Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has…
As you may know, Men’s Style Pro has partnered with I.W. Harper Bourbon Whiskey for a few activations in Philly which included a private dinner at Twenty Manning Grill. To round out our partnership, I.W. Harper wanted to know about my current summer style essentials — so I put together one complete look of all the pieces I’m into this summer that can truly stand alone as the showpiece of any outfit.
(Photography: Austin Horton)
Double-breasted Linen Windowpane Blazer – Banana Republic | Grey Crewneck T-Shirt – Uniqlo | Neutral Suede Monkstrap Shoes – Tobox (Philly) | Aviator Sunglasses – James Dean Eyewear | 1969 Slim Fit White Jeans – Gap | Grey-Tipped White Pocket Square & Blue Suede Woven Belt – The Tie Bar
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In the spirit of #LiveLikeMrHarper, the style essentials that I’ll be highlighting area mix of classics — some with modern twists on the expected from an amped-up navy blazer to a pair locally-purchased, neutral color double-monkstrap shoes.
First up – The Navy Windowpane Blazer.
Any men’s style list you’ll read will make that statement that “every man should own a navy blazer”. I agreed with this statement because of the inherent versatility of ye’ old trusty blue blazer, however; they can be quite boring!
This summer, add some juice to your traditional blue blazer by looking for a slightly heightened navy blue blazer in a windowpane pattern. You can find windowpane blazers in white, grey, orange and red — depending on your level of confidence will dictate which colorway you’ll choose. A white or grey windowpane is much more versatile and translate from the office to happy-hour.
Be smart about your fabric choices. This particular blazer is linen, which is highly breathable and can stand-up to the summer heat.
Mixed Metal Accessories
Break the rule of “you can’t mix metals” when it comes to your jewelry & accessories. A gold watch is as luxe and radiant as the summer sun, paired with silver framed aviator glasses is less monotonous and casual. The twist? A colored & slightly translucent lens is refreshing and modern (see blue lens aviators above).
The Classics – Grey T-shirt & White Jeans (+navy woven suede belt)
Guys still have a fear of white jeans, so pairing it with a classic every man staple like grey t-shirt. Adding a grey t-shirt to this look is an easy way to subdue the formality of the blazer without disregarding the integrity of the look. A woven navy suede belt is neutral and complements your suede perfectly without matching them directly.
Of course you’re wearing your favorite sneakers this summer — more power to you! But, there will come a time that you need to rock a proper shoe. I picked these up from a local Philly men’s footwear boutique – Tobox. It’s a great spot to just hang and enjoy some whiskey and to pick up some stellar footwear.
The color of these suede monkstraps falls between sand & beige and are the epitome of a summer shoe. The contrast the white jeans without becoming an eyesore and they pull the entire look together.
(Post Sponsored by I.W. Harper Bourbon Whiskey. All content & opinions are that of Men’s Style Pro)
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Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has a deep passion for menswear and all things manly. Selected as one of the "5 Best Dressed Men In America" by Esquire Magazine in 2010 & as #GQFall 2013 Best Dressed Man. As of 2014, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ Magazine & GQ Report. Outside of that partnership, Sabir serves as an independent brand consultant as well. Reach me directly at SABIR@MENSSTYLEPRO.COM