Dressing for the beach can be a tricky affair for any man of decency and style. When the order of the day is to be dressed as little as possible, it can be tough to remain stylish. A serious lack of good looking, well cut and affordable bathing suits these days doesn't help. But I think it can be done.
I'm not about to be seen in public in either a speedo or knee length board shorts with a floral print. And as sharp as I think a blazer and white pants are together, that' just silly. It's not 1925 anymore. So the trick, as I see it, is to take what one knows about classic menswear and translate it into something simple, carefree and lazy....or at least achieve the appearance that you hardly thought about it, even though, of course, you did.
Beach clothes are all about comfort. That's why I think old and well worn, well loved items work best in this situation.
Further proof of the white oxford button down shirt as design perfection. Fresh out of the package and gleaming white, they are undeniable under a navy suit. A million years and washes later, collar warn and tattered, they become the perfect throw on garment for a day of sun and salt air.
I know many of you out there hate flip flops on men as much as I do, but seriously, what are you gonna wear to the beach? Easy on, easy off, no problem slipping a wet sandy foot into them. These days Polo and J. Crew seem to be offering a lot of good looking cheapies in all sorts of grosgrain ribbon. Could be worse, right?
What really takes beach wear to the level of style, in this fellows humble opinion, is a good straw hat. I have this old one from the 60's. Note the rips at the corners, the icing on the cake.
That rust colored paisley band wins a few points, too.
Now if only I could find a damn plaid bathing suit. Why are they so hard to come by these days?
