Details:

Blue blazer - Zara, $150 (sale)
White shirt - Hudson's Bay, $30 (sale)
Polka dot tie - Tommy Hilfiger, $20 (outlet)
Floral pocket square - Winners Circle, $12 (part of May SprezzaBox)

When I first started wearing pocket squares, I thought it was a rule to always match the pattern/color/fabric of the pocket square to the tie.  As I experimented with different looks, I realized the pocket square does not have to be an extension of the tie.  As it only occupies a small slit of space in your overall look, have fun with it and pick something that pops and matches your outfit as a whole.  I caution matching the tie with pocket square as it is a very basic approach to accessories.

Check out the Simple Style Manual for more style advice for the modern gentleman.

Details:

Short sleeve geo-pattern shirt - Top Man, $50
Micro stripe shorts - Uniqlo - $40
Boat shoes - Sebago, $60


Whether it's a suit or summer wear, fit is always king.  it's easy to look good in jeans and t-shirt but I find most men look awkward in shorts because of bad sizing.  If your jeans with 30 inch waist fit you nice and slim, then your short size is likely the same.  Some men like to size up so the shorts will fall below their knees. To put simply, shorts should end above your knees, not over it.  Oversize shorts do not flatter legs of any shape so avoid at all cost.  

See the Simple Style Manual for more advise on casual wear.  

Details:

Beige linen blazer - Zara, $80 (sale)
Houndstooth pocket square - Made by Simple Style Manual
Blue floral tie - Suited Man, $25 (2013 price)
White shirt - Hudson Bay, $30, (sale)


Linen is a thin breathable fabric that's great for the summer.  The one downside is because it's thin, it has more noticeable wrinkles than a wool blazer.  It's not the end of the world because linen coats are worn in warm weather and casual wear doesn't need to be perfect.  Just hang it up overnight and let gravity flatten out most of the wrinkles.  Whatever stays is fine as long as you don't wear it for more serious events like a job interview.  

See the Simple Style Manual for more style advice.

Club Monaco is a retailer that does a lot of things right.  High quality material and the design can be described as modernized classic.  The one thing that makes shopping at Club Monaco difficult is the price; all original priced items are expensive unless you are not limited by money.  Hence the best time to shop at CM is when they have additional discounts on the sale items.

CM does a lot of things well which reflects in their Simple Style Score (see below).  If you want classic designs that won't go out of style, I recommend you shop here.  Two items you should pay special attention to (especially when it's on sale) are the sweaters and shirts that comes in a variety of fit (slim, modern, tall, etc.).  CM makes high quality winter sweaters that fit and feel great.  At it's lowest price it goes for $30-40.  The collection of casual and dress shirts comes in many designs, ranging from trendy to classic.

For the dapper gents who has deep pockets (or are keen on finding sales), CM is a great choice.  Adding a twist to classic styles, this is a solid retailer for essential apparel.  It's important to be aware of sales as almost everything will end up on the sale rack.  Follow my Twitter or check the Simple Shopping Manual for the latest sale alerts.  

See the Simple Style Manual for essential style advice.