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Sponsor Story
This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Stories. The editorial staff of thecut.com did not play a role in its creation.
Sponsored By Mr. Porter Sponsored By Mr. Porter
Apr. 25, 2019

4 Fresh Men’s Looks for Spring and Beyond

Red Hook artist Ryan Scails shows off a few styling tricks.

By Katie O'Donnell@kt_od Photographs by Travis Matthews
Photo: Travis Matthews
Photo: Travis Matthews

Compared to the relative safety of cold-weather clothing, summer style can be fraught for men. Between questionable flip-flops, bad tank tops, and ill-fitting swim trunks, opportunities for misguided dressing abound. But on the brighter side, there’s more room to be playful and experimental, too. To test out a few ways to take advantage of summer’s more expansive dress code, we enlisted Red Hook-based artist Ryan Scails — who recently closed a solo drawing and sculpture show, moonlights as an occasional model, and is developing patterns for his own handmade clothing and accessories on the side.

Scails’ love of design endeared him to the Mr P. by MR PORTER collection we styled him in. “I grew up thrifting for clothes at estate sales and flea markets with my parents,” he says, “and those outings gave me an appreciation for craft.” His appreciation for fit and variety played into the looks, as well. In his own fabrication work, he explains, “I try to make useful, liminal garments that aren’t bound by trends — my goal is for people to have fun and feel capable in their clothing.” An example: his androgynous, unfussy take on a bowtie. In that vein, see how Scails wears four fun, foolproof spring-summer looks below, no tanks or figurative flops in sight.

Take a More-Is-More Approach

Go all-out with the summer theme by channeling your inner Gilligan (bucket hat), Professor (double-breasted blazer), and Mr. Howell (designer slides). It might seem counterintuitive, but a floral shirt actually anchors the mashed-up elements. Just choose one that’s tailored, and with a pattern that works beyond vacation. “Olive shorts are a recurring fixture in my closet, so I felt pretty comfortable in this look,” says Scails, who’s now an orange-soda-colored hat convert, too.

Mr P. Linen and Cotton-Blend Suit Jacket
$540 at mr porter
Mr P. Camp-Collar Cotton-Poplin Shirt
$195 at mr porter
Mr P. Cotton and Linen-Blend Twill Shorts
$140 at mr porter
Palm Angels Logo-Appliquéd Bucket Hat
$170 at mr porter

Pare It All Down

In thinking about dressing for another “hot and gross” summer in New York, Scails says his instincts are to stick to boxy pieces that barely touch the body. Of course, some occasions call for a neater look. Slim things down in a dark, comfy-knit shirt that’ll conceal any inevitable summer sweat. (Note, as Scails does: “Three-quarter-length sleeves are underrated — they can really make a shirt.”) Add breathable, linen-blend pants with airy pleats, along with sleek leather sandals for even greater airflow.

Mr P. Striped Merino Wool T-Shirt
$240 at mr porter
Mr P. Linen and Cotton-Blend Trousers
$280 at mr porter
Mr P. Leather and Suede Slides
$280 at mr porter
Oliver Peoples Isba Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
$515 at mr porter

Ride the Summer-White Wave

Scails says his personal style leans toward “utilitarian workwear with some techwear and preppiness mixed in.” In other words, this look hit the mark for two out of three. Because white is so visually stark, relaxed shapes and natural textures — like this modern fisherman sweater and bucket hat — help make a whole outfit of it wearable. A loosely tapered trouser adds comfortable crispness, and the cropped length gives way to a satisfying flash of color.

Mr P. Ribbed Cotton-Blend Sweater
$260 at mr porter
Mr P. Linen and Cotton-Blend Trousers
$280 at mr porter
Nike Air Tailwind 79 Sneakers
$90 at mr porter
Jacquemus Le Bob Bucket Hat
$140 at mr porter

Make a Custom Matching Set

“My favorite look for sure,” Scails says about this one. He points out that “a chore coat gives you all the functionality — the key is finding one that’s actually different, and this one delivers.” To amplify this type of piece in a standout shade like this teal, pair it with a shirt that incorporates the same color. This one’s textured knit winks at the classic sweater set without being too literal. Offset the “matching” dynamic with an animal-print high-top that, thanks to its neutral tones, won’t compete.

Mr P. Garment-Dyed Cotton-Twill Jacket
$280 at mr porter
Mr P. Knitted Cotton T-Shirt
$240 at mr porter
Acne Studios Wool and Mohair Trousers
$310 at mr porter
Converse 1970s Chuck Taylor All Stars
$110 at mr porter

Production Credits

  • Photographs by Travis Matthews
  • Styling by Alexander-Julian
  • Art direction by Sam Kim at New York Stories
  • Produced by Aydah Albaba at New York Stories
  • Grooming by Emily Amick

This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Stories. The editorial staff of The Cut did not play a role in its creation.

Tags:

  • sponsor story
  • mr porter
  • mr p. spring summer collection 2019
  • fashion
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4 Essential Men’s Fits for Spring 2019

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