Sperry Boots

We all love our Sperrys for the summer, but the look doesn't translate well to cold weather.  But if you turn the Sperrys into chukka boots and make them suede, now you have something that can hold up to the layers and textures of winter.  These boots look like they are appropriate for the cold days of winter, without looking forced or phony.  Maybe it is the rust colored soles or the ice gray color, but whatever it is, I want them.

More Spring Essentials - Sperry Topsider

Sperry Topsider is an iconic piece of footwear and has been worn by generations of men on sailboat or by men who wanted people to think they had a sailboat. Due to this Sperry Topsider is synonymous with summer, the beach, boats and sailing, excess money, stylish blokes and everything that comes with that lifestyle. At least that is the heritage of this iconic shoe.

Now, new versions of the shoe are available with slight changes to it's historical roots, but it still represents the same ideals and it still has the same classical style.  Ever brand from J Crew to Band of Outsiders is taking a stab at redefining the boat shoe. While some of the new iterations are quite modern and stylish, there is still something romantic about a pair of weather beaten, salt water soaked, wind whipped Topsiders.  J Crew's version of the Topsider is distressed to simulate this stylish look.  At Modern Dignified we opt for the natural wear and tear of Topsiders, since this is more unique and authentic.   (To speed up the process spend a day at the beach in the Topsiders, wearing them in the water and letting them dry out in the sun. Add a couple of similar trips and the shoes will have accelerated wear and tear).

 

Band of Outsiders opt for a more colorful suede version of the Topsiders.  They also are infatuated with making Topsiders into Chukka boots.  They come in a mixture of colors and textures, but still keeping the iconic nature at the heart.

Sperry has also re-designed a few versions of the Topsiders, including a tieless, slip-on version of the shoe. This version comes in various shades  of brown suede, but unfortunately does not come in the color navy. At Modern Dignified we feel that Navy Topsiders are the optimal color choice. Classic, different than any other shoe in the closet, distinguished and slightly arrogant in the same way as a pink shirt and seersucker suit or a pair of bright F*** You pants, the Topsiders have a little bit of everything.

While it is hard to make a bad choice when it comes to a pair of Topsiders, we prefer the classic Navy, which by the end of July will have worn in look that we desire.  Keep it classic and rock the Topsiders.

Band of Outsiders Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Band of Outsiders has been a top designer for a few years now. They have partnered with Sperry to make Band of Outsiders version of the classic shoe in some very not so classic versions. There clothes are peppering the pages of GQ and Hollywood movies, Youth in Revolt & Heaven Can Wait.  Basically, Band of Outsiders is getting the press they deserve.

As you can see in the Spring 2010 collection, as displayed at New York Fashion Week, Band of Outsiders are taking a new look at classic clothes.

They have really updated the classic nautical themed clothes with a new modern look. They are pairing Sperry Topsiders with suits and shorts a like and have the double breasted coat in there unique way.

At Modern Dignified, we really like the trim aggressive cut of the suits, especially the tan and white suits. These embody spring without even feeling like something that needs to be worn only in Miami.  Maybe it is the muted colors they pair it with, maybe it is cut, but either way, this is a winner look.

We also think that the trimmed down, slim cut, peacoat is quite unique. It is cut as trim sport coat would be but still has the classic double breast elements of a standard peacoat. Of course they make it in three classic colors: white, tan and navy. The navy is actually worn as a suit, which looks both classic and modern. It is certainly not a suit for business meetings, but instead a youthful, trendy suit to be worn on date with a trendy lady. We still feel that the classic peacoat should be securely kept in the wardrobe, but Band of Outsiders offers a competent alternative.

The black, single button, tuxedo is a great looking suit. We would opt for well polished black patent leather shoes over the Sperry Topsiders. The tuxedo is a well cut, modern version of the suit and one that keeps the classics in mind. It appropriately has peak lapels and enough satin accents that it can be worn to most formal attire events. We still feel the classics are best, but for the man who wants more than one tuxedo in his collection, this offers a great alternative. Though we aren't quite sure how many tuxedos any man needs.

We also dig the linen sport coat and shorts. Every man, especially a man living on the West Coast, should have a linen sport coat in his wardrobe. This is a good looking linen jacket in a modern Band of Outsiders fit.

Modern Dignified has a favorite new item that we just can't find, which is the crew neck athletic sweatshirt. The version we imagine is heather gray, with the same details seen in the 1970s on people like Steve McQueen. Well, it seems that Band of Outsiders has made a version of the sweatshirt. In
the Band of Outsiders case they wear it under a gray suit, as a very casual version of a suit. More on this item in the coming days.

Overall we dig the overall look the Band of Outsiders Spring 2010 line.  It is a great representation of classic style done in a modern way.