#OOTD: What to Wear on St. Patrick’s Day

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

If you enjoy a nice pint from time to time, this is the holiday (and the outfit) for you.

If you enjoy a nice pint from time to time, this is the holiday (and the outfit) for you.

While last week on this blog we covered the best ways to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, we’re taking things up a notch this week. Specifically, we’ll put together a full outfit that, more likely than not, covers you if you’re heading to the office and then out for a celebratory Guiness afterward. And although the below outfit features a trim blazer (and just a strategic touch of green), I guarantee you that if you’re a younger fella who needs to leave the jacket at home, you’ll look infinitely more put-together than those other guys out there — and much less likely to make a fool of yourself doing a keg stand. As always, tweak this outfit with your own picks as you see fit. As we’ve talked about, less is certainly more on big holidays like St. Paddy’s Day (I’ll need to have my copywriter fact-check that one).

A blazer on St. Patrick's Day? If you're working, yes. If not, stick with a slim flannel to class it up a bit.

A blazer on St. Patrick’s Day? If you’re working, yes. If not, stick with a slim flannel to class it up a bit.

The Blazer: J. Crew Factory Thompson Microdot Blazer, $112.50 — In case you happen to be working today, a navy blazer that incorporates some subtle pattern and fits trim will definitely help you stand out in the right way. You can always ditch the jacket later, too.

The Shirt: JackThreads Heather Flannel Shirt, $20.99 — There’s a lot to like about this shirt, from the just-different-enough cream color and windowpane pattern, to that tremendous sale price, to the fact that the cotton flannel will keep you a bit warmer on its own if the weather’s slightly chilly. And hey, it’s better than a sloppy green T-shirt, ehh?

The Jeans: JackThreads Slim Denim in Midnight Wash, $59 — As this is a casual holiday by its very nature, slim, dark denim is definitely the way to go here. Classy and simple.

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Pronto in Cargo, $199 — Ahh yes, there’s the touch of green we were looking for. Not a cheap sneaker by any means, but simple, effective and a nice change of pace from regular wingtips.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Bount Socks, $12 — In sticking with this outfit’s theme of subtle deviations from the norm, these socks contrast nicely against the dark denim and olive sneakers.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Silver Watch, $229 — While this number’s pricey, your favorite brown leather watch would also work well here – the key is to go understated and versatile.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Braided Leather Belt, $22.50 — The ideal casual belt to A) pair up with this brown leather watch and B) add a bit of seasonally appropriate texture to the look.

Outfits for big-time holidays like St. Patrick’s Day should definitely keep things simple, sharp and understated — while still nodding to the time of year, of course. Some springy, lightweight sneakers and dark denim keep the ensemble grounded casually, while the patterned blazer mixes things up a bit. It’s tougher to find a more versatile timepiece than the one above, either. And Lord knows, even if you do ditch the blazer for your festivities, you’ll still be in better shape than most folks out there — right?

What are you planning to wear for St. Patrick’s Day? Will you be rocking GREATS sneakers for a touch of green?

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2016 Spring Style Wish List

Editor’s note: For more seasonal style wish list pieces, head this way.

Perhaps one of my favorite parts of being on the verge of a new season is the ability to look ahead and envision how you’ll style certain pieces and wear certain outfits. Of course, that goes hand-in-hand with looking ahead to all kinds of fun seasonal activities. In the fall, my mind drifts toward crisp autumn weekends exploring NYC’s parks — hence, the fall style wish list you see here. And in the spring, that has me looking toward slightly warmer days, plenty of patio beers (and food), and time spent checking out great menswear haunts around the city. Perhaps it’s much the same for you — who doesn’t love a great spring brew, after all? And that brings us to our primary topic of conversation today on The Style Guide — the below Spring Style Wish List. It’s a mix of brands old and new, some pricey and some more affordable — but all eyecatching in their own right as we deal with (hopefully) the last few weeks of winter weather. What’s on your style wish list this spring? Check out the below and let me know on Facebook or Twitter!

#1. Mott & Bow Skinny Wooster Jean in Medium Blue — $118

Available in two washes, the Medium Blue Wooster Jean on the left looks the most promising.

Available in two washes, the Medium Blue Wooster Jean on the left looks the most promising.

