Men's Summer Essential: Statement Swimwear

Summer is finally right over the horizon, and I could not be more excited for the warm weather and sun-filled weekends. An upcoming trip to the French Riviera has me thinking of sunny beaches and turquoise waters...but what to wear? 

The summer season for me means bright colors and vibrant and lively prints. I have always had an extensive collection of printed capri trunks when Lilly used to make men's stuff, however, for my upcoming trip or any day you may be spending in a seaside town, statement swimwear makes for an easy, appropriate outfit.

I recently purchased Ralph Lauren Purple Label Swim Trunks (similar) that function perfectly as a short for strolls through beach towns and will be perfect for Nice and the Cote d'Azur. The vibrant floral print of the trunks makes a strong statement, and when paired with a simple white v-neck and great sandals, you can create an ideal look for an outdoor lunch or day party at a beach club. 

I completed the look with fun, novelty sandals by Ralph Lauren and a favorite pair of aviators from Randolph Engineering. 

Do you utilize great swimwear to make day outfits during hot summer days? What are some of your favorite statement swimwear pieces this season?

West Coast Prep with Johnnie-O

East Coasters like to pride themselves on their east coast roots and their version of what it means to be "prep." When I think of the quintessential east coast preppy image, things such as the Yale quad, navy blazers, rugbys, and cricket sweaters come to mind. Always in a quest to discover new brands, I was introduced to the West coast prep brand, Johnnie-O.

West coast prep is a bit more quirky and laid back than the typical east coast vision, and the line from Johnnie-O is just that with brightly colored poplin shorts, polos, and sport shirts. The founder has brought a melange of "midwest farmer, east coast prep, and west coast 'dude'," three elements which can be seen throughout the line.

As we are officially about to enter into the summer season this Saturday, so, too, comes sun kissed skin which makes the perfect backdrop for bright summer hues. I was drawn to the bright hues of the poplin shorts which are done in a nice length which is great for the golf course or running around town. Additionally, the brand's 4-button polo comes in an array of bright colors great for the season.

I am drawn toward the laid back aesthetic to the Johnnie-O brand and am excited to see the upcoming lines as well as the brands growth here on the east coast. The brand also carries lines for both women and children. If you are in New York, be sure to check out the pop-up shop located at 501 Lexington Avenue through the month of June!

Polo, Shirts: C/O Johnnie-O

Ralph Lauren: Urban Safari

During the summer, Ralph Lauren launched a campaign centered around the new RL 67 Safari eyewear collection. I instantly fell in love with the aviator and pilot style sunglasses that made up the bulk of the collection. I had my eye on a pair of pilot aviators that were featured in a lot of the national advertising campaigns for the collection. 

For me, the aviator style is the perfect shape and very classic. After eyeing them for quite some time, I decided to get my own pair and I am loving them. The green tortoise frames are unique compared to a traditional brown. While browsing the site for the glasses and after receiving them, I got very into this safari aesthetic, characterized by neutrals and olive greens. 

One of Ralph's spring deliveries in the Polo line is appropriately called "Urban Safari." This collection immediately caught my attention, and I am loving a lot of the products, especially the transitional weight knits. I have always been a lover of bright, preppy ensembles, but there is something about the simplicity and calmness that the palette of Urban Safari exudes. Additionally, military and utility details can be found throughout the collection.

Here are a few pieces that I have my eye on from the new collection:

Do you like the "Safari" aesthetic and neutral color palette as we transition from winter to spring?

Photos: My own, RalphLauren.com

Rustic Pop of Color

It is well known that I love a good sweater during the fall and winter. I also adore color. Adding a pop of color to an outfit brings it to life and makes it more interesting than the sea of blacks, browns, and greys that can be seen all over the sidewalk. 

Use seasonal hues as the basis for the outfit while selecting a shirt, loafer, or pant in a hue that "pops" or contrasts with the rest of the outfit. Below, I centered a look around a chunky cardigan in a dark olive green, perfect for the season. Paired with traditional slim chinos the outfit is classic and simple, however, I added a brighter orange oxford that compliments the dark green well and elevates the outfit. 

Select dateless styles such as the shawl collar cardigan. This one, by Ralph Lauren Black Label, works well as a sweater or as outerwear on a warmer day because the gauge of the knit is quite heavy, similar to this sweater jacket. The slim chinos, by a great New York based designer, Peter Manning, add a modern touch of urban sophistication with the orange pebbled loafers tying the look together. Finish off with a simple accessory such as a timepiece or metal bracelet. 

Color is one of the easiest things to play around with in fashion and can have great payoffs. How are you wearing color this season?

Cardigan- Ralph Lauren Black Label (similar, color) // Chinos- Peter Manning // Oxford-  Polo Ralph Lauren (similar) // Bracelet- Miansai 

Bold Fall Color

My summer wardrobe is the probably one of the brightest on the block, filled with endless pastels. I always hate having to pack away all the preppy colors I feel comfortable in as I switch to fall dressing. However, I have found some bold colors that are fall appropriate. 

If you are a color lover, opt for fall hues such as yellows, magentas, deep oranges, and blue in bold washes. You might be the brightest on a New York City block, but there is nothing wrong standing out in a sea of black and grey.

Here, I have paired a luxurious cashmere cable knit from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, a preppy fall staple, in a bold magenta with a pair or bright mustard chinos. I love the contrast of the yellow and magenta colors. 

The look is finished with an Hermes belt and simple brown loafers. This outfit is perfect for a Sunday brunch or an afternoon at the country club. Who said you cannot wear color in the fall?

Featured:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Chinos: Polo Ralph Lauren

Belt: Hermes

Colorful Summer Linens

When one thinks of summer dressing, a few things come to mind: colors, seersucker, and linen. Linen is a perfect summer fabric as it is lightweight, breathable, and usually comes in an array of colors perfect for the season. 

These casual yet sophisticated linen button down from Ralph Lauren Purple Label come in beautiful colors. I opted for almost every color they had! The pastel hues will be perfect for summer night dinners, vacations, and of course my upcoming trip to the Mediterranean! Linen will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe as the summer continues, especially with the extremely hot weather we have been having.

Wear your linens tucked in with a belt for a more office appropriate look, or pair with white pants, untucked, and sandals for the ultimate Hamptons  casual look.

Styled:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Shoes: Ralph Lauren
Chinos: Ralph Lauren

Above, I pair a bright pink with a dark navy bottom for contrast and a pair of simple loafers. The look is classic prep and perfect for any summer occasion.