Get Your Own Virtual
Personal Shopper
Learn More

Home > Men > Mens Fashion Finds: Sartorial Tips & Picks > Men's Fashion Picks

Men's Fashion Finds

Pinterest Pin It!
 
May 19, 2015

Top Gents’ Picks for 5 Types of Casual Summer Parties

We’re celebrating summer parties this week, so kick back and relax. In our Clothes & Conversation, “What’s A Gent To Wear: Casual Summer Party Style” , we talked about 5 of the most common types of summer parties: barbecues to kick-off and embrace the summer, charming outdoor cocktail parties, celebratory garden luncheons, classic pool parties, and the commemorative graduation party. Our Fashion Finds this week focus on casually dapper picks for each type so you can feel appropriate and modern at each and every one of them. Sometimes one piece is all you need for a refresh that will make you feel so good. Remember, laid-back fun doesn’t mean style goes out the window – in fact, these are some of our favorite times to show a little flare.
Let us know what you think in the comments below and on social media. We’d love to hear about any fun summer parties and how your outfit went over. Remember, whatever the occasion, we’ve got you covered.
http://www.vince.com/variegated-stripe-short-sleeve-button-up/invt/vnm24791224
An interesting short sleeve button up shirt is a natural choice for any outdoor party. And Vince’s casual, modern style delivers with this variegated blue stripe. The contemporary fit and all cotton Italian fabric delivers a sophisticated, and stylishly cool shirt that can effortlessly dress up with a great pair of cotton or linen flat front pants. Any neutral will work, but a shade of blue will pop the stripe in the shirt. And this shirt becomes instantly casual when you pair it with shorts or a great pair of jeans, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it all summer long – keep that social calendar booked up.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tommy-bahama-copolla-check-flat-front-linen-blend-shorts/3924654 Tommy Bahama - Copolla Check Flat Front Linen Blend Shorts
Tommy Bahama - Copolla Check Flat Front Linen Blend Shorts
X
Tommy Bahama - Copolla Check Flat Front Linen Blend Shorts
Laidback Barbecue Picks. Shorts are a gent’s key item for any easygoing day, especially a barbecue. Tommy Bahama’s relaxed fit and cool plaid provide comfort and just the right amount of style. The cotton and Tencel fabric is soft and lightweight, with an updated longer length that hits just above the knee. Add a white or light blue t-shirt or polo and you are set for hours of good eating.
https://bonobos.com/products/travel-jeans?color=savannah%20khaki Bonobos - Travel Jeans
Bonobos - Travel Jeans
X
Bonobos - Travel Jeans
Travel Jeans
Bonobos
Sold by: Bonobos

Shop It
Fit Guide
If shorts aren’t right for the day (it could still get chilly in most parts of the country), a pair of jeans in neutral cotton twill are a solid alternative. Bonobos has become a go-to for their well made and great fitting pants, at an equally crowd-pleasing price. For these jeans, they use Cone Mill cotton, which is a really great quality fabric (J.Crew uses them for select styles, too). The light khaki shade will go with all your t-shirts, polo’s and button up shirts, and the 5-pocket style is a lot more fashionably casual than a pair of khaki’s. Bonobos has three key fits to satisfy any gent’s fit preferences. Tailored is the most contemporary, Straight is the easiest fit, and Slim sits in the middle. We suggest sticking with Slim or Straight for these pants.
http://www.jamesperse.com/men/apparel/t-shirts/mens-linen-cotton-polo-mhc3849 James Perse - Linen Cotton Polo
James Perse - Linen Cotton Polo
X
James Perse - Linen Cotton Polo
Linen Cotton Polo
James Perse
Sold by: James Perse

Shop It
Fit Guide
James Perse does knits in washed colors and luxe fabrics that give every gent that effortlessly casual look, as if you’ve been breaking in your shirt for years and the fabric still looks amazing. The contemporary fit and cotton linen fabric of this polo looks amazing in this perfectly distressed olive grey shade (called Marjoram Pigment through the ‘shop it’ button). The open placket adds to the laid-back vibe of this shirt, which works with solid or patterned shorts, as well as your favorite broken-in jeans. This polo will just keep getting better and better over the years, so wear and wash with confidence. Note: The numerical size equivalents are: 0=XS, 1=S, 2=M, 3=L, 4=XL.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tommy-bahama-denim-cohen-island-modern-fit-t-shirt/3182749 Tommy Bahama - Denim Cohen Island Modern Fit T-Shirt
Tommy Bahama - Denim Cohen Island Modern Fit T-Shirt
X
Tommy Bahama - Denim Cohen Island Modern Fit T-Shirt
Denim Cohen Island Modern Fit T-Shirt
Tommy Bahama
Sold by: Nordstrom