While I love a standout pair of dark denim year-round, there’s something nice about being able to occasionally mix in a lighter shade of jean — heck, it’s even a nice change of pace. Mott & Bow has been excelling at the affordable denim game since its launch a few years back, and it seems like they’re continually introducing new washes and styles. The Wooster in Medium Blue is built with the most stretch of any jean the brand has introduced — 35 percent, to be exact! That’s a comfortable pair of jeans fit for many a spring bar crawl, and the light wash looks excellent.

#2. GREATS Brand The Pronto in Color Block — $240

A unique but pleasing mix of color and texture in a low-profile runner. Photo courtesy of the brand.

A unique but pleasing mix of color and texture in a low-profile runner. Photo courtesy of the brand.

So right off the bat, these sneakers might not be for everybody. There’s certainly a lot going on in there in terms of color. But if you’re into a more retro-inspired look, then the silhouette and the color combo are actually going to be perfect. It’s the kind of sneaker you’d be able to pair up with the above lightwash jeans and a slim T-shirt for easygoing weekend style. They’re definitely pricey for sneakers (particularly in comparison to other GREATS runners), but the brand seems to continually step it up in terms of quality. And hey, there’s a reason why it’s a style wish list, right?

#3. JACHS NY Short-Sleeve Striped Chambray Shirt — $69

Stripes plus workwear details in a light blue chambray shirt? Sign me up.

Stripes plus workwear details in a light blue chambray shirt? Sign me up.

JACHS NY is another brand that’s been gaining a bit of steam on social media as of late, and they always do a nice job with standout seasonal releases — particularly shirting. Spring is all about shedding layers and lightening things up in terms of color and texture, so this shirt definitely keeps things headed in that direction. The addition of stripes to this light blue chambray buttondown is another solid design touch — it adds a bit of workwear edge to a piece that should work quite well with khaki chinos and white captoe sneakers.

#4. Grayers Reston Quilted Jacket — $165

A solid substitute for your favorite blazer -- a functional hybrid field coat of sorts.

A solid substitute for your favorite blazer — a functional hybrid field coat of sorts.

As with your shirting and denim in spring, the idea of lightening things up should also apply to your outerwear. There are plenty of instances where you need something functional in the rain or a slight chill — yet you still want something versatile and modern. The Reston Quilted Jacket looks to fill that niche perfectly. The quilted detailing and three patch pockets give it a bit of a military-inspired vibe, while the standup collar and nylon construction make it sturdy and ready to fight the rain. It doesn’t hurt that it’s cut like your favorite blazer — it should be able to pull double duty on your commute and at work, and at a price that’s less than a traditional J. Crew jacket.

#5. JackThreads The Daily Pocket Crew — $24

So much more than just a standard crewneck. A nice color and slim fit help this piece stand apart.

So much more than just a standard crewneck. A nice color and slim fit help this piece stand apart.

First off, why did a pocket T-shirt make this style wish list? They’re more visually interesting than plain ol’ crewnecks, and cut in the right fabric & fit, they can work on their own or underneath everything from a cotton-canvas jacket to an unconstructed blazer. At the rate that JackThreads pumps out seasonal style staples like this khaki pocket tee, things are only going to get better. The color of this piece is just different enough from a more normal white pocket tee, so it’ll stand out nicely against lightwash denim and colored kicks … like the ones at the top of the page. Plus, the price is very easily attainable — it might be my first pick-up of this wish list, in fact.

When it comes time to pull together these Wish List pieces, it can be difficult at times. Many a retailer that excels at winter gear (like Todd Snyder) also puts out stunning spring product — take these Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers sneakers, for example. Certain brands that have sat things out in terms of style are also now starting to make a resurgence (lookin’ at you, Abercrombie & Fitch). And reliably stunning brands like Apolis and its Transit Issue Camerman Jacket just missed the cut. But there’s still plenty of great style to go around! I know I’m certainly looking forward to A) adding more items to my wish list as spring rolls on and B) checking some items off said wish list. For the time being…

Stay stylish,

-Beau

What’s on your spring style wish list? Any picks you’d poach from the above list?

 

Sand & sun: Packing for a Florida Christmas

Editor’s note: For more travel style posts, fly this way.

