After all that talk about the pink shirt on the previous post, it's now time for some practical applications. Whether solid or patterned, don't just think pink, wear pink! Here are some simple suggestions....
Summer Friday: One of the few still left with a job? Instead of merely feeling grateful enough to have a job, why not use this opportunity to get ahead? The competition is stiffer than ever in retaining cubicle turf, and now is certainly not the time to schmuck around in standard-issue work attire - especially on those dubious days dubbed "Casual Friday." Make your presence at the office count with optimistic pink stripes, dark jeans, and an unlined cotton/linen blend blazer that keeps you well-ventilated and looking sharp, not stiff. If you need to wear a tie, go for a knit or cotton woven tie in a solid or pattern. Lose the tie when heading out to cocktail hour and you might end up hooking up with something more than a couple of gin and tonics.
Of course, if you want to wear this shirt with a suit, just throw on a navy, khaki, or light-to-medium grey suit and you'll emit grace and charm at the office, summer weddings, job interviews, and wherever else you go.
Weekend Warrior: It's time to drop off the spread collar dress shirt at the cleaners for the weekend and revel in a sporty, playful shirt. Button-down collar optional, but recommended. Wear it with white jeans (or any pair of jeans, really, but white is the summer jean), and classic kicks such as Converse Chuck Taylors or Adidas Stan Smiths. White jeans + white sneakers = white hot. A softly structured nylon messenger bag is uncomplicated and laid-back, while holding all your essentials for weekend errands or just hanging out. It's also roomy enough to pack a lightweight navy cardigan with accent trimming in case your weekend excursion runs well into the brisk night.
Lazy Sunday: This is your time to chill out, maybe even to recuperate from last night's debauchery. To reflect this state of mind, your shirt shouldn't be perfectly pressed nor (gasp!) starched (bad boy!). Save that for Monday, and instead grab a sport shirt that looks like you fished it straight from the dryer, with its subtle puckers and soft crinkles intact. Unless it's way too wrinkly - you want to look effortless and unaffected, not sloppy - steam it out a bit just enough to create a carefree, undone, artfully disheveled aesthetic. In order for you to get to your local brunch joint for some eggs, and more importantly, Bloody Marys (hair of the dog, you say?), you'll need to wear clothes and shoes anyway. So why not make it a fresh, rosy shirt to add some color back to your face, simple chino shorts (or pants), and some easy-on-easy-off slip-ons? Add on a tri-color webbed belt for a tasteful jolt of color, and good luck trying to keep a low profile with those handsome movie star shades.
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