I can’t believe that it’s taken me three years, but I’ve only recently learned about this gem of a boutique just a short walk away in Georgetown. Opened up in June of 2008, this men’s store specializes in only the best pieces of menswear for the fashion forward. The store is run and owned by the fashion expert Kelly Muccio, who personally selects all of the clothing. The store adds a glimmer of hope to the stylish and trendy Washingtonians who, like myself, can be overwhelmed at times by the mass of pastel polos and top-siders. -MG

A staple piece for summer, a lightweight cardigan is an essential piece for cool summer nights or perhaps a windy day out on the boat (if your lifestyle suits it). This Stripe Cardigan from Rag & Bone is a cotton/ wool blend with a deep V and a quiet nautical theme that is summer appropriate without screaming “ahoy sailor”. The Breton Stripe has been a popular look among New-England sailing enthusiasts for years and of course an ever present look in France given its roots in Brittany on the French coast. Pair it with a solid white v-neck t-shirt, slim lightweight chinos, and either a pair of canvas sneakers or top-siders and you’ve got yourself a great, simple weekend look.

Yes sir, it’s beach season! In this week’s Summer Essentials casual shirting extraordinaire Steve Alan has put together a great section on their online shop with an excellent collection of essentials for guys to bring to the beach. Among them are items like the Steven Alan Sea Solid Swim Short (left), Randolph Engineering Sunglasses (Don Draper swag), Woolrich Weekend Packs, SeaVees Baja Slip Ons and the very cool Steven Alan Beach Blanket to name a few. The list goes on but we suggest checking the stuff out for yourself. With items from that section and a bottle of sunscreen you would have everything you needed for your day of sun and sand, but don’t quote me. Maybe grabbing some friends would be smart too now that I think about it.  Click here to shop the collection now. If you’re stopping by one of their store locations take a look at the Keds for Steven Alan footwear as well.

Making the perfect chino since 2006 Save Khaki has been a great option for quality well designed basics. Focused on the perfect modern fit and coming in at a pretty reasonable price point Save Khaki is where you want to go for the new pair of chinos or shorts you’ll be wearing every weekend this summer. Unfortunately the full line is pretty tough to find online although there are a few items on the Barneys website. Take a look at the Save Khaki website for store locations and check out their blog savenotes.tumblr.com. Photo taken from the Save Khaki Facebook page.

Every guy should have a go-to suit in his closet. You know, the one that you are confident in that will look good with everything. The one you wear to weddings, job interviews, that big business dinner, presentations, etc. For me that suit is a slim navy pinstripe Hugo Boss suit that I got a few years ago and wear constantly. Even though I have several suits in my closet to choose from I always go withe #1 when I know it matters most. The key to finding your go-to suit is not finding the most expensive suit you can afford. It’s finding one that is in your normal price range that fits well even before having it tailored (and you must have it tailored no matter how good that in the store fit is), and that you feel comfortable in. This may take trying on a dozen or so suits before you find the right one but once you find it you’ll know, and it will be a triumphant feeling. For guys just getting into suiting, perhaps for work, I recommend taking a look at Hugo Boss. The suits are cut and made very well and come in at an average price of ~$700 making it a great place to start. Of course you can find them cheaper on sale sometimes at major department stores at the end of a season. $700 may sound like a lot to some of you newer to wearing a suit everyday but you must realize the importance of the suit to your daily wardrobe and the way in which you choose to present yourself. A man only absolutely needs two suits: a navy blue and a charcoal suit in 100% wool. Great for all year round and nearly every occasion. I do however recommend looking into a lighter weight summer suit and perhaps a tuxedo if you job or personal life call for it (renting a tuxedo is unacceptable and people will know it’s a rental, at least women will). Any questions regarding the basics of finding your go-to suit e-mail me at harris@insidethread.com.