ith an intrepid sartorial spirit that yearns for a spell of tastefully stylized summer adventure at the fore and a navigational sextant that points to a romanticized form of tropical island (and high sea) holiday escapism comes this 10-piece capsule wardrobe fit for the modern day (style-conscious) Robinson Crusoe at heart.
|
Spurned on (and inspired by) the sun-drenched fictional tales of a number of renowned literary figures and silver-screen icons alike (namely Robinson Crusoe, Gilligan’s Island, James Bond, and the Swiss Family Robinson), what follows is an elegantly profiled — yet eminently capable — collection of quintessential tropical isle essentials of which you could say have an immediate application that is undoubtably more sartorially considered then rugged or survivalist in its presupposed intent -- less Tom Hanks (Cast Away) and Robinson Crusoe in utility; more Thurston Howell III (Gilligan’s Island), James Bond (Dr. No) and John Robie (To Catch A Thief) in refined style.
To that account, set your mind if you will to breezy, lived-in linen wears rather then industrious tactical vests/gilets; to Breton-stripe jumpers and tailored swimwear in lieu of (makeshift) loincloths and jungle camouflage… to iconic traditional summer (and resort) wardrobe fares with enduring (both occasional/seasonal) merit that are truly deserving of their permanent (gilded) position in the gentleman’s perennial summer holiday wears pantheon.
That being said, this wardrobe capsule is one likely to appeal most to that peculiar set whose formative years were framed with the sort of romantic yarns about marooned (characteristically noble) sailors living in isolated tropical bliss and suave (appropriately attired; island hopping) intelligence operatives outwitting all manner of dubious fiends that would call to action just such a like-minded assemblage of practical yet discerning summer wears.
Be that as it may, it is for all the daydreamers out there whose minds instantly turn to that of glistening sandy beaches that beckon as if they were the hypnotic Sirens of epic Odyssey yore; to pristine turquoise waters that are as vast and invitingly translucent as they are dangerous; and to dark and mysterious (albeit otherwise picturesque) tropical jungles that (seemingly) harbour all manner of guarded (like-altering) hidden secrets.
To that account, set your mind if you will to breezy, lived-in linen wears rather then industrious tactical vests/gilets; to Breton-stripe jumpers and tailored swimwear in lieu of (makeshift) loincloths and jungle camouflage… to iconic traditional summer (and resort) wardrobe fares with enduring (both occasional/seasonal) merit that are truly deserving of their permanent (gilded) position in the gentleman’s perennial summer holiday wears pantheon.
That being said, this wardrobe capsule is one likely to appeal most to that peculiar set whose formative years were framed with the sort of romantic yarns about marooned (characteristically noble) sailors living in isolated tropical bliss and suave (appropriately attired; island hopping) intelligence operatives outwitting all manner of dubious fiends that would call to action just such a like-minded assemblage of practical yet discerning summer wears.
Be that as it may, it is for all the daydreamers out there whose minds instantly turn to that of glistening sandy beaches that beckon as if they were the hypnotic Sirens of epic Odyssey yore; to pristine turquoise waters that are as vast and invitingly translucent as they are dangerous; and to dark and mysterious (albeit otherwise picturesque) tropical jungles that (seemingly) harbour all manner of guarded (like-altering) hidden secrets.
|
|
|
Heretofore, being stranded alone upon a tropical island was considered a dreadful proposition (which it most assuredly would be I'd imagine) but should you otherwise be granted the opportunity to pick-and-choose your wardrobe as you see fit (which I've done before you today) erstwhile seeing out your days living in high style (i.e. perhaps in an elevated luxury beach treehouse) it may quickly become — if painted in such a romantic picture — just the sort of intoxicating holiday escape from the stresses and demands of life you sorely need and desire.
And so it is with that fanciful ideal in mind as well as an endearing sartorial savoir-faire at the fore, an adventurous spirit in tow, and an exquisitely rich and universally flattering summer wardrobe tapestry in hand that this wholesome range of iconically tried-and-true island staples have arrived before you today.
Full of life and marked by what is a distinctive characteristic elegance, these 10 essentials not only channel the fresh and revitalizing energy of the season (not to mention the adventurous spirit of the occasion) but actively reflect the fluid dynamism and aesthetic tastes of a well-rounded modern gentleman of style and substance.
