Tan linen sport coat with blue shirt, white trousers, panama hat and suede driving loafers, worn by a model on a city street

Casual Elegance

July 7th, 2014

Written By

Black peak lapel tuxedo with bow tie and stud front shirt, worn by a model in a car

Brian Sacawa

Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.

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One of my go-to everyday looks is what I like to call sharp casual. The colors and fabrics change with the season, but the general formula is always the same: blazer, button-up shirt, chinos or jeans, lace-ups or loafers. It’s a simple way to look sharp and put together without going overboard and requires minimal thought. Simple outfits can really shine with the right accessories, and one of my favorite ways to add a little bit of casual elegance this summer has been with my straw panama hat.

Khaki cotton sport coat with light blue shirt, white trousers and panama hat, worn by a model outdoors

I mentioned last week about how a resurgence of interest in classic menswear has changed the way we look at certain items. It has also increased the level of exploration style-conscious guys are investing in taking those classic items and recasting them as integral parts of their personal style today. Case in point: headwear. A great hat is a quintessential expression of gentlemanliness. As an accessory to any outfit, it is a stand out item that projects sartorial confidence. And there’s no more perfect hat for summer than the panama hat.

Coincidentally, my first issue of The Rake arrived just before I hit the road. It’s got a great article on the history, manufacturing, and current interest in panama hats. Definitely worth checking out.

Tan cotton sport coat with blue shirt, white pocket square, panama hat and leather folio, worn by a model

Brown pebbled leather envelope folio held with a tan cotton sport coat and cream trousers, worn by a model

| WEARING | Brooks Brothers blazer, Michael Andrews Bespoke shirt (similar HERE), A.P.C. jeans (similar HERE), Goorin Bros. hat (similar HERE), Ray-Ban sunglasses, J.Crew pocket square (old, similar HERE) and belt, Reiss portfolio (more options HERE), Timex watch, Loafers c/o Coach | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Sand suede penny loafer driving shoes with cuffed white jeans, a close-up detail worn by a model

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian
He Spoke Style

Brian Sacawa

Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and doggies Charlie and Simon.

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