J. Crew tartan shirt | Polo raw silk tie and Nantucket red chino | Happy Socks sock | Alden boot

Easter Sunday and Eton Socks

On Easter Sunday - Orthodox, Protestant or otherwise - the motto is go loud or go home. To some, including myself, this marks the first day of the year to break out the full spring/summer wardrobe. This time around, I was fortunate to have my new Smart Turnout socks with me.

Polo Ralph Lauren bleeding madras blazer

Polo Ralph Lauren super 120s poplin shirt

Countess Mara repp silk bow tie

Club Room arygle sweater vest

Oak Hill Nantucket red chinos

Smart Turnout Eton socks

Chaps white oxfords

...

Based on a comment received, I should clarify. I would never wear all this together any other day. I'm neither that preppy nor dandy.

CKC Wears the Preston Chino

The common factor in these shots is Polo's Sun-Faded Preston Cotton Chino. I'll explain the choice in a moment. As I've said many times before, the simplest looks can make the greatest statement. Here you have a neutral pant and two subtle colors. No pops of color necessary, just similar brightness to each garment. Besides, it's hard to go wrong with pink and green.












I need to get back to posting more of my own outfits, but there's little I'd change in these looks if I were to try them for myself. Again, a neutral pant and solid vest are combined with a muted check. Plain yet elegant, though I'd have gone with burnished golden brown shoes to contrast the dark pants.

I cannot put into words my disdain for the overuse of the hooded sweatshirt, the "hoodie," in American culture. People rarely wear simple sweatshirts anymore but love their completely oversized and graphic-filled fleece. A nice and stylish alternative for chilly winds is a french-rib model like this. In subdued colors up top, you can let other parts of your wardrobe make a statement. Case in point, these madras sneakers. I could also see this working with solid shoes and a madras belt instead.

Finally, my reason for featuring this collection of pants. Very recently I ordered one of my all-time wish list pieces - a patchwork madras blazer I'll be posting upon arrival. Now I've found the other summertime staple I've wanted as long as I've had this crazy love of prep/WASP/trad whatever style. Nantucket Reds. At least, as close to the original as I'll get. Polo calls this color Brick Red, but for me it brings to mind summer at the cape around saltwater-sprayed woods.

From dreaming of an early spring vacation and back to reality. These pants run $98, twice as much as I'll put up for almost anything. However, these just came in at my job and the employee discount really helped.


What's your quintessential (ugh...) preppy item and how do you wear it?