4 Outfits: Casual & Upscale Summer Party Style

Laid-back Outdoor Gatherings Outfit #1
Why is it a Find? For a casual get together, this short sleeve pattern shirt is a party pleaser. The windowpane pattern has a subtle mix of white and yellow that gives the blue ground a really nice pop for Summer. The silk and cotton fabric has a light texture to it, which makes it just a bit more interesting – and boy, is it soft.
Wear it with: The subtle color combination is just right for all your neutral pants and shorts – think tan, stone, white and grey.
Fit Tip: It is a relaxed, gentleman’s fit.

Why is it a Find? Peter Millar’s lightweight cotton pullover will give you that lightweight layer of warmth you may need when that outdoor party continues once the sun goes down on a cool day or in the evening. It is a versatile piece that a gent can dress up for the office or a night out and dress down for the weekends.
Wear it with: Here, we’re recommending this sweater to be worn over the short sleeve button up we’re highlighting in this look. And the neutral color and versatile style works over a long sleeve button up for the office, or over a t-shirt for a the weekend. The easy styling and cotton material is even great to throw into your beach bag to wear with your swim trunks at the end of the day.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, comfortable for most every gent.
Alternatives: This sweater is a wardrobe staple, so check it out in blue and white, too.

Why is it a Find? White just says, “Summer” and Peter Millar uses it in these 5-pocket pants for a modern way to update your jeans and be just as comfortable, thanks to the super soft cotton sateen fabric. You’ll wear them for casual parties, as we’re showing today, but also to restaurants and casual days at the office all season long.
Wear it with: They’re white, and the silhouette is clearly a staple, so they go with everything in your closet. Not only are they a perfect mate with the Tommy Bahama shirt we’re featuring in this outfit, they work with button ups, polos, and t-shirts alike. You can even add a cotton or linen sport coat for a day at the office or a nicer night out.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern with plenty of room in the seat and thigh. It is good for most guys.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer, contemporary fit, AG’s version is for you.

Why is it a Find? Sneakers are a gent’s “go-to” casual shoes, right? This pair from Dune London is so much more than just plain ole’ sneakers, though. Made of a suede that has a micro-perforated texture (check it out through the ‘shop it’ button) with a modern contrasting leather and stitch detail around the heel, these sneakers exude casual cool. Head off to a party, go to the office on an informal day, or just hang out around town – they won’t disappoint.
Wear it with: The subtle contrast of color looks great with white pants, as we’re highlighting in this outfit. But the neutral color works with any neutral, jeans, or a colorful shorts – you’ll surely reach for these over and over.
Fit Tip: Because the brand offers European sizing, they are only available in US whole sizes, so size up if you wear a half-size. The conversion to US sizing is noted through the ‘shop it’ button.
Alternatives: For a truly casual canvas alternative, these Converse sneakers have a similar attitude.

Laid-back Outdoor Gatherings Outfit #2
Why is it a Find? We are pretty obsessed with this cotton cardigan from Polo Ralph Lauren. The smaller shawl collar and slouched patched pockets give it the ideal casual attitude that can be thrown on with most any outfit all Summer long. The perfect shade of blue reads almost like denim, so it simply goes with everything. Think of it as your favorite sweatshirt, with a whole lot more style.
Wear it with: We’re showing you this cardigan with a button down and twill pants for an easy weekend look that works outdoors and in. But you can wear it with simply everything from olive cargo pants to jeans or shorts. Throw it on over a t-shirt for a truly laidback look.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, not too oversized yet easy to layer. For a more relaxed fit, size up one size.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trim and contemporary fit, this Original Paperbacks cardigan has a similar attitude and can be worn the same way.

Why is it a Find? As you may know, we are not afraid of pink. And J.Crew artfully incorporates it in this Tattersall pattern, with shades of blue, for a combination that any gent can feel comfortable in. Made in J.Crew’s Secret Wash cotton fabric, it’s seriously soft with a look that’s the perfect balance between broken-in, yet still crisp.
Wear it with: The pops of blues and pink against the crisp white ground color of this shirt is just right under the featured indigo cardigan in this outfit. And works under a navy blazer or crewneck sweater, too. Yet, it easily holds its own with just jeans or your favorite cotton pants, too.
Fit Tip: This shirt is available in J.Crew’s Regular fit, which is modern and not too fitted, as well as their Slim fit for a more contemporary look that’s still not too tight. And it comes in Tall, too, so this is a shirt for every gent.
Alternatives: If you prefer an easier fit, this Peter Millar shirt is for you.

