Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Cinco de Mayo

Sidle up to the bar, folks! It’s time for a little Cinco de Mayo celebration — and the requisite #menswear to go with it, of course. Yes, the holiday to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory in the Battle of Puebla has turned into quite the occasion here in the U.S. (for better or worse). Seeing as it’s as great a time as any to hit up your first spring bar crawl, you might as well look stylish while doing it — right? We’re offering up picks today that harness the best of spring style — essential chino shorts, a versatile short-sleeve shirt and SeaVees slip-on sneakers that can go just about anywhere.  Just as with dressing for spring break or dressing for a road trip, the winning formula lies in upgrading your basic pieces and nailing the fit just right. Oh, and enjoying yourself along the way — that’s what it’s all about. Kick back, enjoy a Corona or a Tecate for me, and scroll through the below #menswear picks. Got any feedback for me? Hit me up over on Twitter. Bottoms up!

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt — $68

United By Blue

Style that goes toward a good cause and looks excellent for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

For style that’s at once more put-together than a T-shirt and yet more casual than your standard classic Oxford or dress shirt, reach for a slim chambray shirt — preferably the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. Made with sustainability in mind — your purchase helps the brand remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways — the mini-plus sign print is visually interesting, while the unique lighter blue color is a spring-appropriate style move. Yes indeed, this shirt is made for a few patio brews.

The  Shorts: Katin Patio Shorts — $49.98

Katin

Your go-to shorts for having a few spring brews — especially on Cinco de Mayo.

The prime function of the Katin Patio Shorts is … practically in the product title itself. They’re made for spring and summer patio evenings galore. And they’re a heck of a steal for under $50 — just the shorts you need to wear for spring and summer, what with a versatile khaki color and a clean fit. Add in the drawstring waist and you’ve got a bit of hidden comfort — ideal for moving from bar to bar or manning the grill. Again, it’s tough to top that combination of price and solid looks.
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The Sneakers: SeaVees Huntington Middie — $84.98

SeaVees

A sneaker that blends the ease of a slip-on with the style of a canvas lace-up.

See, told ya we’d be recommending some SeaVees slip-on sneakers for the occasion, did I not? The  SeaVees Huntington Middie is a unique option that’s A) Ideal for spring and B) Pleasingly versatile thanks to its slip-on construction and chukka-like cut. In short, it’s both perfect for beach trips and boardwalk strolls, along with a little Cinco de Mayo party action. The SeaVees Huntington Middie is definitely an upgrade over flip-flops, and you can wear ’em all summer long.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks –$29.98

Darn Tough No-Show Socks

Simple no-show socks that blend comfort with practicality.

Slip-on sneakers still call for no-show socks that provide comfort for your feet and extend the life of your footwear — agreed? And Darn Tough makes some of the best out there; sure, it’s just a hair under $30 for a two-pack, but these are a weather-appropriate way to upgrade your sock game — no white tube socks and sneakers now, ya hear?

The Watch: Szanto Military Field Watch — $150

Szanto Military Field Watch

A watch that can stand up to a little sun and maybe even a spilled drink.

A military field watch for Cinco de Mayo? Absolutely. When the name of the game is hopping from party to party or bar to bar, whether you imbibe or not, it’s still a good idea to step out in casual style that channels rugged vibes. That is to say: Leave the heirloom watch at home this go-round. Luckily for you, the Szanto Military Field Watch is clean and simple, with understated, casual style to match. The price ain’t half-bad, either — pick up my tab, will ya?
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses — $135

Raen Optics

Sunglasses that blend retro style and casual vibes — just what the doctor ordered for your next bar crawl.

If you’ve got the basics of this outfit handled, it’s OK to go a little more retro-inspired, or head-turning, with your accessories. The Wiley Sunglasses from Raen Optics are but one way to do this — they call to mind the sort of shades McQueen might have worn, with a more affordable price tag. And they’re a nice way to fit in with a casual chambray shirt and laidback shorts — these aren’t your average athletic sunglasses, nor are they a cheaper grocery store version. Just right.
Florsheim

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Vintage style that’s easily wearable and functional at the same time.