Travel gear for the road ahead. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Print magazine by Gear Patrol

Travel gear for the road ahead. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Print magazine by Gear Patrol

Going from a place where the past weekend called for a sweater to a locale where temps are in the 80s is a style conundrum that I haven’t faced too often, especially at Christmas. But such is the situation I find myself in as I prepare to head to Florida today for what should be a lovely and relaxing Christmas weekend. Don’t get me wrong — I love the sun and sand. But I’m an especially big fan of fall and winter style — layering, a great fall or winter jacket, a nice henley — it’s all fair game once the temperature drops. So since my parents moved full-time to Florida about two-and-a-half years ago, it’s been different than the chilly Michigan winters of Christmas’ past — a welcome change of pace, but still different. I know I’m definitely lucky to escape to some warm weather, and I always welcome the chance to change things up style-wise. So with that in mind, I’ve set to work crafting a carry-on that’ll help me fly in style and beat the heat.

A new piece of luggage from the responsible hands of United By Blue.

A durable carry-on for this trip from the responsible hands of United By Blue.

I’m taking along a new piece of luggage, a sturdy and functional United By Blue duffle bag made from solid waxed canvas. The Moss color is just different enough from my Navali Stowaway Weekender, so it’s a nice addition to my everyday travel carry. And as I’ll also be on the road in the coming weeks, it’ll certainly get a lot of use (look for a full review in February). At $188, the price is well within range for a durable weekender. The centerpieces of my bag will be some summer style essentials I’d put away for the time being. As far as casual style goes, it’s hard to beat a trim polo in a nice material, like my trusty Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo from this year’s line, plus a soft Grayers slub nep jersey polo and my ever-reliable Esquina oxford from Saturdays Surf NYC. To me, having pieces that can work with shorts or chinos alike while keeping you cool is a pretty big key when traveling to warm locales — I tried to follow the same packing method when heading to Italy earlier this summer, in fact.

Simple, easygoing tees from Pistol Lake and United By Blue, plus my Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks.

Simple, easygoing tees from Pistol Lake and United By Blue, plus my Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks.

That means it’ll also be time for me to break out some solid T-shirts — I love a great henley, especially a rugged short-sleeve henley from the likes of Pistol Lake, a Style Guide favorite. The brand’s V-neck tee (as seen in another warm-weather trip to Los Angeles) will also be in my bag, as will my trusty Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts. And it wouldn’t be a comfortable, casual Christmas if I didn’t get to test out a new pocket tee from Tommy John, a basics maker that’s gained steam as of late in the online community for its well-crafted knitwear So the Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey should definitely be a laidback yet not-sloppy option for the warm weather. I’m going to complement those shirt and polo offerings with an always-versatile chambray shirt or two. And I’ll be breaking out some crisp khaki shorts from Banana Republic. That being said, I do love a great pair of Mott & Bow dark denim, so I’ll likely be bringing that pair along for travel wear. I’ve found that among other pant options, my olive Bonobos chinos have fared well in everything from oppressive heat to blistering cold, so they’ll make their way into my bag, too.
Ben Sherman US
Outerwear will definitely be on the lighter side for this trip, and will hopefully stay in my bag once I take off from NYC!But a baseball jacket lined in chambray like the Russel Jacket from Grayers is likely going to be my best bet for travel; removable, easygoing layers like that can also lend some polish to your travel look, and a baseball or bomber jacket can even be worn over a collared shirt like a blue Oxford-cloth buttondown. If I could, I would also bring along a trusty denim jacket, as it can be styled with slim tan chinos or lightwash denim with ease — sadly, there won’t be room this time around! Rounding off warm-weather style isn’t complete without some solid sneakers and another pair of versatile shoes, though.

The shoes I'm bringing with me. From front to back: Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka by Thursday Boot Company. White Wilson sneakers and navy Rosen runners from GREATS Brand.

The shoes I’m bringing with me. From front to back: Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka by Thursday Boot Company. White Wilson sneakers and navy Rosen runners from GREATS Brand.

After putting them away for the fall, I’m looking forward to busting out my white GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers, and I’ll also be bringing along my navy Rosen runners from the brand. Heck, I might even pack my Leather Wooster slip-ons (shocker, also from GREATS) if my luggage allows. When you travel, I’d look to pack similarly versatile and comfortable shoes — a pair of brown suede chukkas from Thursday Boot Company, fit for both formal and dressed-down style, will be on my feet as I hit the road. It’s equally to your advantage that these days, a nice leather sneaker or chukka can work in nearly any situation — even with a blazer and chinos if needed (make sure those kicks are clean and free of logos — look here for more ways to style classic sneakers).