Why is it a Find? These Paige cotton twill pants are the perfect shade of tan that will become your wardrobe workhorse all season long. Styled like your favorite jeans, they are made of a Japanese cotton fabric that has a touch of polyurethane, which just means that they are super comfortable and stylishly soft.
Wear it with: The neutrality of these pants will go with most any shirt, sweater and sport coat in your closet – well beyond the outfit we’re showing them with today. They have a polished enough finish that can be dressed up with a button up shirt and sport coat for a casual office day. Throw on a t-shirt or polo when you’re just running around town.
Fit Tip: The fit is contemporary, with an updated straighter leg that doesn’t read as “skinny”.
Alternatives: If your size is already sold out through the ‘shop it’ button, there are still some left at the Paige site where you will also get free shipping and returns.

Why is it a Find? Slip-ons shoes always feel backyard-right and this slub linen version from Sanuk has just the right attitude for a laidback Summer party. They even have a removable insole that provides a bit of arch support, a big plus for comfort not always found in this kind of style.
Wear it with: The natural tan color with the white rubber sole compliments the outfit we’re showing them with here, and works with any cotton or linen casual pants – shorts and swim trunks, too.
Fit Tip: Available in whole sizes only, these shoes run small so size up if you are between sizes.
Alternatives: There is a great light grey option through the ‘shop it’ button, too. And, hey, having both colors will cover of all your Summer needs.

Upscale Outdoor Parties Outfit #1
Why is it a Find? For those more formal outdoor wedding and graduation parties when you want to look your best, this lightweight wool Canali sport coat is sophisticated and handsome, in a soft tan and blue windowpane/houndstooth pattern that give it a celebratory and summery feel. You will not be disappointed by Canali’s truly luxurious quality. Once you invest in a piece from this Italian manufacturer, you will confidently wear it for years.
Wear it with: It looks great with or without a tie and can be worn with a multitude of shirt and pant options, so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it, season after season. We are showing it with a pattern blue shirt, tie, and cotton flat front pants. And you can dress it up even further with a crisp white shirt, and tan or grey wool flat front pants. When you want a more casual look, just pair it with jeans.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, so it has a timeless look that is ideal for most every gent.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer more contemporary fit, you won’t go wrong with this Hugo Boss sport coat.

Why is it a Find? This blue gingham check dress shirt from David Donahue picks up the soft blue in the jacket featured in this outfit and creates a modern look by showing off how to wear two patterns together in a posh and dapper way. It has French cuffs too, which gives you the perfect opportunity to add some additional personality to the outfit, too.
Wear it with: Besides wearing this shirt with the pattern sport coat we’re featuring in this outfit, it’s ideal for any of your grey, blue or tan suits and sport coats. While it looks great with a spaced stripe or solid tie (as we’re suggesting here), it looks just as good without a tie.
Fit Tip: The fit is a relaxed gentleman’s fit, ensuring you’ll be comfortable all day long.
Alternatives: If you are looking for a trimmer, contemporary fit, Hugo Boss offers a great alternative.

Why is it a Find? Because we are putting together an upscale outdoor party look, we’re choosing Peter Millar’s stretch cotton flat fronts pants. They have a dressier look than those basic washed chinos you already have in your closet, and the stone color is ideal for an afternoon event. Besides, you’ll get plenty of use out of them, whether you’re heading to the office or golf course, too.
Wear it with: These are simply great basic cotton pants. They work well with the sport coat and shirt in this outfit, and pair with any sport shirt for a casual day at the office or dinner. You can even pair them with a polo when you’re going to cut your day short to head out for a golf outing.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, good-looking on most every gent.
Alternatives: They come in a couple other great neutrals through the ‘shop it’ button, too. If you prefer a contemporary, trimmer fit, choose these Hugo Boss pants, instead.

Why is it a Find? Rag & Bone’s solid navy silk knit tie gives this look a polished finish. The unique texture and 2 ½” width is modern, but not too skinny, giving you that updated – yet, always appropriate - look.
Wear it with: The solid color of this tie makes it easy to wear with patterned sport coats and suits, as we’re suggesting here, but also looks great with patterned shirts and/or under a sweater. The knit material keeps it from being too serious.

