Yahoo Finance Summer solutions: the return of the deck shoe and the smartest accessory of the season
Our men's style expert rounds up the most dynamic goings-on in men's style this spring.
Hit the decks
Nothing can summon the gods of Golden Age American menswear quite like the news that preppy poppers Vampire Weekend are back with a new album – albeit after a six-year layoff. Which may be an aeon in musical terms, but is the perfect pause during which to consider: whatever happened to their footwear of choice, the deck shoe?
Granted, our attention has been elsewhere, surveying the sneaker, but time was that when it came to classical casual summer footwear, nothing got close to the deck shoe. Consider its merits: a handsome all leather upper (with lacings to match) and a go-anywhere, all-action rubber or synthetic sole. From JFK to the weekend army of pseudo-yachties who made Docksides and their sartorial synonyms their own, it’s been the go-to shoe for aquatic adventurers and poseurs alike.
Fortunately, its advantages (the older a pair gets, the better it looks) have not been lost on this season’s fashion - forward brands, with everyone from America’s Cup sponsors Prada to Ralph Lauren joining the squadron of fit-for - purpose summer-shoe suppliers. But remember: socks are a no-no and any - thing shorter than a pair of turned-up chinos should be reconsidered…
Brown suede, £129, Polo Ralph Lauren. Navy leather, £240, Church’s. Blue suede, £330, Tod’s. Navy suede, £205, PS Paul Smith. Blue and white leather, £515, Prada
Power of one
And while we’re on the subject of summer - time slip-ons, bend your mind to the state of man-jewellery. If you’re pained by the plethora of wrist-borne detritus topped out with a garish free-for-all of festival bands and friendship bracelets, you can breathe easy once more.
Last summer, the story became the solitary “mangle”, preferably in precious metal, and worn with nothing more than a teak-deep tan and perhaps a white-dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual on the opposing wrist. Dior has unleashed the ultimate emblem of this less-is-more vibe: crystal and gem-set tennis bracelets designed by Yoon Ahn.
For those requiring something a little more Sexy Beast poolside, an alternative option is the playa-friendly “CD” bracelet in brass and resin –a statement piece, for sure, but preferably a stand - alone statement. Crystal and brass bracelet, £910, dior.com
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