Summer Style Odyssey: Volume I

1 Man, 3 Outfits, 3 Adventures: The first of a three part series chronicling my summer style escapades, each documenting an infallible go-to personal style accompanied by a new locale and adventure befitting their aura and personality

It is only fitting to start my summer style odyssey at my family home, a place in which so many lasting memories and stories, and the personal tales to accompany them, are all ingrained into its very essence, its beating heart. It is the birthplace of my style, being omnipresent during every single (and literal) step of the way from the initial trials and misfires of style purgatory I experienced during a misguided (sartorially speaking) adolescence to the current  zone of personal sartorial bliss I now live with everyday. 

It counts as an enduring inspiration on my outlook of not only life, but also of my realization of the liberating capabilities that style can have when you are presented with an unrestricted and judge-free atmosphere that encourages experimentation and individuality. We all must "discover" our personal style, and home for me always afforded the luxuries to accomplish just that, rendering it fully deserving of a proper homage. From the Nor'wester Mountains in my backyard, to the vast farmlands enveloping it in every direction, to the omnipresent and lively wildlife inhibiting its lands, it is simply a place of tranquility, peace, and comfort—a personal refuge and loving haven. And it is the jump-off of what I can only hope will be an eventful summer. So, let the photography speak of its beauty while I expound upon the stylish details I've chosen to reflect its personality.

Fittingly, like the bright light it has brought into my life, I felt compelled to pull together a get-up worthy of its celebration, an outfit befitting of its radiance and the natural aesthetics and colour scheme that are painted into its surrounding landscape, a look that is grounded in both the ideals and laid-back vibe that country life dictates — one beaming with life, vibrancy, and character. 

Now, I know colours can be intimidating to some, especially bold choices like yellow…but don't shy away from the opportunity to add a healthy dose of warmth to your wardrobe. Yes, there is safety in neutrals. We all believe in them and commonly reach for our blacks, greys, beiges, whites —our style comfort zone — and for good reason: we ALL look classically handsome and feel confident when draped in them. But summer is about sunshine, road trips, and daily adventures that you simply get lost in, embracing the uncertainty that they offer. And just like the sun, you to should not be afraid to shine. So, steal a little splash of its life-giving aura for your own sartorial benefit by smartly incorporating it into your trousers. They are a safe bet (unlike a yellow shirt, which for those of us with a fairer complexion, are difficult to pull off) that will not only elevate your style to a new level, but also boost your moral and, naturally, your happiness. 

And if you needed anymore convincing, I promise you will be on the receiving end of many a compliment, rendering you as radiant as those glorious two-legged wonders covering you south-of-the-border. Suffice to say, yellow can be intimidating to pull off. But if done like this, sticking to this one simple rule — keeping your yellow below the belt — you will be fine, I promise. And always remember that, just like when adding any other strong/statement element/colour to your wardrobe selection, the rest of your outfit should be more subdued, complimenting the boldness of that one said choice (just like I have done here with the rest of the getup complimenting the trousers).

Kitted & Fitted = Ready For Action

Now, I too had been hesitant to embrace the breakup of my own style colour monotony, but this recent leap-of-faith was enlightening and I could not be happier or more reassured that my reluctancy was simply a fallacy. I've never received so many compliments from such a large demographic of women in my life than on the day I first sported this look. I took it for a stroll through my adopted hometown and received so many compliments that it is hard to recall them all. But from what I do remember (and one must also remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so while I may be one person's definition of good looking, another could think the exact opposite), I was called "out of this world handsome", asked by one lovely lady for my number to give to her daughter, and even commented on by someone asking me if "I was a European foreigner simply visiting". All this was very flattering and was accompanied by its fair share of playful flirtation, but what was most elevating of it all was the initial feeling I had when I first put it on and it all just felt so natural — just right! Wearing this made me feel like I was carrying a piece of home with me everywhere I went.

Of course, the trousers were not the only part of the outfit. Rounding out, and fully complimenting my new go-to yellow summer trousers, was my favourite summer sport coat/blazer (linen-cotton blend), which is the perfect neutral building block for any summer wardrobe — lightweight, breathable, and beautifully textured, I could not ask for more from it. Playing best supporting actor up top was a slim-fitting short-sleeved blue and white polka-dot shirt with rolled up sleeves. This shirt adds character and pattern to the whole look, creating a more appealing aesthetic. And the party on my feet was attended to by some very euro-centric breton-stripe (nautical) espadrilles. They are to me, aside from some good loafers, the quintessential summer shoe, emanating a distinctly strong summer vibe. The accompanying accessories consisted of a multi-banded bracelet, silver dress watch, and a simple white linen pocket square. And like so many of my wardrobe choices, the finishing touch was my always timeless, dependable, and beautiful Ray-Ban Clubmasters. Not all people can pull these off, but when you can they just give every look that extra touch of elegance. They are the sartorial equivalent of a hole-in-one. And just like home, they bring all the pieces together in making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. This look, just like home, is beaming with personality and life, making it the perfect wearable representation of what my family home means to me.

For a thorough breakdown of this outfit, check back next month as I will be profiling it as my "July Style of the Month".

What Are Your Thoughts?/Next Time On…

Would you sport some yellow or are you more inclined to a fresh pastel like sea green or lavender? Or are you strictly a summer neutrals type of guy (which my next post in this series will be detailing…possibly in a park)?