No one said it’d be all fun and games on Cinco de Mayo, right? There’s also the chance to catch a nasty sunburn after hours in the heat. So, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is going to keep the sun off your face, and do so in style. There’s no athletic logo in sight here — just a vintage-inspired ballcap that’s easily wearable with the basics, including a stylish chambray shirt. Wear it now, wear it on your next road trip and don’t forget to pack it with your stylish beach gear this summer.

The Bag: Billykirk Simple Tote — $184.98

Billykirk

A smart move that should prove quite useful and durable through this bar crawl and beyond.

If you’re questioning the necessity of lugging a bag to a bar crawl or party, well … where are you going to put your phone charger, and your bottle opener, and that six-pack? Answer: The Billykirk Simple Tote . Handsome, built to age well and last through plenty of seasonal adventures, and a heck of a casual bag to complement this ensemble. It avoids the cumbersome straps of a backpack, and yet it’s smaller and easier to carry when compared to a piece like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag.
NORDSTROM.com

 OK, y’all — who’s ready for Cinco de Mayo? This guy is. Casual, off-duty style can be simple and quite fun, particularly if you start with a shirt that’s at once polished and laidback — enter the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. And you’d do well to complement said shirt with equally laidback, wearable shorts; in this instance, the Katin Patio Shorts should have you all set for the day ahead. And crisp slip-on sneakers in a clean shade of white are an essential style move — enter the SeaVees Huntington Middie into your rotation. Practical touches, from stylish sunglasses to a vintage-inspired ballcap and a durable Billykirk tote are also must-have, especially if you’re hopping around town for hours at a time. And again, the key here comes down to nailing the fit and colors — and enjoying the day responsibly, of course. What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? Hopefully, they involve a few Coronas and a lot of fun.
Thanks so much for reading — enjoy!
-Beau

Style Suggestion: What to Wear When It’s Hot Out

Editor’s note: Click here for other #menswear style suggestions.

While the calendar shows that we’re well into August, the summer heat shows no signs of dissipating — maybe that’s just the unfortunate circumstance of navigating the overcrowded subways, but I think not. And so, that’s what we’re getting into today (if the title wasn’t enough). That crucial-yet-simple question — what to wear when it’s hot out — is still pretty relevant, and it’s a good thought to keep in your back pocket even if it feels like summer’s winding down. Now, the good news is that if you live in an area where it’s ungodly hot all year-round, you’ll have plenty of use for the below style suggestion. It’s partly functional, it’s (hopefully) stylish, and it’s geared toward taking you from Sunday brunch to the park and beyond — you can even repurpose this #menswear look during a casual day at the office. For those who value versatility in style (which should be, well, all of us), that’s a must-have. Got other questions or thoughts on what you’d like to see on The Style Guide? Get at me on Twitter.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.
The Shirt: Good Man Brand Slub Stripe Polo — $75.98

A polo that hits the sweet spot in terms of lightweight fabric and solid fit.

A polo that hits the sweet spot in terms of lightweight fabric and solid fit.

If you want to look put-together even on a day off, a crisp-yet-casual polo sold via the fine team at Huckberry will set you right. This particular number features a peached slub jersey fabric that’s going to be breathable and move with you. In fact, it should feel every bit like a slim pocket T-shirt, yet it looks that much more polished thanks to a collar that’s hand-sewn by shirtmakers — your average polo, this is not. The trim fit is to be applauded (even in a larger size like XL), and it’ll stylishly complement your choice of pants (particularly the ones below).

The Pants: OLIVERS Apparel 5-Pocket Pant — $168

A pant that manages to be ultra-stretchy and yet still sharp.

A pant that manages to be ultra-stretchy and yet still sharp.

From stylish-yet-functional essentials like the brand’s Movement Kit to staple pieces like the 5-Pocket Pant, OLIVERS is as solid an option as any if you’re looking for essentials to fight the heat. Although these are, well, pants and not fabric-reducing shorts, this particular pant is made with a nylon-spandex blend for stretch and comfort. Plus, they’ve got the super-crisp look of a classic pair of chinos and comfortable four-way stretch properties built in. Lastly, the folks at OLIVERS make these bad boys in Los Angeles, so you’re supporting American manufacturing while looking great.