Shop It
Fit Guide
For a relaxed vibe that is certainly right for a barbecue, Tommy Bahama’s t-shirt is an easy choice. It is updated with a slightly trimmer fit than their traditional relaxed styling that keeps this t-shirt from looking sloppy without being fitted. It comes in a bunch of great colors through the ‘shop it’ button - this bluff heather neutral is a favorite of ours because it really highlights the contrast topstitching, raw edge seams and high v-neck of the style. It looks great with any of your casual bottom staples – shorts, drawstring pants, and jeans.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/peter-millar-linen-soft-sport-coat/3883640 Peter Millar - Linen Soft Sport Coat
Peter Millar - Linen Soft Sport Coat
X
Peter Millar - Linen Soft Sport Coat
Linen Soft Sport Coat
Peter Millar
Sold by: Nordstrom

Shop It
Fit Guide
Outdoor Cocktail Party Picks. If the invitation gives no hint on how to dress for the party, we think it is always best to err on the dressier side. And one way to do that without too much commitment is with a sport coat, since you can remove it if it feels like too much. Peter Millar’s softly constructed linen sport coat is an effortless add-on to any white or patterned button up shirt (cotton or linen), along with a dark tan or crisp white pair of pants. The modern fit is relaxed, giving it a more easygoing feeling, and providing you a lot of comfort for years to come.
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=61772816 Polo Ralph Lauren - Linen Crewneck Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren - Linen Crewneck Sweater
X
Polo Ralph Lauren - Linen Crewneck Sweater
Linen Crewneck Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren
Sold by: Ralph Lauren

Shop It
Fit Guide
A navy linen sweater is also a safe and stylish option for an outdoor cocktail party, since it’s light and airy, and can be worn on it’s own or under a sport coat. Polo Ralph Lauren’s version is made in a luxe Italian yarn that has a beautiful inky blue sheen. A white shirt underneath (even just a simple t-shirt) will really show off the color and texture, though a pattern sport shirt will certainly work, too. You won’t go wrong with any of your favorite summertime pants or jeans with this sweater – dark wash jeans or crisp tan pants will create a polished look.
http://www.barneys.com/thomas-mason-floral-bow-tie-503936600.html Thomas Mason - Floral Bow Tie
Thomas Mason - Floral Bow Tie
X
Thomas Mason - Floral Bow Tie
Floral Bow Tie
Thomas Mason
Sold by: Barneys New York

Shop It
Fit Guide
We are always looking for an opportunity to incorporate a dapper bow tie in to our looks, especially once the weather turns warm. It’s such a simple way to dress up an outfit, and add loads of sartorial personality. This Thomas Mason (known for their amazing fabrics) navy cotton bow tie has a white and red floral foulard pattern that is great for summer and perfect with a linen or cotton sport coat in tan or navy.
https://bonobos.com/products/foundation-linen-trouser?color=grey%20glen%20plaid Bonobos - Foundation Linen Trouser
Bonobos - Foundation Linen Trouser
X
Bonobos - Foundation Linen Trouser
Foundation Linen Trouser
Bonobos
Sold by: Bonobos

Shop It
Fit Guide
The sophisticated grey plaid pattern of these linen flat front trousers makes for a timeless fashion statement that will get you all the right kinds of attention. Add a simple white linen or cotton button up shirt to keep your look effortless and sophisticated. If you want to add a 3rd piece, go with a navy linen jacket or sweater to play off the pant’s texture. With such a fine look, you may not guess these are from Bonobos, but they are – so you’ll really like the price for the quality and style. Bonobos offers most of their styles in multiple fits, so every gent can get in on the fun. These trousers come in Straight (for a more relaxed, modern fit) and Slim (for a contemporary fit). They look great in both, so go for the fit that best suits you.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/boss-floyd-drawstring-linen-trousers/4072616?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=WHITE BOSS Hugo Boss - Floyd Drawstring Linen Trousers
BOSS Hugo Boss - Floyd Drawstring Linen Trousers
X
BOSS Hugo Boss - Floyd Drawstring Linen Trousers
Floyd Drawstring Linen Trousers
BOSS Hugo Boss
Sold by: Nordstrom