The trusty toiletries kit I'll be taking with me -- including a sharp pomade, a slick styling comb, "soap-on-a-rope" and some Richer Poorer socks.

The trusty toiletries kit I’ll be taking with me — including a sharp pomade, a slick styling comb, “soap-on-a-rope” and some Richer Poorer socks.

As my bag will be pretty full, I’ll be keeping it simple on the watch front — I like to rely on one-to-two watches on trips like these, usually a great leather watch like the Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol and my always-solid Invicta 8926 Pro Diver. Either can be worn with everything from a tee and shorts to a polo and chinos — and that’s exactly what I plan to do. Great style can even extend to your toiletries and other stylish travel accessories. With that sentiment in mind, I’m definitely excited to make use of a sweet BYRD x Richer Poorer Dopp Kit — the California haircare brand teamed up with one of my favorite sock makers on a sturdy nylon tote filled with a nice pomade, a flexible comb and the cleverly-named “Soap on a Rope.” No trip would be complete without a few last finishing touches, including some crisp Woodbuds headphones, a nice Issara leather laptop sleeve and a brass money clip via my friends at Owen & Fred.

Of course, although I always look forward to hitting the road in style, I’m particularly looking forward this time around to getting some rest and relaxation with my family. The sunshine certainly won’t hurt, either! Have a great Christmas, and if you fancy, swing through this way on Friday for a Christmas edition of the Friday Read and a Saturday Style Pick.

Stay stylish!

-Beau
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Style Suggestion: A Cozy Christmas

Editor’s note: For more Style Suggestions — including what to wear to that holiday party — swing through here.

Breaking news — Christmas is almost here! If you’re a big fan of the holidays, like me, and appreciate a festive atmosphere in the air and lights all around the cityscape (or your hometown), there’s really no better time to enjoy. But thankfully, the holiday also gives everyone a chance to rest, regroup and ideally, actually get home for some time off. Either way, Christmas and the events surrounding it don’t always have a set dress code — it could be a more casual evening of opening gifts with just the family, or a nice party with friends (hopefully, Ryan Gosling doesn’t drop by). So the style suggestion that follows definitely errs on the side of more casual, whether this is on Christmas Day itself or in the days leading up to. Bear in mind — this is just one suggestion to keep things from getting too sloppy, so mix-and-match (and buy) as you please! Note that we’ll cover a more dressed-up Christmas affair right here next week.

The Shirt: Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey — $34

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

So right off the bat, that price is a bit much more than most might pay for a T-shirt. BUT, bear with — Tommy John certainly seems to be the real deal as far as quality and comfort goes in the undershirt and T-shirt game. And its Ringer Pocket Tee (available in four colors) is soft, stylish and slim-fitting. Crucially, the color at the neck and pocket sets it apart just so slightly from a regular crewneck tee, even when that might be the cheaper option.  It’s these small style upgrades that can add a little thought to your look, and if comfort is part of the equation, it’s key to still look good. However, if wearing just a tee makes you wary, I’d reach for a great chambray shirt instead.

The Sweater: Old Navy Chunky Shawl-Collar Cardigan — $49.50 (When On-Sale)

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

Because it’s the heart of December, we’ll assume it could be a little bit chilly wherever you might be. That’s exactly the time to reach for a well-priced Old Navy cardigan. The burgundy color is a nice, on-trend nod to the season as a whole (although this cream JackThreads Shawl Cardigan could also be a neat, affordable pickup). But in this instance, the thick burgundy knit brings some nice contrast when paired alongside the lightweight T-shirt. As I’ve said time and again, a shawl-collar cardigan is a great, masculine style move that adds some rugged appeal to any outfit. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy sweater? If it’s too warm out where you are, ditch it (if you’re lucky enough, that is!).

The Pants: JackThreads The Daily Jogger — $49.50 OR Classic Dark Denim

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

As we talked about above, Christmas can go one of two ways — more casual, or dressier. In this case, if you’ve got the option to go more laidback yet want to avoid wearing pajama pants, we’re going out on a limb to recommend a pair of tailored sweatpants in a dark color. JackThreads continues to get a lot of things right with its new menswear line, and stylish essentials at low prices like these are why. Again, if sweatpants still feel too casual, a solid pair of dark denim never fails (I’d recommend Mott & Bow, who makes slim jeans like its Hester model with a comfy hint of stretch). If sweats are too hot, reach for their laidback but just as comfy alternative — the well-crafted sweatshort (like these from my friends at Pistol Lake).

