Casual Days

Fridays and those days when the mercury creeps upward of 85°F (29°C) are days when, barring a meeting with the money men, most of us will dress down. “Dress down” has really taken on different meanings these days. Most of us seem to be ready to hop into the VW microbus and head for the beach. Flip-flops, cargo shorts and tank tops (!) are on full display. As is the untanned flesh of those wearing the costume. I’ve gotten to the point where I actually prefer to see flip-flops worn with that ensemble rather than running shoes and crew socks.

Call it mission creep.

You may opt for something a bit more polished. I like to when not hanging around my back porch.

Sunspel’s Riviera polo has to be the most breathable garment I own. The fabric is mesh-like, without allowing any ski to show through. Amazing. Breezes slip right over you. The shirt was worn by Daniel Craig in “Casino Royale” to better effect than I can muster… But I still highly recommend it. Remember that it is a tailored fit.  Order accordingly. I am wearing a large and only after a week of salads.

My trousers are very lightweight tropical wool by Incotex. They sit a bit lower than I’m used to, but fit nicely and the weight is welcome in the Africa-like heat.

Finally, suede loafers. These are The Sloop created by Will Boehlke of A Suitable Wardrobe. I save the Sperry’s and LL Bean camp mocs for shorts.  I find a suede footbed is the most comfortable in summer. A liberal sprinkling of Gold Bond foot powder helps, too. Socks are just too much to bear on these days. Especially since I wear over-the-calf. I suppose luxury blends of sea-island cotton and linen would be cool enough, but I find it hard to justify the cost when I can go sockless.

Especially to a late summer luncheon with my 7-year-old son who was very patient while I ate something that made him reel backwards in horror.

Now if I could only find a hair product that didn’t melt so easily…