What I Wore Today - Boden & John Varvatos

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us his look for this weekend and shows off his new John Varvatos weekend bag.

When I chose this red and blue striped sweater by Boden I couldn't wait to wear it, but being in the midst of summer, the opportunity hadn't yet arisen. Not that today was a particularly cool day, more that I couldn't resist wearing it any more! With its thin knit in cotton and cashmere it's a great fit and so soft and easy to wear.

With the sweater I wore a pair of stone coloured chino shorts and kept the red and blue theme going with the wristwear and laces in the tan lather brogues.

If you're off for a weekend by the sea like myself you'll need a great bag. This canvas weekend bag by John Varvatos fits the bill. The fact that it's lightweight to begin with is a huge plus. I have leather weekend bags and they are heavy even before you've filled it with everything that you need for your time away!

It's a very roomy bag and even after I'd packed everything I needed I still had some room left inside. I love a bag that comes with handles and a strap as it makes it much more versatile than a bag with just one or the other.  It's faux leather handles are large enough to fit over your shoulder too, so you have three carrying options. The only downside for me is a distinct lack of pockets so if you needed to take passports and documents you'll need to carry them inside the bag itself or somewhere else which could be a pain.

While you may know John varvatos from his time designing for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, you might also know that he has his own range of clothing along with a great range of fragrances which are available at Debenhams.

I didn't take a huge amount of stuff for my trip, the idea is to chill out, drink wine and relax with friends rather than have to worry about looking stylish. We all need some total chill time right!

Where It's All From

Weekend Bag: John Varvatos

Red & Blue Stripe Sweater: Boden

Tan Leather Brogues: Burton Menswear

No Show Socks: Primark

Stone Chino Shorts: Primark

Sunglasses: Primark

Straw Hat: Primark

Watch: Daniel Wellington

Bead Bracelets: Home Made

Anchor Phrep Bracelet: Paul Hewitt

THANKS FOR READING!

NEXT Christmas I'll give you my heart

That Dapper Chap chooses 10 items from the current range from NEXT and hopes that Santa sees his list before the big day.

Looking forward to the new year and to Spring (I know it seems a while off!) I've pulled together a few items from Next for a more preppy look. Chinos and shirts, with great sweaters, shoes and a blazer for work and more formal events. The majority of the items can also be mixed and matched to form different looks.

The blue striped shirt

I chose this shirt as, while I own a few shirts, a lot of them are patterned, but I have very few striped shirts. This classic blue and white design readily lends itself to the preppy look. Add a bow tie and some chinos and you're there.

The Blue Striped shirt £20

The Orange Sweater

V neck sweaters are great as you can wear them over a T-Shirt or a shirt. They also look great with a tie or bow tie, which again helps create that preppy look. I've chosen one in burnt orange to inject some colour into the coming darker months.

The Orange V Neck Sweater £20

The Stone Chinos

I'm a fan of chinos as they can be worn in so many ways. Take a look at my previous post on Chinos here for more info. Again I'm staying with that preppy look and have opted for a stone colour, wear with the blue striped shirt, a bow tie and some brogues to complete the look.

Stone Slim Fit Chinos £20

The High Shine Shoe

These shoes will go great with the look I am creating here. Wear them with the stone chinos and the orange sweater and the blazer that I'm about to show you. The high shine makes them more dressy but roll up the legs on the chinos and lose the socks for a more current and relaxed look.

The High Shine Toe Cap Lace Up £55

The Check Blazer

Blazers are still big news for us gentlemen, and are again a versatile item which can be worn with jeans and a sweater as the per image below, or dressed up with a shirt and tie for the office. This blazer is 100% wool so you'll be warm as well as stylish.

The wool check blazer £99

The Check Waistcoat

I couldn't resist choosing the matching waistcoat for the blazer above. Okay, so I've moved away from the preppy look a little, and gone for more of a heritage feel here. I make no excuses, its a great piece and it's on my christmas wish list!

The Wool Check Waistcoat £45

The Printed Shirt

I love this shirt and it's been on my wish list since I saw it at the Next SS15 press day a few weeks ago.  It can easily be worn in the preppy style with the stone chinos or chino shorts in the warmer weather. 

The Pink Ecru Printed Shirt £22

The Leather Derby Lace Up

Coloured shoes are great and make a bit more of a statement than the standard black shoe. These navy leather lace up derby shoes are just the ticket. I'd wear these with the stone chinos, the blue striped shirt and the cardigan following cardigan. I'd also add a bow tie to increase the preppiness.

The Navy Leather Lace Up Derby £48

The Blue Cardigan

Cardigans are a great staple items in any mans wardrobe. Available in a huge variety of colours, make sure you get a few in your collection. I've chosen one in bright blue to inject a little bit of colour while maintaining a classic preppy look.

The Bright Blue Cardigan £22

The Mustard Chinos

Last but not least we have a classic chino in a mustard colour which is one on the colours of this season. Listed as Ochre, I feel that mustard is just as fitting a description. I would wear these with the high shine shoes and the blue shirt and cardigan. I'd add a blue and mustard stripe tie to complete the preppy look and finish the colour story.

The Mustard Chinos £20

I hope that you like my selection, and I hope that Santa approves too, as it'll be down to him and the Elves as to what I find under the tree on Christmas morning. Fingers crossed!

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THANKS FOR READING!