The latest and greatest from Drake’s, Saint Laurent, Gucci and more.
The weekend is here and with it, there’s a fresh batch of menswear finery. We’re firmly in the midst of sale season (we’ve got a few tips on what to score at Mr. Porter) and the latest offerings skew toward transitional pieces that’ll see you through the dog days of summer and into early fall. From trousers that work for the office or weekend excursions to a holy grail watch, here are 15 of the best pieces to buy now.
PHOTO : DRAKE’S
Drake’s Oxford Cloth ‘Fun’ Shirt
The Fun Shirt is a retro classic that’s having a resurgence. A cheeky take on your classic Oxford cloth button-down, this example from Drake’s features contrasting panels of brushed cotton in a panoply of pastel hues. Wear it as you would any other OCBD and see just how fun these shirts can be.
PHOTO : MYTHERESA
Gucci ‘Ace’ Leather Sneakers
The ‘Ace’ is Gucci’s answer to the wear-anywhere-and-everywhere sneaker. But naturally, this being Gucci, it’s hardly a basic trainer. This pair features graphic bands of the house’s signature red and green webbing and luxe croc-embossed heel tabs. Unlike entry-level white sneakers, these are made of calfskin in a softer eggshell tone—so even when they’re box fresh, they won’t scream ‘new shoes!’
PHOTO : SAINT LAURENT
Saint Laurent Military Parka
You could spend hours (if not much longer) scouring Army-Navy surplus shops to find the perfect vintage parka. Or, you could cop this one from Saint Laurent. It has all the trappings of a great vintage find, with a sleeker cut and, well, no secondhand funk. Throw it atop a tee for summer evening strolls and layer it with turtlenecks and dress shirts for a rugged yet polished look come fall.
PHOTO : MR. PORTER
Barena Checked Wool-Blend Drawstring Trousers
Venetian brand Barena is a reliable source for relaxed tailoring—the kind of pieces that make you look put together but are effortless to wear. These trousers are a prime example: cut from a gingham wool blend that nods to heritage suiting but with a roomy cut and drawstring waist that are all about comfort. We’d even suggest springing for the matching blazer to make a perfectly fuss-free suit.
PHOTO : 24 SEVRES
Heron Preston ‘Heron Techno’ Hoodie
Even if you don’t have many excuses to dress up these days, there’s still room to refine your most casual attire. On that front, Heron Preston’s hoodie can go a long way. It has serious streetwear cred (even the kids will think it’s a cool look) but it’s not so trendy that it’ll look like you’re trying. Toss it on with a pair of faded chinos and those Gucci sneakers and you’re good to go.
PHOTO : BROWNS
Rolex Pre-Owned GMT Master II ‘Batman’
How to wear the aforementioned hoodie while still telegraphing executive swagger? Choose your watch carefully. Lucky for you, Browns just got a batch of vintage watches with a number of collectible models and no waitlist. The Rolex GMT II is one of the brand’s most coveted models, even more coveted is the so-called ‘Batman’ with a black and blue bi-colored bezel. If you know your watches, we needn’t say more.
PHOTO : TODD SNYDER
John Smedley Sea Island Cotton Piqué T-Shirt
Here’s a pro tip for your next Zoom call: invest in a knit tee. They’re as comfy and low-key as their jersey brethren, but look infinitely more dapper. This one from British knitwear favorite John Smedley is woven from Sea Island cotton—the lightest, most luxurious cotton in the world—in a rather attractive pea green color. Best of all, it’s currently on sale.
PHOTO : 24 SEVRES
Officine Générale ‘Hugo’ Cotton Poplin Trousers
If you’ve fallen into a pants rut—jeans, chinos, shorts, repeat—may we introduce you to these trousers from Officine Générale? They’re made from a super lightweight cotton poplin, making them ideal for even the hottest summer days, and cut with a straight leg, single pleat silhouette that’s pretty much universally flattering. With a camp-collar shirt, sport coat or tee, they’re a trouser MVP.
PHOTO : MR. PORTER
Quoddy ‘Downeast’ Suede Boat Shoes
Maine-based Quoddy has been hand-crafting superlative boat shoes for four generations. As far as top-siders go, these are the real deal. They use centuries-old techniques, like beeswax-coated topstitching, to make shoes that are actually fit to withstand the wear and tear of sea life. But even if you’re just cruising around East Hampton, these are a solid summer shoe.
PHOTO : MYTHERESA
Loewe Tie-Dye Zip Sweatshirt
Should you want to inject even more fun into your wardrobe than a fun shirt, Loewe’s tie-dyed hoodie is an irreverent—yet wearable—choice. Inspired by the famed boho emporium Paula’s Ibiza, it’s a groovy piece of loungewear that you can rely on for some extra sartorial punch.
PHOTO : BROWNS
Missoni Crewneck Striped Sweater
Missoni is best known for its vividly patterned knits—achieved through intricate weaving rather than printing. This lightweight sweater showcases the house’s mastery of the loom, with alternating stripes of multicolored bands and neutral navy. It’s an artful twist on a classic.
PHOTO : SUNGLASS HUT
Ray-Ban ‘Clubmaster’ Square Sunglasses
The hybrid acetate-wire framed ‘Clubmaster’ style was a favorite of stylish gents during the Mad Men midcentury years, and its appeal holds up today. The silhouette is flattering for most all faces and lends any outfit a bit of subtle throwback charm.
PHOTO : EAST DANE
Marni ‘Neptune’ Short-Sleeved Poplin Shirt
Is there any pattern more quintessentially summer than blue and white stripes? It’s a combination that can be found in any number of iterations but looks especially fresh in this slightly boxy, camp-collared shirt from Marni. Wear it with white jeans and those Quoddy boat shoes for a modern riff on a classic nautical look.
PHOTO : K. JACQUES
K. Jacques ‘Barigoule’ Leather Sandals
French brand K. Jacques has been the footwear of choice for Saint Tropéziens for almost 100 years (Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso were fans). The ‘Barigoule’ is one of the brand’s most signature models: a clean-lined silhouette with a slim leather sole. While they’re a no-brainer for the beach, these elegant sandals will easily pair with more tailored fare—even a suit.
PHOTO : EAST DANE