Southern Tide: Casual Cool

Summer in Fort Wayne, Indiana is the season of ease—of shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, and the occasional light sweater in the evening. While an easy summer look can be achieved rather, well…easily…the sharp-dressed man knows there is actually an art to casual dress.

It seems like an oxymoron—putting effort into how you dress so that it looks like you didn’t put in any effort at all—and it is, but it’s also very much a thing in fashion. It’s called sprezzatura, an Italian word that has been adopted into English and essentially means “studied carelessness.” In fashion terms, it refers to the mixing of tailored and casual apparel, giving the appearance of effortless sophistication.

And while no one would consider a “t-shirt” to be a tailored garment, the concept of sprezzatura still applies. A well-made t-shirt, or polo, or button down sport shirt lets you look casual without looking like you just rolled out of bed. You can throw on any Southern Tide polo for a game of ultimate frisbee and look like the coolest guy on the planet (fact).

A master of the casual-cool balance is Southern Tide, a South Carolina-based line of preppy but relaxed, coastal apparel. Though Southern Tide describes their clothing as “casual coastal wear,” there is nothing casual about their craftsmanship or quality. The brand is known for high-quality fabrics, and skilled tailoring.

Christopher James Menswear has a whole store room full of Southern Tide shirts and hats, and we think you need to come in and get some. They would make great gifts for a recent graduate, or be a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe (drinking an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day is twice as nice in Southern Tide).

Also, we have a special deal going on right now, too: if you spend over $75 on Southern Tide merchandise, we’ll give you a free special edition “Christopher James Menswear” ST polo for free! So, come see us.

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