What To Wear (& Pack) This Weekend Whether Venturing To The Beach, Woods, or Taking A Staycation
Surely a minor contrivance in the grander scheme of things for most to be sure, but one that is nevertheless becoming more pressing in importance as the weekend (and your innate sartorial inclination to always being properly put together) readily creeps up.
So, is it one last trip to the beach house that awaits? Or perhaps it is a secluded getaway to a cabin in the woods that lays on the horizon? Or maybe it is simply a homely staycation that is in the cards?
Whatever the occasion calls for (and the itinerary dictates), this feature may well have your styling needs covered.
Essentially, it is a sartorialists guide detailing what to wear to three of the most popular Labour Day weekend vacations, one intended to placate and prevent any pressing styling concerns or irritations from carrying over into what may well be an otherwise well thought out weekend of planned events.
And with that, and without further ado, here is what to wear (and pack) to charmingly breeze through this upcoming holiday weekend (and beyond) in sheer comfort and style…
Revisit, if you will, one last time the essential staples of the dog days of the season with this stylish ode to summer that can take you from the seaside cottage to the boardwalk lobster shack with relative ease this holiday weekend. Anchored down by a (just substantial enough to wear in the heat and cold/ not to stiff or cumbersome to move in) slim-cut cable-knit Fisherman crewneck sweater — which it is an ageless investment, scion of summer style, and a transitional season godsend all in one — this is a polished look that is reliant upon simply designed, nautically-inspired pieces that are tonally washed out, easy to wear, and devoid of any unnecessary embellishments. Speaking of the cable-knit pullover, its ribbed weave and minimalist detailing add a welcomed touch of textural contrast alongside that of an air of sophisticated cool (courtesy of its regimented sailing heritage) to this otherwise plain and texturally uniformed ensemble. A classic four-season staple at its core, I’ve opted for styling it atop (you could also drape it upon your shoulders in the vein of the preppy beach set if you prefer) a floral patterned short-sleeved button-up (cotton-poplin) and white stretch cotton-twill tapered shorts in a manner that purposefully brings to the forefront (and to attention) not only its nautical origins but also that of its enduring (and timeless) modern styling merits. Simple enough, and with the foundation of the look all but set in stone, all that remains would be settling upon proper footwear. And seeing as this may well be you last trip to the beach, why not sidestep both sneakers and even boat shoes (which, mind you, would certainly work but are too predictable) in lieu of a more bohemian/nautical styling route that entails artfully tacking on a pair of upgraded lace-up (breathable) mesh hybrid espadrille-sneakers (jute and rubber sole) in order to create a charming look that is just different enough to distance you from the pack whilst still remaining (in styling essence) relatable to the occasion at hand. So, if you desire a dialled down look that inspirationally pays respects to summer and that can comfortably carry you through your nautical backdropped Labour Day festivities without a blip, then this charming take on late season laissez-faire breeziness is indeed one to pick up on. Simple, after all, is often the most endearing route to understated sartorial elegance. |
Whether it be a romantic getaway for two to a reclusive cabin in the woods or just a spur of the moment road trip (with friends or family) to the nearest national park for a day of adventure (or weekend of camping/glamping), Mother Nature — and her rustic countryside and rolling hills — has an enduring draw (especially to those with an adventurous spirit) that will never wane. In that vein, why not fully embrace what she has to offer — and get a jump start on restocking your autumn wardrobe basics in the process — by investing in this visually intriguing, texturally supple look that will likely prove to be a layering boon come the brisk transitional season that lays ahead. Definitively earthy and tonally subdued, every individual piece — from the slim-fitted premium denim garment dyed jeans (visually contrasting + subtly discreet and fuss-free) through the spotlight stealing beige alpaca/wool blend belted cardigan (luxurious comfort + functional protection) — is made (often handmade) with the upmost of care and bring to the occasion the ultimate mixture of utilitarian style, creature comfort, and practical versatility. Having said that, and working in unison with the aforementioned cardigan and jeans, a pair of hardwearing Eastland Seneca chukka boots (leather construction, fully lined, cushioned insole, and a shock-absorbing rubber outsole) and a hardy timepiece like Shinola’s flagship Runwell field watch — with its signature leather topstitching, make in America branding, and guaranteed lifelong excellence — are tastefully considered finishing touches that align perfectly with the general bucolic aesthetic of the entire look. All-in-all, this ensemble bespeaks of pure heritage Americana at its finest through-and-through and is an outfit ready and able for active country duty no matter where your Labour Day weekend takes you. |
The point of a staycation is for one to simply retire to the comforting recesses of his home to enjoy some R&R without nary a demand, distraction, or worry to contend with. No travel plans to map out, no bags to pack…no added responsibility. That said, that needn’t mean that a gent should throw all structured formality out of the proverbial window; nor does it mean that he should simply resort to wearing the same old t-shirt, sneakers, and joggers combo that so often goes hand-in-hand with what most perceive to be the best route to comfortable style — the norm in other words. On the contrary, opt for marking the end of summer by sporting something that is unexpected at home; a look that is a touch more formally genteel but nevertheless still as cozy and easy-to-wear as your typical go-to leisurewear. A look much alike the one styled above, which tastefully straddles the sartorial frontier between polished smart and casual cool — with its slim proportions, clean lines, unstructured forms, and masculine palette — in a most charming (if only to yourself) manner. Immediately drawing in the eye for most would be the (slim-cut) fine gauge blended cashmere and silk turtleneck. Lightweight (perfect for late summer, early autumn) and crafted with the ability to stretch and still retain its shape, its deep burgundy tone is masculine and sophisticated while its solid (one colour) foundation and transitional layering capabilities (it can be worn sans the blazer) will likely prove to be advantageous thought the upcoming seasonal transition. Ditto goes for the deconstructed cotton-wool double-breasted camel blazer as well as the neatly pressed pair of soft grey wool woven trousers (in a subtle houndstooth check) — all of which together offer what is a most considered take on “staycation style" that is not only sensibly refreshing but also elegantly intoxicating. Last but certainly not least, and yours truly' favourite component of the look, is a pair of plush handmade Fox Russell Check Albert slippers. Quintessentially British in their heritage patterning and imparted charm, they supplement the ensemble with a rakish vivacity that elevates the complete look to another level. Lightweight (see a pattern building here), flexible and supremely accommodating, the slippers feature a pure woollen checked outer, satin lining, and leather sole that will keep your feet feeling warm, (structurally) snug, and looking undeniably stylish no matter where the weekend itinerary takes you — from ones home to out-and-about the town, as it were, surveying the local landscape and all it has to offer. Considered as a whole, this look will boldly transition you (in comfort) from a genteel afternoon game of chess in your study to a late-night romantic dinner with that special someone (or someones) for years to come (and not just this Labour Day weekend). |
So, fashionably dip those toes one final time into the sand, take in the fleeting resplendence of Mother Nature's glorious summer bounty, or just simply retire to your home for some long overdue R&R…and do so in sheer comfort and utter style.
From the backcountry to the city and from the beach to the private study, here's to enjoying whatever the weekend has in the cards for you.
Good tidings gents!
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