Summer Swagger
A trio of fashion experts offers tips on how to choose and style the season’s best pieces—whether for a first date or a pool party.
Singer-songwriter and Valley dweller Aaron Benward is decked out in a cocktail party ensemble by his stylist Allison Rae Marsh. Canali blue plaid suit , $1,895; Frank & Eileen poplin shirt, $245; Swims Petrol sneaker, $155. All available at Sy Devore in Studio City.
Date NightDo: Less is more with designer labels. Dark jeans, a smart blazer with an untucked T-shirt and fresh sneakers look super fashionable. Or a button-down. My favorite is from Frank & Eileen and has that natural, wrinkled look that’s so “in” now. No need to dry-clean or iron.
Cocktail PartyDo: Think of the classic styles of Cary Grant and Fred Astaire: a beautiful khaki or navy suit with a button-down. Or just go for the suit jacket with an untucked polo shirt or a white, crisp button-down. If you wear denim, choose one that has a natural, vintage wear; I like a dark or black. And no need to spend a fortune. H&M has a really well-priced, slim-cut, cotton woven navy suit with flat-front slacks (no pleats). Shoe: a classy, white, nubuck suede oxford. Allison Rae Marsh,
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Daytime WeddingDo: At a daytime summer wedding, wear a suit, a shirt and a tie. Or wear a suit without a tie or even a fabulous T-shirt (James Perse or John Varvatos) with a formal jacket. To add some fun, accessorize with a bold timepiece. Check out the watches by Nixon. They’re great-looking and well-priced.
HEAD TO TOE Canali wing tip spectator shoes, $795, Sy Devore
Office AttireDo: What’s really appropriate is a casual pair of slacks. In some offices it is okay to wear (dark) denim, but remember you’re not at a Dodger game—so dress accordingly. Have several dark pairs that are only for work. Keep the dark hue intact by not laundering the denim frequently; it’s simply not necessary. Sheryl Marcus, Wardrobe Consultant
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Cocktail Party
from $20, Sy Devore
Do: Choose at least one pop of color like a fun sock (happy socks.com or JCrew). I like a fun T-shirt, a fitted blazer, a nice jean like AG brand and a hip sneaker. For a more formal ensemble, do a fitted button-down or even a skinny tie and a nice trouser. I prefer a tucked-in shirt. No matter what your size, tucking in your shirt makes you look more put together. Do a half-roll on the long sleeve, just below the elbow. Get a hip, vintage belt to add some spunk, or a classic leather one. Footwear: Tom’s slip-on men’s espadrille.
Don’t: Over-accessorize. If you go with a tie, don’t do a scarf or wear a hat. Pick one. And don’t wear anything too tight. No matter how in shape you are, it just looks bad. Ditto for big labels (cheesy).
Pool Party
Do: Think awesome and bold for your swim trunk. Check out the higher-end brands like Vilebrequin and Vineyard Vines. Go with a white linen shirt or fun T-shirt. Accessorize with a straw fedora from Rag & Bone, H&M or Zara. Footwear: a boat shoe (Sperry and John Varvatos have great ones), a clean flip-flop or sneaker without socks.
Don’t: Teeny-weeny bikini bottoms are never OK. I’m also not a fan of tight, white undershirt tank tops, too many jewels and necklaces or socks with flip-flops.
Heidi Z. Lieberman, Stylist/Costumer
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