Keep It Simple: 5 Weekend Style Basics

Have you ever noticed that the more someone knows about a subject, it’s often very hard for them to explain it in simple terms to someone who knows nothing about what they do or study? Academics are generally the biggest culprits. I’ve been there. You get so deep into something and so specialized in knowledge, terminology and concerns specific to whatever discipline it is that you almost develop blinders to the “real world” and “normal people.” Going so far down a rabbit hole that it can be difficult to answer a simple question like, “What is it that you do/study/are researching?” without saying, “Uhhhhhh,” or speaking what might as well be a foreign language.

Menswear can create a similar predicament. Knowledge is power in terms of creating a healthy style vocabulary from which to draw from on a daily basis, but it can also be a stumbling block. The more you know, the more you think and the more you might overthink. We’ve all been guilty of this at some point. I certainly have. Putting on the same-old same-old might seem boring even if it’s super sharp. It’s easy to get caught up in an outfit-driven spiral where you’re constantly trying to do something different.

It’s great to experiment, but sometimes it’s completely unnecessary. When you find yourself in that mindset, force yourself to get back to the basics. The weekend is a great time to do that. Here’s a very simple outfit made up of five key casual basics.

| WEARING | Levi’s denim jacket, Joules sweatshirt, J.Crew chinos, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Common Projects sneakers | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

1. Denim jacket. Even during the summer, it’s good to have a go-to lightweight jacket. A denim jacket always looks great with a casual outfit and is a great way to dress down an office look as well.

2. Athletic sweatshirt. This is my roll-out-of-bed-don’t-want-to-think-about-anything weekend piece. Classic, rugged, stylish. Looks good on it’s own or with a button down underneath.

3. Classic chinos. Jeans go with the weekend like chocolate goes with peanut butter. But if you’re sporting a denim jacket, you’ll want to avoid the Canadian tuxedo (unless, of course, you don’t). Here’s where your classic pair of chinos comes in.

4. Classic shades. Accessories make an outfit and a great pair of sunglasses are a must. A Clubmaster style pairs perfectly with the Americana of denim, chinos and a sweatshirt.

5. White leather sneakers. A casual staple that was made for the weekend. There aren’t too many weekends that I won’t be found in my Common Projects.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style