Why is it a Find? These Donald J. Pliner shoes prove you are ready for a party, and know how to do it in style. The mix of linen fabric and leather trim merges weekend casual with a dressed up feel. The result? Amazing looking shoes, ideal for an upscale outdoor event (the bright green rubber sole is tailor-made for some grass), a night out, and for any creative work environment.
Wear it with: The tan linen color coordinates with all your neutral cotton and linen pants, and the rugged sole stands up to any of your favorite jeans in any wash. Don’t let the sole and shoelace color deter you from wearing some color in your shirt choice. In additional to neutral white, navy, grey, etc., they also look great with blues, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Pattern shirts with a variety of color easily match, too.
Fit Tip: They run true to size, and Donald J.Pliner’s high Italian quality ensures comfort.
Alternatives: They come in an equally cool black/dark red combination through the ‘shop it’ button, too.

Why is it a Find? David Donahue’s sterling silver cuff links have an orange and yellow pattern inlay that adds a pop of Summer color that perfectly compliments - and completes - the outfit we’ve put together here. But it’s a color combination that adds some fun color to any of your suit and sport coat looks.
Wear it with: Wear it with any of your French cuff shirts, when you want to add some dapper color. They look especially good with crisp white or blue (bold or pale).
Alternatives: If you prefer a less conspicuous pair of cufflinks, these sterling silver knots are truly timeless and go with everything.

Upscale Outdoor Parties Outfit #2
Why is it a Find? The microcheck pattern of navy and white in this J.Crew cotton sport coat gives any party outfit instant style. It has a soft construction and is unlined, so you get a casual look and comfort in warm weather, while still appearing dressed up. The pattern is small and tight, so it’s a fun alternative to that basic navy blazer.
Wear it with: Today’s outfit highlights this jacket with a simple linen shirt and pop of color in a pair of cotton chinos. And the versatility of this jacket lends itself to neutral cotton or linen pants, and dark wash jeans, too. You can even wear it with pattern shirts. Just make sure the pattern of the shirt balances with the tight check pattern of the jacket - it should contrast, not blend.
Fit Tip: The Ludlow fit is J.Crew’s somewhat trimmer, contemporary fit that is really dapper with just the right updated feel for most gents. And it’s available in Short, Regular, and Long.
Alternatives: If you prefer an easier fit, you’ll love JKT New York’s cotton sport coat.

Why is it a Find? J.Crew’s white linen button up shirt has the perfect texture, look and – most importantly – comfort level for an outdoor event. It looks great under the sport coat featured in this outfit, as well as on its own if it gets too hot to keep that jacket on. Made of beautiful Irish linen from Baird McNutt, it is so soft, while still retaining that crisp linen character.
Wear it with: You can, and should, wear a white linen shirt with everything once the weather warms up. Besides this look, wear it to the office or evenings out with khakis or jeans. And it can be worn under a linen sport coat as easily as under a cotton one. Style it casually with shorts or even thrown it on with your swim trunks when you head to an outdoor beach bar for a cocktail.
Fit Tip: This shirt is available in J.Crew’s Regular fit, which is modern and not too fitted, as well as their Slim fit for a more contemporary look that’s still not too tight. And it comes in Tall, too, so this is a shirt for every gent.
Alternatives: It comes in a great-looking navy through the ‘shop it’ button, too. If you prefer an easier, relaxed fit, we suggest Peter Millar’s linen shirt.

Why is it a Find? Soft colors are a big trend this season and these flat front cotton chinos from Bonobos in cameo pink are the perfect shade of pink – fresh, yet masculine in their dusty tone. Bonobos is one of our favorites for their well-priced, and even better made, chinos in a soft and wonderfully lightweight fabric that is ideal for Summer wear.
Wear it with: These pants give the jacket featured in this outfit, a fresh party look. And of course, they work with the white linen shirt on their own. On other days, most shades of blue shirts work well with the cameo pink color, while a heather grey t-shirt has just the right contrast.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern with a narrower leg and slightly lower rise that gives any gent an updated look.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer, contemporary fit, Bonobos also makes these chinos in a slim fit version.

Why is it a Find? These Donald J Pliner Italian leather oxfords capture the best styles of the season - a wing tip upper, with a rubber sneaker-like sole. And it’s the details that make it so special for a party atmosphere. You just can’t overlook the stylish perforated details in the leather or the amazing white and navy flecked sole.
Wear it with: For the look we’re showing here, the navy/white color combination perfectly picks up the colors of the jacket and nicely balances the pop of color in the pants. They look great with any neutral bottoms, though, including your favorite jeans.
Fit Tip: They run true to size, and Donald J.Pliner’s high Italian quality ensures comfort.