’re still doing that style.
Also, not the complicate things, but it’s very likely we’ll do our reversible suede bomber in navy early next year.
Hi Simon,
It does indeed complicate things! Found the RLPL size for cheap here in Japan, so considering pouncing on it.
Regarding your A&S Bomber, I remember you said you took a Navy. The site says it fits slim and recommends sizing up. Do you feel that is the case for yours? Also, do you still wear the jacket regularly?
Yes I would say so. I’d definitely go for the RLPL if you can get it though
Hi Simon,
Decided to hold off and wait for your Navy Suede Jacket next year!
OK nice, good to know
The sagans look rather pointy at the toes. Did your feet ever hurt after wearing them?
Also, do you recommend wearing socks with them, or barefoot?
They are certainly slim. My toes don’t hurt, but the suede is very soft. I think it’s more a problem that if you have wide feet, the toes kind of show at the outside. Also if someone does have wider feet, I can see they might hurt eventually (I’m an E generally)
Would outfit three look of sneakers with linen trousers look appropriate with a casual shirt instead of a polo?
I wouldn’t do that myself, no
I thought when you mentioned soft breathable shoes with casual shirt and trousers in the summer chic article then it also included canvas sneakers. If I may ask then could the look be not part of the summer chic wardrobe?
Hey Ayush,
Sorry, I misunderstood. Yes a look like that could work. I might go more casual on the shirt – softer, looser, maybe even untucked or short-sleeved
Simon, I realize that your stated the Drake’s overshirt is in linen, but I came across this on ebay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/165822374603) looking very similar saying this is in wool-linen. Could you kindly confirm which is the case?
Thanks!
I think that’s a different model Michael, mine is linen
Hi on the subject of tennis shoes, have you tried Moonstar? I find their Gym Classic style perfect, looking sleek with a good fit through the waist. I think they are linked somehow to Shoes Like Pottery, but the bonus is they don’t have the “blue blob” – I don’t like that either!!
Yes they’re certainly a nice option – I find them a little heavy with the stitching on the front, and the seams running under the rubber at the front. But it’s a minor thing.
They’re all made in the same factory, that’s usually the link