Howbeit, and without any further or ado, here is the featured selection of whimsical (yet well-merited) island wears for those who find themselves in need of a capsule wardrobe to style out their next island holiday to whether they set upon the journey at hand on their own accord or are (for whatever far-fetched reason) cast aimlessly adrift without any matter in the choice…
And so it is with that fanciful ideal in mind as well as an endearing sartorial savoir-faire at the fore, an adventurous spirit in tow, and an exquisitely rich and universally flattering summer wardrobe tapestry in hand that this wholesome range of iconically tried-and-true island staples have arrived before you today.
Full of life and marked by what is a distinctive characteristic elegance, these 10 essentials not only channel the fresh and revitalizing energy of the season (not to mention the adventurous spirit of the occasion) but actively reflect the fluid dynamism and aesthetic tastes of a well-rounded modern gentleman of style and substance.
Howbeit, and without any further or ado, here is the featured selection of whimsical (yet well-merited) island wears for those who find themselves in need of a capsule wardrobe to style out their next island holiday to whether they set upon the journey at hand on their own accord or are (for whatever far-fetched reason) cast aimlessly adrift without any matter in the choice…
If you count yourself amongst those who prefer their (summer) holidays be fashioned upon sun-drenched tropical isles or are of the peculiar ilk who has fantasized about living and experiencing his (or her) own fanciful take therein of the age-old literary tale outlined above, investing in any manner thereof the surrounding 10 essential summer staples will all but ensure you not only experience but also properly see out any such warm-weather occasion in utter style as opposed to (otherwise marooned) sartorial depravity.
Taking to heart the notion that you would have a choice in the matter, this style edit was fashioned to be purposefully (and tastefully) devoid of any stereotypical island-bound style tropes (from loud Hawaiian shirts through impractical sandals) with the onus rather being placed upon highly stylized functional pieces over anything gaudy or strictly survivalist.
And the result?
An exquisite sartorial platter of luxuriously elevated summer staples whose nautical stylings have proven themselves universally appealing, whose tonally neutral colour palette (which is highlighted by varying shades of blue, brown, green, and white) is easy-to-wear, and whose breezy. lightweight, and naturally fabricated (linens, tropical cottons, etc.) silhouettes make for what is at once both a refined and comforting lived-in feel.
Taking to heart the notion that you would have a choice in the matter, this style edit was fashioned to be purposefully (and tastefully) devoid of any stereotypical island-bound style tropes (from loud Hawaiian shirts through impractical sandals) with the onus rather being placed upon highly stylized functional pieces over anything gaudy or strictly survivalist.
And the result?
An exquisite sartorial platter of luxuriously elevated summer staples whose nautical stylings have proven themselves universally appealing, whose tonally neutral colour palette (which is highlighted by varying shades of blue, brown, green, and white) is easy-to-wear, and whose breezy. lightweight, and naturally fabricated (linens, tropical cottons, etc.) silhouettes make for what is at once both a refined and comforting lived-in feel.
It is, in other words, an exquisite, evergreen summer tapestry of ageless icons that in truth is capable of ensuring you both look smart and feel comfortable whether you prefer baking under the shining sun or battling the open seas.
To that effect it all but guarantees your proper comportment of style is capably in hand all season long no matter the nature — from coastline to jungle — of the tropical island locale (or complete lack thereof) awaiting you.
All that being said, and should you not be island bound nor ever likely to be marooned (which is, in truth, a highly unlikely possibility in this day and age) upon your own uninhabited paradise, well then its worth mentioning that you could also (should the notion arise) utilize and rely upon these pieces to form a failsafe summer collection of sorts that you would well in investing in today and living in for seasons to come.
Either or, here's three inspired takes as to how to style them during your next holiday…
To that effect it all but guarantees your proper comportment of style is capably in hand all season long no matter the nature — from coastline to jungle — of the tropical island locale (or complete lack thereof) awaiting you.
All that being said, and should you not be island bound nor ever likely to be marooned (which is, in truth, a highly unlikely possibility in this day and age) upon your own uninhabited paradise, well then its worth mentioning that you could also (should the notion arise) utilize and rely upon these pieces to form a failsafe summer collection of sorts that you would well in investing in today and living in for seasons to come.
