It might come as a surprise that here at Ledbury, we pretty much have the freedom to wear whatever we want (within reason) to the office. It's a testament to our products that most of the guys here still wear Ledbury nearly every day. I tend to lean casual in terms of my personal style even while wearing Ledbury, and I'm betting that there are other guys out there who appreciate a well-made dress shirt just as much as they appreciate the gift of not having to "suit up" Monday through Friday. I'll be sharing some of my tips for wearing Ledbury casually just for them. Don't be afraid to untuck - All dress shirt tails are not created equally, guys. In fact, we've always designed our more casual options with shortened bodies that allow the shirt to be worn untucked when the mood strikes. I'm especially looking forward to letting my proverbial hair down in the Seabrook Linen from our recent spring release. This 100% linen beauty is just the type of shirt screaming to be released from the stuffy restraints of your waistband. If Linen is a bit too easy for you, another great untuckable new option is the Dunbarton Gingham. This lightweight, shortened body cotton shirt features our Alden collar over a classic blue gingham pattern for just the right balance of sharpness and casual cool. Donald-Picks-2 Lighten up! (your denim, that is) - Unless you've been living under a rock for the last decade, you're probably well-versed in the reasons why you should own a good pair of dark blue denim to anchor your casual looks. I won't waste your time spelling out the benefits, but I will take a moment to advocate for switching it up next time you're in the market for a new pair. This spring, take my word for it and lighten up your casual outfits with a light or medium-washed denim. Don't worry; going lighter does not automatically push you into "dad jeans" territory. All of our favorite denim brands have been making great-fitting jeans in lighter hues. Our Richmond neighbors at Need Supply Co. approve of this stone-washed pair from A.P.C., which I think are perfect for pairing with an untucked Ledbury shirt. Donald-Picks-4 If you feel like denim might be a bit too relaxed even for your less buttoned-up days, I suggest trying a pair of our new Franklin 5-pocket Bedford Cords (releasing in the next couple of weeks). If you're like me, "cord" makes you think of heavy, usually ill-fitting pants in stale, earthy tones. Luckily, Bedford Cord is a completely different fabric altogether. It features narrow, lengthwise ridges that resemble corduroy, but without the brushed feel and added weight, allowing them to be worn year-round. They're also incredibly durable, which make them a great alternative to denim. Our Granite and Evergreen versions both make for great choices if you're looking to add a bit of unexpected color to your trouser selection. Donald-Picks-7 Get a grown man sneaker - We touched on our resolution to upgrade our footwear earlier this year, but we're not done just yet. Nothing finishes off a casual look quite like a crisp, clean pair of sneakers, and I suggest picking up something a little nicer than your average canvas number. Brands have been releasing fresh updates of classic silhouettes that are perfect for the type of elevated casual look I'm a fan of. If you want a can't miss option in your rotation, get yourself a pair of Stan Smiths from adidas. This model was first introduced back in the 70's, but they're ubiquitous in stylish circles right now. I suggest the version with the Navy accent for optimal versatility. Nike's Cortez is another blast from the past that can easily add a touch of sporty sophistication to your wardrobe. Go for either of these predominantly white colorways to tie up your outfits this spring. Donald-Picks-6 Donald-Picks-5
February 09, 2016 — Donald Johnson