Shop It
Fit Guide
Garden Luncheon Picks. Last week, we talked about the importance of timeless white this season – it’s become a stylish statement. So wearing a pair of white linen pants for an afternoon outdoors is a perfect choice. And this favorite from Hugo Boss ensures that you’ll get a great modern fit and high quality fabric, which are both key factors in picking the right pair of white linen pants. You don’t want them to be too fitted or lightweight so they don’t appear clingy or sheer. These deliver on both counts and look downright masculine with a pattern linen or cotton button up shirt. They have a drawstring waist, for a casual look. But they also have belt loops, so you can add a belt with a blue or tan linen blazer for a polished look.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/boss-menvin-trim-fit-cotton-twill-sport-coat/3915270 BOSS Hugo Boss - Menvin Trim Fit Cotton Twill Sport Coat
BOSS Hugo Boss - Menvin Trim Fit Cotton Twill Sport Coat
X
BOSS Hugo Boss - Menvin Trim Fit Cotton Twill Sport Coat
Menvin Trim Fit Cotton Twill Sport Coat
BOSS Hugo Boss
Sold by: Hugo Boss

Shop It
Fit Guide
A cotton sport coat is always a safe choice for a luncheon, and a summer staple you should have in your rotation. Hugo Boss’s version has casually sporty finishes, like patch pockets, and a modern fit that is updated but not too trim – which you’ll appreciate on a warmer day. It is just the right shade of tan that goes with most everything, especially these super soft olive or deep navy twill jeans.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Michael-Kors-Seith-Gingham-Sport-Shirt-Tidal/prod176710843_cat21150732__/p.prod Michael Kors - Seith Gingham Sport Shirt
Michael Kors - Seith Gingham Sport Shirt
X
Michael Kors - Seith Gingham Sport Shirt
Seith Gingham Sport Shirt
Michael Kors
Sold by: Neiman Marcus

Shop It
Fit Guide
A crisp gingham button down is always a good option for a luncheon. The spread collar, fine cotton and contrast trim on the placket of this Michael Kors pick gives it a casual, but still polished, look. Wear it with tan, white or grey pants, and throw on a tan or blue sport coat, if you want to dress it up a bit.
http://www.zappos.com/cole-haan-zerogrand-wing-ox-british-tan Cole Haan - Zerogrand Wing OX Shoes
Cole Haan - Zerogrand Wing OX Shoes
X
Cole Haan - Zerogrand Wing OX Shoes
Zerogrand Wing OX Shoes
Cole Haan
Sold by: Zappos

Shop It
Fit Guide
We know the right shoe to wear to a luncheon can be a struggle for some gents. This British tan lace up from Cole Haan has the casual fashion details, like varied perforation and lugged outsole that are just right for a garden luncheon. The tan color works great with any neutral color pants and jeans. And they are just so cool – they’re sure to get you on the “best dressed list” at the party.
https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/NewArrivals/shirts/PRDOVR~C3648/C3648.jsp J.Crew - Secret Wash Short-sleeve Shirt in Sailfish Print
J.Crew - Secret Wash Short-sleeve Shirt in Sailfish Print
Pool Party Picks. A novelty short sleeve button up is a great shirt for a pool party because it can be worn with shorts or swim trunks, and gives you a bit more of a polished look than a simple t-shirt will provide. J.Crew’s use of a retro fish print is fun and current, and the washed cotton fabric is super soft so it has a relaxed vibe. It’s even offered in a regular or slimmer, contemporary fit for every gent to enjoy.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/peter-millar-summer-check-swim-trunks/3883073 Peter Millar - Summer Check Swim Trunks
Peter Millar - Summer Check Swim Trunks
X
Peter Millar - Summer Check Swim Trunks
Summer Check Swim Trunks
Peter Millar
Sold by: Nordstrom

Shop It
Fit Guide
If you are uncertain whether to wear your swim trunks or shorts to the party, these Peter Millar swim trunks will have you covered. Click through the ‘shop it’ button to see how, with the addition of a simple t-shirt, polo, or even button up shirt, no one will know you’re ready to hit the water. The trouser front styling, side entry pockets and back flap pocket makes them look like shorts. And the quick dry fabric will let you jump right in to the pool. You’ll be dried off and ready for the next activity, without changing, in a snap.
http://www.vince.com/iconic-essentials/favorite-jersey-v-neck-tee/invt/vnmr7778201&color=Heather%20Steel Vince - Favorite Jersey V-Neck Tee
Vince - Favorite Jersey V-Neck Tee
Of course, a quintessential t-shirt is always just right for a pool party, whether you’re wearing it with your swim trunks or later on with your shorts or jeans. Vince’s contemporary fit and high quality make their Favorite Tee a favorite of ours. This version has a great-fitting high v-neck for a modern look, and the 100% cotton fabric is really soft, yet very durable. It’s a t-shirt you’ll have for a long time, so start with this heather grey for a universal color that goes with everything. There are some other great neutrals through the ‘shop it’ button, as well.
http://www.zappos.com/base-london-fry-2-navy Fish 'n' Chips by Base London - Fry 2 Shoes
Fish 'n' Chips by Base London - Fry 2 Shoes
X
Fish 'n' Chips by Base London - Fry 2 Shoes
Fry 2 Shoes
Fish 'n' Chips by Base London
Sold by: Zappos

