Most times, we all struggle to put together that perfect outfit for a night out with family, friends, or work colleagues. Popular culture has conditioned us to think that this is the ideal time to look your best, to exceed your "normal" self, to be the super human version of your own image. Now, I won't downplay that nights out are usually part of a special occasion, even if it only means just needing an excuse to get out of the house. But what I will say is that we can't forget the other 95% of our lives that we are in contact with the very same people we're raging it up with at night. Midday styling can be a bit tricky as the scale can easily tip from too casual to overdone, and for this, I love to employ my favorite style tool; The High-Low Contrast.
The same staples that hold their own at night, pull the same weight in the lighter hours. For this day out at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, I decided to pair back dressier staples like a sleek grey turtleneck and sartorial glen plaid trousers with more casual notes, like chocolate suede and light wash denim. This vintage Levi's trucker jacket is the epitome of weekend casual, with every bit of aging nuanced in the daytime light. On the other end of the outfit, Chelsea boots provide a subtle rocker punch that help balance the look while retaining an elevated touch. Theres nothing wrong with throwing on your favorite sport coat or oxfords to work this day time fit, but it is key that you add something to bring the look from "Fresh off my Saturday work shift" to "Just another Weekend Excursion".
At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the look is to make it your own. If trends are your thing, then work a seasonal pattern into the mix, or if you really like a particular piece in your closet, work the rest of your garb around it. Just be sure to create a high-low contrast that will certainly show the effort you put into your image and avoid falling victim to a disinterested outfit. And as always...
Be Dapper. Be Different.