Spring to summer is the hardest transitional season in menswear. Make it easier on yourself and invest in blue. It doesn’t matter what kind: light, dark, seersucker, tweed, striped, window-paned—as long as it’s lightweight with a quality cut, it will last you from now until autumn. Not to mention blue is one of the most versatile colors out there and looks good on nearly every man. One rule of thumb, though: You can mix and match blue blazers with denim and colored chinos only when going business casual. If slacks are in the mix, keep the palette uniform for a sharp, cohesive look and feel.
HUGO BOSS
Reyno Wave Suit
Shop Santa Monica Place
/ $1,195
hugoboss.com
Paul & Shark
Navy Linen Jacket
Shop Beverly Hills
/ $1,175
paulshark.it
Sand, Copenhagen
Summer Tweed Star Soft Blazer
Shop Sunset Plaza
/ $625
sand.dk
Ted Baker
Argo Blazer
Shop Santa Monica
/ $1,530
tedbaker.com
Go with the flow
Comfortable but directional pieces make the new guard of casual anything but basic. Here are some of our favorites of the season that bring both confidence and competence to Casual Fridays.
Citizens of Humanity
Shop Venice
/ $194
citizensofhumanity.com
Start with a pair of non-denim pants. Keeps you low key and effortless enough to call it casual but still looks polished and thoughtful of style and presentation.
Eton
Shop Santa Monica Place
/ $275
etonshirts.com
Next, a classic button-down shirt in a comfortable fabric (and subtle detail) gives you a curated look that will be appreciated more than just any regular polo or white tee.
Tom Ford
Shop Beverly Hills
/ $3,800
tomford.com
Whether headed out for the weekend straight from the office or a quick trip to the gym, this luxe oversized duffle is sporty but dapper and tailored, keeping you organized and ready for anything.
Façonnable
Shop Beverly Hills
/ $315
faconnable.com
Slip on a pair of suede shoes like these classic driving shoes. Comfortable and flexible, this leather moccasin loafer will allow you to either show off your ankles or that impeccable sock game of yours.
Leisure Society by Shane Baum
Shop Pacific Palisades
/ $675
leisure-society.com
The little things give a whole look its meaning. Add a new pair of polarized classics like these from Leisure Society – fashioned from 24K gold-plated titanium – and revive the vintage aviator framework look.
On the Horizon
Three rising men’s brands to watch
KILLSPENCER
California-based luggage and accessories label KILLSPENCER has opened the doors to its first retail destination in Silverlake. Housing all of the brand’s handcrafted goods as well as an on-site workshop, the company also offers a special bespoke service for clients who want to make their vision for a perfect bag a reality. KILLSPENCER’s founder Spencer Nikosey takes pride in the brand’s emphasis on locally crafted, sustainable, waterproof designs.
The Weekender 3.0
/ $675
killspencer.com
Matsuda Eyewear
Under new CEO James Kisgen (formerly of Cartier America), Matsuda eyewear rebirths its iconic brand. All eyewear is painstakingly crafted by hand in the artisanal workshops of Japan, and each Matsuda creation represents more than 45 years of design history and heritage. Only the finest materials, including celluloid acetate, titanium, sterling silver, 18K solid gold, and 22.5K gold plating are used in each creation. Based in Santa Monica with offices in Japan and Paris.
Hand-finished Japanese acetate with 5-barrel riveted signature hinge, pictured in Smoke Clear
/ $400
matsudaeyewear.com
Rogue Territory
Originally a custom denim workshop located within American Rag’s World Denim Bar in Los Angeles, Rogue Territory initially offered fully bespoke denim pieces to a select clientele. In the fall of 2009, Founder Karl Thoennessen stopped making custom jeans and shifted his focus toward ready-to-wear, launching his first capsule collection in American Rag. Today, Rogue Territory is a global brand focused on handcrafted quality denim goods and apparel for a discerning customer who appreciates subtle design details, an impeccable fit, and a modern interpretation of classic garments.
Stanton 14.5 OZ
/ $220
rogueterritory.com
