THE JOURNAL
Remember when, in the deepest, darkest depths of the lockdown restrictions, we all vowed to never again turn down an invitation? How easy it is to forget those moments now as summer draws to a close and we find ourselves utterly exhausted, having packed a year’s worth of social interaction into an ephemeral few months. With Labor Day on the horizon in the US, and therefore the customary parades and picnics, perhaps there’s a temptation to “take a chill one” this time around – maybe even spend the long weekend productively by prepping for the back-to-work period. If such is your mindset, then we’re here to remind you of your lockdown self – the one who’d tell you to get up off your sofa and see out the summer in style.
When it comes to dressing for the Labor Day festivities, the old (and frankly outdated) adage that one shouldn’t wear white after the first Monday in September is often taken as a cue to deck oneself out in the colour. But here’s the thing about an all-white outfit: as crisp and clean it may look, it is, by Murphy’s law, a magnet for spillages. While we don’t doubt your impeccable table manners and hand-eye coordination, the same can’t always be said for your fellow partygoers. Throw in all the accoutrements of a late summer get-together – sticky barbecue sauces, hot dog mustard, the last of the summer rosé – and suddenly a holiday that should be devoted to respite becomes a game of Russian roulette.
At MR PORTER, we’re ardent believers that your outfit, no matter how meticulously planned beforehand, should never get in the way of a good time. That’s why, instead of encouraging you to tempt fate this Labor Day, we’re advocating a real-world approach. A nod to tradition is certainly welcomed, so no need to ditch the summer whites altogether. But employing them sparingly – as in the head-to-toe look we’ve so helpfully put together below – will maximise their impact and considerably lower the stakes.
01.
Orlebar Brown polo shirt
Polo shirts can be tricky. For one, there’s always the risk of looking like you’re off on a dads’ golfing weekend – or, if it’s on the baggy side, channelling a noughties hip-hop star (see Mr Kanye West and Mr Pharrell Williams circa 2006, before either were fixtures on best-dressed lists). So how exactly does one get it right? Firstly, a snug fit is imperative, and of course how you style it matters (sleek, tailored pieces will work to counterbalance the casual, sporty vibe). But the finer details make a difference here, too: this navy polo shirt by Orlebar Brown is polished off with zips and contrast edges that feel refreshingly modern and, dare we say, cool?
02.
Brunello Cucinelli cargo trousers
Anyone who tells you cargo pants are a no-go clearly hasn’t had the pleasure of beholding this tailored pair by Brunello Cucinelli. True to form, the ultra-luxe Italian label has elevated a utilitarian (and rather boring) basic to the heights of good taste with just a few clever tweaks. Cargo pants are often heavy on the pockets, but here they’re kept to a minimum, so as not to interrupt the flattering straight-leg silhouette. Likewise, the off-white hue will offset darker pieces such as the polo shirt beautifully, but allows for a softer, more wearable alternative to stark white jeans.
03.
Loro Piana sunglasses
When you hear the words Loro Piana, what comes to mind? For most, it’s a byword for softer-than-soft cashmere knits – the kind we’ll no doubt be reaching for come autumn. But, as it happens, the label knows a thing or two about elegant eyewear, too. Case in point: this pair of square tortoiseshell frames, crafted in Japan no less. By now, we’re guessing you’ve built up a collection of perennially cool, not-at-all-identical black sunglasses that you keep on rotation through the summer months. A touch of tortoiseshell will add a little lightness to the mix and is guaranteed to go with everything.
04.
Bottega Veneta slides
If, like us, you’ve spent your WFH days in super laid-back mode, we imagine that by now you’re desperate to ditch the slides. However, we’re also willing to bet that your at-home go-tos are nowhere as refined as these. With their pared-back camel-toned upper and contrasting black sole, these Bottega Veneta sandals are so painfully tasteful that frankly it’d be criminal not to wear them outside. Clothes lovers like us are prone to use the word “investment” a little too loosely, but there’s no denying these will see you through many a summer.
05.
TOM FORD swim shorts
Should your Labor Day plans involve a barbecue on the beach or a rooftop pool party (we’re not at all envious), then you’ll be needing a pair of swim shorts. Go out with a splash, we say, and opt for a solid bright colour that shouts “Summer’s not over just yet!” TOM FORD’s tailored pastel-pink trunks may not be best suited to those who prefer to slip away unnoticed at the end of the night (AKA a “French exit”). However, if your goal is to be the most memorable man at the function – of the summer, even – then these are guaranteed to do the trick.