What to Wear When - Your Bosses B.B.Q.
You’ve been invited to your bosses place for a BBQ, not your friend’s backyard keg party. You will be judged by the boss and your peers so don’t show up looking like you’re there to wash his car in a pair of ratty Hawaiian shorts and an over sized Sponge Bob t-shirt. You also don’t want to look like a keener showing up in your Sunday best so the rule of thumb is to think “smart casual”… not sloppy nor over dressed. It’s a step up from business casual (which no one should ever strive to dress like again!) but can also double for a date night out.
Photography by Javier Lovera
Smart casual is all about the details and fit, it’s not about wearing the latest trends or being flashy. The easiest smart casual look is a collared shirt. And not a dress shirt with a check, stripe or micro pattern. Try to stay away from plaids as they can be too casual, then roll up your sleeves past your elbow. Pair with a trim fit chino or try a modern fit short that’s a cut above the knee. Add in the right details like a coloured belt and the right boat shoes or loafers and you’re well on your way to the corner office.
Cotton Polo by Haights And Ashbury $69 | Printed Shorts by Benson $115 | Leather Belt by Strellson $120
Polo
Trimmer is better, even if you’re a big guy. A trim (not tight) polo will look more flattering on you. Look for extra details that dress up your polo shirt. Contrast collar and placket, pocket and cuff detail - so it doesn’t look like you’re going to sneak off to a golf game.
Shorts
Don’t be afraid of colours or patterns for this summer. Both are a great way to freshen up your wardrobe. Start simple with smaller patterns that can easily co-ordinate with your check, plaid or striped tops and start with bolder neutral tones like olive, blue and green.
Cotton Blazer by Stones $398 | Cotton Henley by PYA $78 | Cotton Chinos by Hitil $135 | Woven Belt by Andersons $135 | Linen Pocketsquare by Armstrong & Wilson $65
Coats
A cotton sport coat is the fastest way to smarten up any outfit. You look put together, yet the fabric lends itself to be more casual, so you don’t look stuffy.
Henleys
The henley is a great update to your regular white crew neck tee. It’s been around since the 19th century so it’s not a trend item! Great as a layering piece but sharp enough to wear on its own.
Pants
Time to ditch the jeans. Coloured chinos are a great way to feel cool when it’s hot outside. If you’re new to colour, remember to wear colour with neutrals (like white, beige and black) to tone it down.
Extra Details
Don’t forget the details: a summer watch, linen or cotton pocket square, light coloured shoes and belt will help elevate your outfit to the next level.
All items shown are available at Gotstyle Menswear and Gotstyle Distllery.
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