Q + A : TROPI-COOL
Question:
Send the fashion police. I’m guilty of committing the ultimate crime… according to my wife, anyway!
Year in, year out, I’m the guy who reaches for khaki shorts, a navy collared tee and Birkies every Saturday morning. I think she spends so much on new IT handbags to make up for my drabness. Help me become her ultimate accessory (and save our shared bank account from ruin!).
Answer:
It’s time to get in charge of your fashion finances. A solid understanding of the basics for the warm months ahead is important and it works in your favour because men’s wardrobes don’t change much as women’s year to year (fashion shows don’t count). You just need five new items to jolt you out of the doldrums. I guarantee, once purchased, your wife will be dragging you out to show you off on the sidewalks of her fave cafés.
My top 5 picks:
Tropic Thunder
Shirts have gone all Tarzan on us. Loud jungle and floral prints in loose cuts and vibrant colour palettes are shouting out to be worn. They have come a long way since the Magnum P.I. days of garish Aloha numbers. The rules: short and collared sleeved only, wear untucked over relaxed cotton pants or just above the knee shorts. Either button up to just below the collar bone or leave open over a slim white or navy tee.
Chillax those slacks
For those of you who never quite embraced the hyper-tailored, thigh-gripping pant looks of recent years, the relaxed cut has made something of a welcome comeback. But take note, I said relaxed, not loose and baggy! Update the look by cropping the hems (even just slightly) to flash a bit of ankle. Tips: the key is to look comfy, not slovenly, whilst appearig trim should also be a priority, so contrast the relaxed fit with tailored shirts or fitted tees (ideally tucked in) and slim-line jackets to avoid the appearance of a boxy waist.
Exercise opinion
Cushioned comfort is still leading the brigade when it comes to footwear. Popular among struggling uni students to tech whizzes en route to a meeting, the Adidas Stan Smith sneaker has emerged as a staple footwear choice that can be worn for any sartorial contingency. Wear them with shorts and a tee through to casual cotton-linen suits. They’ll only run you a tad over $100 – a bargain for something you can sneak into every outfit combination. Tip: buy two pairs and allow one to get scuffed for weekend cred, the other so stay crisp for the working week. Avoid exposed socks too, but please consider sockettes to avoid any stench (no-one need know you’re wearing them)!
Blooming bottoms
If you’re not feeling up to splashing colourful blooms across your chest, you can always opt to give your lower half the botanical treatment. Floral prints are an effective way to add interest and vivacity to a traditionally bland menswear colour palette. Tips: with all the action going on down below, stick to a slightly crinkled linen shirt tucked in up front, dangling the tail out the back in navy, khaki or white (same goes for a round or V-tee). Also, the micro short has thankfully seen its day. Opt for a fit that sits just above your knees and aim for a bold or retro print instead of a pretty micro floral bouquet (too feminine).
Tailored up top
A navy or sea blue blazer still deserves its place as the fundamental piece in the Summer wardrobe. If you’re a lazy dresser, all this jacket needs are beige or cream relaxed-fit cotton pants or a pair of jeans, plus a white tee to finish off the outfit with Stan Smith’s. You can even dress up a pair of floral print shorts with one too – ideal for a weekend brunch or lunch. Tips: they’re best worn unbuttoned for a casual look, but just one button done up can upgrade your look to the sunset cocktail-time league.