Either or, here's three inspired takes as to how to style them during your next holiday…
|
|
Parting Words
|
At once sartorially spirited and (island/sea) adventure ready, this minimalist wardrobe is the perfect summer vehicle to weigh your anchor to whether you intend upon simply wading in the shallows (whilst cutting a rakish dash), forging your own path in a dense and tropical jungle, or are set upon fashioning a newfangled beach homestead upon your own little piece of tropical (island) paradise.
Upon reflection a fashionable treat for both the eyes and soul that is of immediate use (and stylish note) should you be (improbably) shipwrecked or marooned, simply daydream about escaping to a deserted island in solitude, have booked a tropical island jungle/sailing excursion, or just fancy a paired-down, tastefully subtle and refined wardrobe to style out your summer to, this capsule collection is most assuredly capable of outfitting most any varied island destination bout of summer sartorial wanderlust that strikes. And the keys tying it all properly together? Lightweight silhouettes and relaxed (natural) fabrics — linen, seersucker, chambray, silk — that breathe unlike any other, feel immaculate upon the skin, are impeccably tailored, and that arrive in a variety of fashionable guises and flattering nautical hues. |
: Clockwise From Top Left :
Pocket Samurai Knife ($39.95), Ray-Ban Clubmasters ($150) Citizen Divers Watch ($637.50), H&M Weekender ($249), Ralph Lauren Linen Scarf (£75.00) , Matador Pocket Blanket ($29.95) |
That being said, and with realistic (situational) probability notwithstanding, I staunchly believe that it is a gentleman’s prerogative to always be properly prepared and sartorially equipped for any variable plight, adventure or social occasion that arises or befalls him — no matter how farfetched or situated outside the realm of possibility it may seem (which in this instance you could say is but a fanciful pipe dream at best).
And that is precisely why, even should you never be faced with the (truthfully rather unsettling) spectre of being stranded upon a tropical island to fend for yourself with nothing but the clothes on your back (and those washed upon shore), you would still do well in investing in any manner thereof the summer stalwart wardrobe foundation pieces resting before you today.
Why?
Because they are bonafide perennial seasonal stalwarts that have stood the test of time (read: have become arguably immune to trends) and are fully deserving of their pride of place in the permanent canon of iconic summer (island-ready) wardrobe staples. And perhaps because they can be put to proper (transitional) use no matter where in the world you call home or what jet-setting locale you imagine anchoring your life down to this (or any subsequent warm-weather) season.
And that is precisely why, even should you never be faced with the (truthfully rather unsettling) spectre of being stranded upon a tropical island to fend for yourself with nothing but the clothes on your back (and those washed upon shore), you would still do well in investing in any manner thereof the summer stalwart wardrobe foundation pieces resting before you today.
Why?
Because they are bonafide perennial seasonal stalwarts that have stood the test of time (read: have become arguably immune to trends) and are fully deserving of their pride of place in the permanent canon of iconic summer (island-ready) wardrobe staples. And perhaps because they can be put to proper (transitional) use no matter where in the world you call home or what jet-setting locale you imagine anchoring your life down to this (or any subsequent warm-weather) season.
|
And an island melody (for good measure) to cast off to…
|
Howbeit, here’s to embracing the spirit of the (desert island bound) occasion and to wearing each one of these truly flattering and ageless pieces with rakish aplomb and free-spirited candour all season long.
And so it is to that in which I will now simply leave you to ponder a favourite (latin) quote of mine as you set out upon planning your next (intrepid warm-weather) holiday:
And so it is to that in which I will now simply leave you to ponder a favourite (latin) quote of mine as you set out upon planning your next (intrepid warm-weather) holiday:
Share your thoughts, musings and style anecdotes…
What would your ideal desert island wardrobe consist of if you were to ever be marooned (and had a choice in the matter)?
And, do you disagree with any of my choices/what would you substitute in (and for what) if not?
Do feel free to chime in the comments section below with your sartorial two-cents should you desire…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
And, do you disagree with any of my choices/what would you substitute in (and for what) if not?
Do feel free to chime in the comments section below with your sartorial two-cents should you desire…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Style Guide: What To Wear To The (Horse) Races
- Style Guide: What To Wear To Sunday Brunch
- Shades of Glory: Fine Spectacles Fit For A Gentleman
- White Trousers: A Gentleman's Styling Guide
RSS Feed
