Blue: A Summer Staple for Casual Days

John Varvatos does dress clothes to casual clothes, and does them well. John Varvatos Star USA is his slightly more contemporary line, which includes many smart pieces, like this polo. The slub jersey and fresh shade of pale blue, with whipstitch detailing, give a traditional polo style an updated look that works with jeans, shorts, or chinos. (What’s slub jersey, you may ask? It basically means the fabric has a knobbly effect, so it isn’t smooth. Click through, via the “shop it” button to zoom in on the product and see for yourself.)

How can we not love a pair of pants that have the comfort of pajamas, but look this great? You can leave your button-down shirt untucked or just slightly tucked in front, so most of the waist band is concealed. These will look great on the weekend, out on the lake, or for a casual dinner. Wear it with any polo or casual button-down.

This updated shawl collar silhouette is a great option for a summer sweater. It's perfect to have on hand to layer over your t-shirt, once the sun goes down or the wind starts blowing at the beach. It works with shorts, cotton or linen pants, and jeans. Can't you see yourself wearing this on an evening boat ride?

Brooks Brothers is known for their classic style, and easy fit. This shirt is from their Red Fleece line, which is a bit more modern and updated take on their iconic preppy look. The fit is a bit trimmer than most Brooks Brothers styles. This versatile plaid will work with jeans, chinos, or a tan pair of shorts. Easy!

Vince is a great contemporary line, filled with timeless – yet still of-the-moment – pieces, like this hoodie. The heather grey lining makes it so much more than a boring hooded sweatshirt. Perfect for an evening toasting marshmallows.

Tommy Bahama uses the softest of cottons, and the contrast stitch detail on this t-shirt keeps it looking a bit more updated than your basic T-shirt.

The open placket on this collared shirt from Theory takes casual to a new level. This shirt has a great drape to it, thanks to the linen fabric. The rich fabrication also takes this shirt up a notch, making it a great option for a casual meal at the club or drinks with friends. It works just as well with dark jeans as it does with a pair of shorts.

This blue almost reads as a neutral. And it's from Vince, so you know they are going to be soft and comfortable in their contemporary fit. Of course, they work with any white, grey, tan, or black shirt, but don't be afraid to pair it with some color like this striped yellow t-shirt.

Can we really talk about blue without talking about denim? One of our favorite universal fits, is the AG Protégé. The wash we’ve chosen, Hunts, has some light whiskering, so they don’t look brand spankin’ new.

When dressing casually, you want to feel comfortable but not sloppy. These Vans do just that. Wear them with shorts, jeans, or chinos...just wear 'em.