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Royale Chukka — $152 (On-Sale)

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

If sneakers seem a silly option for the middle of winter (and they very well might be if there’s a ton of snow), I’d urge you to go with a reliable (but cheaper) desert boot instead. If, however, you’re able to rock some chukka sneakers from GREATS, you’ve found a style choice that fits right in with fall & winter yet feels more comfortable than a thicker boot (note that Reef’s Outhaul Lux Chukka does that, too). The Royale Chukka definitely checks all those boxes, and even more crucially, the camel color plus black sole is a combo that feels a little dressier than a plain pair of captoe sneakers. These sneakers can be worn through the rest of winter in the right weather, and into spring with some lightwash jeans, too — that’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The Watch: Timex Weekender 40mm — $46

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

Just as in this site’s Thanksgiving Style Suggestion, a Timex is the affordable watch pick once again. In this instance, Timex’s classic weekender dial keeps the watch more casual, but the black face and slip-thru black leather strap makes it ever so slightly put-together. Yet, it’ll still look right at home with this outfit in terms of color and styling potential — it’s just that simple and versatile. Lest we forget, this watch can be mixed and matched with other NATO straps — that’s like getting a new watch for about $10.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Herald Socks — $12

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit -- for a low price.

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit — for a low price.

Whereas the rest of this outfit mainly sticks to solid basics, these socks inject some life into the ensemble in a fun way. And assuming you’ll be kicking around without shoes on for a bit, clean, hole-free socks are a must (truly). Throw in a fun polka-dot pattern in a color that complements the rest of the outfit, and you’re set. The oatmeal color of these socks is also just different enough if you go with a heather-grey T-shirt (or even a blue chambray), and the navy dots complement the cardigan and the sneakers, too. Plus, Richer Poorer socks are springy and breathable — not a  heavy wool set.

While the above outfit might not work for everyone, here’s hoping you do get the chance to kick back in a more casual fashion this Christmas — and when that time comes, I hope you’ll keep some of these picks in mind (because who doesn’t love looking their best all the time?). Think I missed anything? Let me know your picks for the holiday season below!

Ben Sherman US

Style Pick of the Week: GREATS Brand Wooster Leather Slip-on

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here. Please note that the below post has been updated to reflect the pre-sale release date and price of these shoes.

Who needs laces indeed? The newest pending release from GREATS Brand.

Who needs laces indeed? The newest pending release from GREATS Brand. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

Summer time is almost here folks, and if you haven’t made the transition from your sturdy winter boots to some crisp white sneakers or classic runners, now is definitely the time to start doing so. All of this talk of transitioning seasonal styles is also bringing out some more unique footwear options — specifically the evermore ubiquitous slip-on sneaker. Some retailers like J. Crew have been producing this style for a while now, but there haven’t been many that combine so many nice elements into one package — like the soon-to-be-released Wooster leather slip-on from Brooklyn’s own GREATS.  The pre-sale for these shoes launched today (Thursday, May 21) — and if you’re on the early access list, you can get the shoes here for $149 now.I’m a  huge fan of the brand and the quality sneakers they produce for the price, so when I saw news of the latest release (named for #menswear icon Nick Wooster), I was effectively sold (on writing about them, at least!).

A close-up look at both the Blanco and Cadet versions. Photo courtesy of GREATS Brand.

A close-up look at both the Blanco and Cadet versions. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

The brand has already produced multiple different runs of the same style using the Wooster name — two colors of a wool slip-on, a white bison leather version with accessories maker Parabellum and a  Wooster x Lardini collaboration designed in conjunction with the style legend earlier this spring. The leather Wooster in particular looks like the best of the bunch though — five different colorways (a few of which also made it onto my Wish List Pinterest board linked in the Editor’s Note), beautiful-looking leather and the perfect mix of summer cool and sharp style. The Cadet or Blanco pairs in particular (that’s a deep navy and white for the uninitiated) could easily be styled with everything from shorts and a short-sleeve henley to chinos and an easygoing blazer-and-tee combo — keep your eyes peeled for the release of these early next week because if history tells us anything, they’ll go fast.

