With April nearly in the rearview but Memorial Day still several weeks away, we’re truly in the gray zone when it comes to dressing—which is a great excuse for experimentation. Consider a lightweight “third piece” in the form of Anglo-Italian’s cotton-linen Barchetta jacket or take Colhay’s short-sleeve merino sport shirt for a ride. That said, it’s not too early to stock up on summer gear, should you wish to nab some fresh canvas kicks from Drake’s or authentic Nantucket Reds courtesy of a new J. Press collaboration. Whichever way you’re pulling, we’ve got the goods below.
The editors of Robb Report scour the globe (and the Internet) for the best of the best and only endorse products we love—and think you’ll love, too. If you purchase a product or service through a link in this story, we may receive a small commission.
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Craftsman Co. Textured Linen “Hemingway” Safari Jacket
Image Credit: The Rake Those taken with the recent Ken Burns documentary can live vicariously through this Papa-inspired piece from Craftsman Co., which is made from 100 percent linen dyed in classic British khaki. While an elephant hunt may not lie in your immediate future, it’ll prove a smart sport coat alternative for your next evening out.
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Polo Ralph Lauren x Browns Polo Bear Intarsia Sweater
Image Credit: Browns The Polo Bear has traded his allegiance, at least for this cotton-linen sweater made in collaboration with UK retailer Browns. On it, a vintage-style intarsia knit depicts the friendly ursine wearing a sweater, er jumper, emblazoned with the Union Jack. Hail, Britannia!
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Doppiaa “Aaza” Pleated Shorts
Image Credit: No Man Walks Alone Derby Day Eve has put seersucker on our minds, but in a way that’s less Southern and more sprezzatura. Exhibit A comes in the form of these Doppiaa shorts in a discreet tonal navy seersucker that allows the bold double-pleats to do most of the talking. Try it with a striped tee and espadrilles for a louche Italian Riviera look.
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Colhay’s Merino Sport Shirt
Image Credit: Colhay's Colhay’s sport shirt is the missing link between sweater weather and t-shirt season. Based on the athletic wear of 1920s British Olympians, the hand-linked garment is cut like a tee but made from extra-fine Italian merino wool that’s soft enough to be worn against the body. Dress it up with high-waisted, pleated trousers that double-down on the retro factor.
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Derek Rose “Jordan” Linen Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Image Credit: Derek Rose Speaking of tees, you may want to stock up now before the mercury rises. Derek Rose’s Jordan is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking linen jersey that’s been washed for extra softness, making it the next best thing to wearable air-conditioning.
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Brunello Cucinelli Cotton Fisherman Sweater
Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue A prep-approved staple gets the Cucinelli treatment, trading in the typical cream color for a deeper, richer shade of navy along the way. Its soft cotton-nylon blend should keep you satisfied until cashmere season returns; until then, toss it over white denim and deck sneakers, or consider topping off with a baseball cap a la Steve McQueen.
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Doek Ecru Canvas Oxford Trainers
Image Credit: Drake's With white canvas sneaker season in sight, now’s the time to upgrade to this Japanese model proffered by Drakes. Doek’s model sits squarely in the classic camp and features a heavy-duty canvas upper, a kiln-baked rubber sole and a natural cork insole that will only soften over time. Pair them with khakis and a crewneck for some serious summertime JFK vibes (boat not included).
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Orlebar Brown Pop Print Mid-Length Swim Shorts
Image Credit: Orlebar Brown Armed with an archival pop print sourced from the Design Library, Orlebar Brown has updated its Bulldog swim short to depict a dreamy resort scene right out of a Roy Liechtenstein painting. The truly adventurous can choose to wear it with a matching Capri collar resort shirt up top.
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18th Amendment Summer Country Blazer
Image Credit: 18th Amendment This sport coat from 18th Amendment takes rustic features more commonly associated with a heavyweight tweed, such as flapped bellows pockets and a built-in throat latch and applies them to a wool-linen herringbone in creamy ivory. If you’re a stickler for the rules, don’t worry: The made-to-order garment’s five-to-seven-week turnaround time places its delivery well after Memorial Day.
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A.P.C. Pullover Shirt
Image Credit: East Dane We’re in the peak season of “in-between” wear, of which this A.P.C. pullover shirt is a prime example. Part long-sleeved polo and part jacket, it’s cut from a lightweight chambray that helps split the difference. It also features a drawstring hem that can be cinched for extra warmth.
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Tom Ford Floral Print Silk-Twill Robe
Image Credit: Mr Porter If there’s one sartorial lesson we’ve taken from the past year, it’s that it pays to invest in your leisurewear. This indulgent silk-twill robe from Tom Ford pushes that maxim to the extreme with a large-scale floral pattern, tonal piping and a tasseled fringe belt. Truly a piece worthy of your own personal Xanadu, or at least the home office.
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Wythe Recycled Fishing Net Cotton Canvas Tote
Image Credit: Wythe You may not own a lake cabin in Wisconsin, but you’ll sure look like you do while carrying this canvas tote from Wythe. Inspired by traditional trout-fishing bags, it sports untreated leather trim and handles, as well as an expandable outer pocket made from a repurposed fishing net that may help you catch a few magazines or a tablet.
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Valentino + Levi’s Re-Edition 517 Denim Jeans
Image Credit: Mr Porter We may be witnessing the rebirth of the bootcut, as evidenced by these dual-branded 517s released this week in a collaboration between Valentino and Levi’s. The Roman brand re-tailored a cache of vintage Levi’s, which have mostly sold out, but these re-editions faithfully recreate their patina. The Belgian-made denim is faded and whiskered to ensure that no two pairs are exactly alike, and finished in a conservative flare that may prove the final nail in the skinny jean’s coffin.
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Anglo-Italian “Barchetta” Jacket
Image Credit: Anglo-Italian The last 12 months have been the year of the chore coat, a trend that can continue into the warmer period thanks to this unlined jacket made with Anglo-Italian’s proprietary linen-cotton blend. Its name refers to the curvy shape of its welted breast pocket, a signature of Neapolitan tailors said to resemble a little boat or barchetta. Take the nautical cue by wearing it over a striped tee or toss it above an OCBD and side tab trousers for a relaxed tailored ensemble.
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J. Press x Murray’s Toggery Shop “Nantucket Reds” Trousers
Image Credit: J. Press If there’s one essential piece from the capsule collection produced by J. Press and Nantucket outfitter Murray’s Toggery, it’s got to be the reds. These American-made, cotton-canvas trousers come in just the right shade and feature a more tailored fit, providing instant Cape Cod bonafides whether or not you’ve ever used “summer” as a verb.
