#OOTD: The Upgraded Way to Wear a T-Shirt This Summer

Who doesn’t love breaking out a comfortable, slim-fitting and stylish T-shirt in the summer months? It’s an underrated pleasure in the men’s style world to shed extra layers and simply wear a great tee through warm summer days and into the evening. But what if you want a new, upgraded way to wear a T-shirt this summer? Something that’s at once laidback and yet refined, comfortable to wear and yet sharp? Dare I say it: A #menswear ensemble that works at happy hour and in the hours leading up to it? Indeed, an ensemble that blends a bold T-shirt with … a tailored summer suit fit for the office? That’s where today’s #OOTD is taking us. We’re shaking it up with dressy leather sneakers, a handsome leather watch and a durable, investment-worthy bag for your everyday carry. Make no mistake, the below outfit is quite bold if you’re normally a regular suit-shirt-tie guy. That’s why it pays to keep in mind the versatility of the below suit — and the below Nautica T-shirt. As you’ll see, you can mix and match that Taylor Stitch suit with casual pieces — like a slim chambray shirt — in other looks. And you can even ditch the jacket and simply pair the slim linen suit trousers with the T-shirt. But enough idle chitchat — check out the full outfit below, follow me on Instagram for styling tips galore and enjoy a pleasant summer filled with plenty of stylish suit-wearing.

Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit

A head-turning T-shirt worn in a head-turning way — with rich leather sneakers and a lightweight, versatile summer suit via Taylor Stitch.

The T-Shirt: Nautica Color Block T-Shirt, $29.50 — It’s all got to start with a well-made, slightly bold T-shirt — right? This Nautica T-shirt makes use of strong colorblocking — easy to wear on its own or under the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit.

The Suit Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Jacket in Charcoal, $278 — That ties nicely into my next point here — the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is slim-fitting, very well-made and ready for summer layering — even with a T-shirt.

Timex

The Suit Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers in Charcoal, $178  — Just as with the Telegraph Suit Jacket, the  Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers are handsome, tailored and versatile — so much so that you could even ditch the jacket and just wear the colorblocked tee and trousers individually.

The Sneakers: Florsheim Forward Lo Lace-up, $99.99 Sneakers and a tee with a suit? That’s how we’re doing it this summer. These handsome Florsheim sneakers are crafted from rich leather and almost wear more like dress shoes or loafers.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $30 – Underneath the tailored hem of your Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers, you’re going to want easily wearable no-show socks — like the Arvin Goods No-Show Socks —  to team up with those leather sneakers. Who’s with me?

Greats

The Watch: Electric California Carroway Leather Watch, $225 — I would hope you recognize the Electric California brand from my Memorial Day trip to Florida— if not, acquaint yourself accordingly with this remarkably crisp and suit-friendly watch.

 The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses, $109.98 — Because this outfit is fit for all-day wear, sharp and stylish sunglasses are in order. Ditch the athletic-inspired frames and reach for the striking Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Bag: Billykirk Small Carryall, $279.98 —  Don’t let that price tag scare you off — the Billykirk Small Carryall is as investment-worthy and versatile of an everyday carry piece as it gets; plus, its design means you won’t be slinging a backpack or messenger bag over the shoulders of your carefully constructed Telegraph Suit Jacket.

That brings today’s #OOTD to a close, Style Guide fans. If you thought a colorblock tee could only be worn casually, let’s hope you’re thinking differently now. The key comes in choosing a suit in a modern-fitting silhouette with casual, summer-friendly texture — that means the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is your new best friend. Eye-catching leather sneakers from Florsheim are another seasonally appropriate way to play off the casual nature of the linen suit-and-tee pairing, and I’d wager you’ll be very pleased with the handsome design of the Electric California Carroway Leather Watch. Throw in essential everyday accessories — like the Billykirk Small Carryall  and the Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses — and consider yourself set for work, happy hour and perhaps a patio nightcap at a rooftop bar. Who else is with me here? Good luck — let me know how you wear your T-shirt this summer via Twitter.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Pocket T-Shirt

 

Not just any old T-shirt, thanks to the vintage wash and subtle styling details.

Not just any old T-shirt, thanks to the vintage wash and subtle styling details.

If you follow The Style Guide or peruse occasional photos from this author on Instagram, you’ll know I love me a great T-shirt. When you talk about a T-shirt that incorporates texture and subtle styling details, I’m sold (take this Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee, for example). Sure, a tee’s not as fancy or nearly as crisp as a classic blue Oxford or a slim chambray shirt, but it’s a particularly useful summer style essential — and in the right cut and fabric, it’s a surefire style upgrade compared to athletic or logo-ridden tees you might be used to rocking. And on that note, I’m pleased to give you Exhibit A — this ridiculously stylish Todd Snyder Pocket T-shirt. It’s vintage-washed and weather-dyed for a broken-in, authentic look, and it features the sort of premium styling details we’ve come to expect from Mr. Snyder. The lauded American menswear designer is a favorite of this site (and a heck of a lot of other publications) for his approach to both continental, classic tailoring and rugged sportswear inspired by both vintage & Americana themes. It’s quite the combination, and it’s done in a way that’s wearable and relatable for the everyday guy. The Todd Snyder Pocket T-shirt is nearly as premium and well-made as a tee can get, and that means it can be rocked plenty of ways this summer.

Todd Snyder pocket T-shirt

Just one styling option for this Todd Snyder pocket T-shirt — it’ll go just as well with sweatshorts as a slim suit.

It’s done up with just the right amount of style details, including subtle double-stitching on the sleeves, pocket and collar. The button at that front chest pocket is a nice visual change of pace, too. Those small touches make it the type of tee you can wear very confidently atop your favorite pair of dark blue denim, and they also make it very suitable to rock with slim olive chinos and some classic white SeaVees sneakers, for example. The slim fit and premium construction make it Exhibit A for another reason, too. Thinking about trying the oft-tricky styling move of pairing a T-shirt with a suit? A tee with some variation in texture plus a slim cut is going to be the way to. Heck, it might not look all that bad with one of the Todd Snyder White Label suits that seem to be gaining in popularity, either. In more casual situations, it’s going to look just as right. Rock it with slim chino shorts and stylish leather loafers for a solid high-low style combo on the weekends, then pair this slim pocket T-shirt up with an unconstructed chambray blazer during the work week. Beneath a sportier crewneck sweater, it’ll also fare well in the fall and winter. The price is assuredly a lot for “just a T-shirt,” but you’re getting so much more styling potential and quality than that. Just tell them to put one on hold for me, ehh?

Are you a fan of this Todd Snyder tee? In what ways would you style it? Chime in on Twitter or via Facebook!
New customer offer! Get your first shirt or shorts for only $20 at Frank + Oak! (Valid until June 21 on select styles and while supplies last)

Florsheimc