Shop It
Fit Guide
A water friendly casual slip-on shoe is a must-have for any pool party. Fish ‘n’ Chips – the cool and casual line from Base London men’s footwear line – created this comfortable and easy navy version and they will go with everything. The mesh upper is breathable so your feet won’t get hot or too wet, and the white trim on the outer sole is a subtle fashion statement that feels just right. You’ll wear these all summer long. Note: These are done in European sizes, which are equivalent to 7-13. Click on the 'size chart' link in product copy through the 'shop it' button for a complete chart.
http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Men/Pants/PRD_T18927/Baja+Linen+5Pocket+Authentic+Fit+Pants.jsp Tommy Bahama - Baja Linen 5-Pocket Authentic Fit Pants
Tommy Bahama - Baja Linen 5-Pocket Authentic Fit Pants
X
Tommy Bahama - Baja Linen 5-Pocket Authentic Fit Pants
Baja Linen 5-Pocket Authentic Fit Pants
Tommy Bahama
Sold by: Tommy Bahama

Shop It
Fit Guide
Backyard Graduation Party Picks. In today’s world, jeans are acceptable for almost any occasion, and this cotton and linen version from Tommy Bahama will give you that same comfortably casual feeling, but you’ll look more polished than if you were wearing a traditional denim pair of jeans. The fit is relaxed but with a narrower leg opening that, when combined with this lightweight textured fabric in fresh grey (called Ocean Deep through the ‘shop it’ button), make them a really modern looking pair of pants. Wear them with plain toe oxfords to dress up the outfit or a canvas slip on or sneaker for a more casual look. A patterned sport shirt or solid polo will complete the look.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/billy-reid-donelson-standard-fit-short-sleeve-dobby-linen-sport-shirt/3916659 Billy Reid - Donelson Standard Fit Short Sleeve Dobby Linen Sport Shirt
Billy Reid - Donelson Standard Fit Short Sleeve Dobby Linen Sport Shirt
A graduation is a time to celebrate, so make it special with this extraordinary shirt from Billy Reid. Crafted in Italy, the washed red linen is actually a dobby linen, which just means it is woven to have a subtle geometric pattern in it. The result is truly exquisite and perfectly complimented by the contemporary fit and added design details, like two welt chest pockets and a gusseted hem. It’s also extremely versatile so you can wear it with shorts or jeans. But if you’re dressing it up a bit, go with tan or white linen pants.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/robert-graham-tijuana-tailored-fit-jacquard-sport-shirt/3902987 Robert Grahama - Tijuana Tailored Fit Jacquard Sport Shirt
Robert Grahama - Tijuana Tailored Fit Jacquard Sport Shirt
X
Robert Grahama - Tijuana Tailored Fit Jacquard Sport Shirt
Tijuana Tailored Fit Jacquard Sport Shirt
Robert Grahama
Sold by: Nordstrom

Shop It
Fit Guide
A sport shirt with a cool pattern makes for a great casual party shirt, ideal for a backyard party. Robert Graham always delivers when it comes to unique prints and patterns, and this grey cotton jacquard (meaning, the pattern is woven right in to the fabric) is no exception. Robert Graham’s modern fit and iconic contrast pattern trim give this shirt just the right finish. So roll up the sleeves, add a great pair of soft twill jeans or solid shorts, and let the fun begin.
http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Men/Polos/PRD_TR211588/Bali+Sky+Polo.jsp Tommy Bahama - Bali Sky Polo
Tommy Bahama - Bali Sky Polo
X
Tommy Bahama - Bali Sky Polo
Bali Sky Polo
Tommy Bahama
Sold by: Tommy Bahama

Shop It
Fit Guide
You’ll never go wrong with a good-looking polo for a backyard party. Tommy Bahama’s is made of 100% pima cotton so it is really soft and gives a basic polo style a bit more of a luxury look with it’s smooth finish. The relaxed fit is easy to wear and has nice design detail with its practical chest pocket and updated looking 2-button placket. The featured poppy coral reef color is one of our favorites, but it is available in so many colors (through the ‘shop it’ button), you may decide you need more than one.
 

Comments (0)

 
how to