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes — $125

Just the right shoe to complement an outfit made for movement and comfort.

Just the right shoe to complement an outfit made for movement and comfort.

Whether you’re stepping out on a summer holiday or exploring a big city on the weekend, a sharp pair of leather shoes that mix casual and refined style can’t go wrong. With that versatility in mind, Jack Erwin crafted the Cooper Boat Shoe, a favorite set of kicks for yours truly. They feel as comfortable as a pair of sneakers, the Caramel Nubuck is handsome and high-quality, and the elongated loafer last means they have a dressier look and feel than other boat shoes on the market (although you can’t go wrong with something like a refined leather loafer here). An underrated thing about these shoes? You can also rock them with no-show socks for a bit of breezy comfort.

The Socks: Sock Genius Villa Park Stripe No-show Sock — $10

A pair of no-show socks that keeps popping up -- for plenty of reasons.

A pair of no-show socks that keeps popping up — for plenty of reasons.

If you’ve kept up with all things men’s style here on the blog, you’ve seen Sock Genius No-show socks around these parts before — and for great reason. Now, if you’re already well-stocked with other comfortable no-show socks,  you’re probably fine to pass on picking up this pair. But if not, I’d strongly suggest you snag a set to finish off your outfit. A breathable pair of no-shows will help out your feet and your shoes tremendously in the long run, and the neat color & pattern on these is a small bonus when you kick off your shoes at the end of the day.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt — $36

Whereas a leather belt will weigh you down, this number is built with a ton of stretch for lightweight comfort.

Whereas a leather belt will weigh you down, this number is built with a ton of stretch for lightweight comfort.

Sometimes, a leather belt can just feel a bit too cumbersome. Particularly when it’s just too hot out, you want to reduce excess weight as much as possible — and yes, that can even be done by reaching for a lightweight stretch belt. Arcade Belt Co. makes unique-looking belts that blend different materials — in this case, full-grain leather and high-tensile elastic. The result is a stylish belt that, like the polo and chinos above, moves with you as you walk around town or settle in for a relaxing Sunday brunch (also an area where the stretch could help, too). It’s a bit pricey, but it’ll pay off given the potential for mixing and matching with style staples like dark raw denim in the fall, too.
Florsheim

The Watch: Szanto Military Field Watch — $149.98

The right balance of casual, rugged and stylish.

The right balance of casual, rugged and stylish.

Now, there are certainly other casual watches that could work here, but the key here is to reach for a watch that’s going to help you fight the heat (in a small way) is a solid move. Although we all love a rich leather watch, the leather strap isn’t exactly the best option when it’s hot — but a canvas-strap watch, with its lightweight material, is much better (to put it simply). A durable field watch might seem an unusual option, so if that feels too casual, you could grab a stylish dive watch instead. Yet, the charcoal strap and dial shown here are understated, the dial design itself isn’t too loud, and the 42mm diameter is just about the right size — it’s a bit bigger in diameter than  a classic dress watch, but it’s well short of the world’s largest watch, ya dig?

The Sunglasses: Steven Alan Optical Millbrook Sunglasses in Dark Stripe Tortoise — $165

Sunglasses that are dressy yet not overly so.

Sunglasses that are dressy yet not overly so.

You might recognize these Steven Alan Optical sunglasses from this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, and they’re making another appearance here for good measure. While the military field watch above skews a bit more casual, these sunglasses find that style middle ground nicely — they’re refined and a bit elevated, but they’d still look right at home with a polo and chinos.  Paired with the rich nubuck boat shoes, they make this an outfit that’s equal parts ready for casual Friday and a quick pint at the bar thereafter. And, they can even complement a lightweight suit at your next summer wedding.

It can be tough to gear up for a hot day in style — particularly if it means battling a hot commute, for example. But making the decision to dress stylishly and functionally can definitely be done if you know where to look. Fabrics that are breathable and lightweight, but done up in tailored silhouettes like the ones seen here, are the way to go if you’ve got to head to the office and then to a post-work engagement. And if you just want to look a little snappier on the weekend, chinos and a polo with built-in stretch are the perfect anchor for any look. Got other picks, or items you’d replace? Let me know in the comments!

Stay cool out there,

-Beau

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