Have you picked up any sneakers from GREATS? Would you buy these? How might you style them?

Ben Sherman US

The Best Ways to Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Slim green pocket T-shirt by J. Crew. Watch by Invicta. No beer was spilled during this photo shoot. Trust me.

Slim green pocket T-shirt by J. Crew. Watch by Invicta. No beer was spilled during this photo shoot. Trust me.

So we’re less than a handful of days from the most Irish (OK, maybe just the greenest) holiday on the calendar for us Americans. If you’re taking the day off of work or class to *ahem* celebrate by consuming an adult beverage or two, have one for me — and do so responsibly, of course! And if you just want to wear some green either way, there are some nice options to do so without dressing up like that guy on the sidelines at Notre Dame games. Check out some ways to incorporate green into your wardrobe on the 17th without overdoing it.

#1. Uniqlo Linen Blended V-neck Sweater — $39.90

Is this green too light? Nah.

Is this green too light? Nah.

The color on this sweater isn’t the deepest as far as green color choices go for St. Paddy’s Day (I see you, AP Style) but it’s the fact that it’s a linen blend and a V-neck sweater knocks out two things at once. The cut makes it work-friendly, and it’s lightweight enough to provide some breathability if it’s a little warm out. The price is exceptional compared to other sweaters on the market, especially as part of the first load of product from Uniqlo for the spring. Wear it casually with slim jeans or go more formal with khaki chinos. If you’re feeling spendy for a green sweater, you could always swing through J. Crew.

#2. GREATS Rosen Runner in Cargo — $49

The color of the holiday in a shade that works at other times of the year, too.

The color of the holiday in a shade that works at other times of the year, too.

For the 2nd time in as many weeks, a GREATS sneaker makes a spring roundup list on this site. These sneakers definitely have shades of a classic pair of New Balance kicks as far as the silhouette goes, but with a sleeker single color through the shoe. The suede-nylon blend is an interesting (and hopefully water-resistant) choice as far as sneakers go, but these have a retro feel and a nice deep green color that would probably look right at home with dark denim or (especially) some joggers. Since these are on your feet, they’re not hogging all the attention.

#3. Club Monaco Birdseye Sock — $15.50

That green is more fitting, but not so loud that it draws attention away from your outfit.

That shade of green is more like it!

If you’re the type to play down ornamentation on outfits (particularly around holidays), these are as simple as it gets. The price is admittedly a bit high for a pair of socks, sure, but that’s not too bad for a set made in Italy. The deep green color is noticeable enough to help you avoid getting pinched, but not too loud. The deep green would look best with charcoal trousers or khaki chinos and probably some solid desert boots or brown dress shoes on the bottom. A white OCBD and silver knit tie could finish things off nicely up top.

#4. The Tie Bar Studio Stripe Tie in Dark Woodbrine — $19

A different shade of green than the holiday normally calls for — not a bad thing.

A different shade of green than the holiday normally calls for — not a bad thing.

A lot’s been made of The Tie Bar’s price hike, and it’s likely that some of us will stop swinging by the brand’s Web shop now because of that. However, $19 is still a nice price for a tie that’s part of a rotation nearly any time of the year. The dark green color is again a shade atypical from what most wear on St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s a good thing in this case. The diagonal stripes are preppy but not overly so. This is another accessory that would work well with a white dress shirt and darker trousers (possibly even navy).

#5. J. Crew Factory Slim Lightweight Shirt in Multi-Pattern — $39.50

The type of shirt that nods to the day without going truly wild.

The type of shirt that nods to the day without going truly wild.

Let’s say that you don’t feel like turning into a leprechaun on this holiday, but simply want to show a little spirit. Possibly even spirit mixed with another color, like this navy and light green shirt above. Again, it’s not a true dark green, but it gets the job done. Importantly, this is a pick that allows you to tip your cap to the day and move on without everyone bringing up what you’re wearing (hopefully?) These shirts have a soft wash and this one in particular has a trim fit that would make it the perfect shirt to wear with jeans and a knit tie.

So there you go — take your pick from the above and get ready to celebrate the day!

What’s your favorite option of the above picks? Will any be making their way into your wardrobe before the holiday?

Editor’s note: Taking a break and heading to Florida this weekend for a bit of R-and-R (nope, not rock n’roll though) — expect style photos and a  product review of a great pair of white sneakers coming from that trip. Stay stylish!