Words by Charlie Britton
Photography by Keanu Adorable
It’s safe to say that Vans is one of the most renowned skate brands in the world to date. Since it’s birth in 1966, Vans has gone on to grow into a powerful and respected player in the menswear game and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. Collaborations, limited releases and reinventions of the classics are just a few things that Vans manages to do consistently well and it has proven that once again with its most recent collection.
To celebrate Vans’ success and in collaboration with Farfetch, here at Clothes Make The Man we’ve worked to put 3 outfits together that anyone can pull off with a pair of the classic skate shoes. As the great British summer is here in full hormonal force, it would only be right to work with the warmer weather and produce three summery’ outfits you can rock right now.
The Vans we chose are the Classic White Old Skool 36 DX shoes, made in the original Anaheim factory in California. They combine a modernised comfort with the UltraCush inner sole, original Old Skool design and throwback details including the original colour palette and heavy 10 oz. canvas to complete the shoe. White shoes or sneakers are so versatile when it comes to styling, so we couldn’t resist picking these ones out.
Outfit 1
The first outfit is definitely a casual one perfect for day-to-day wear. Combining soft colours such as this pale blue sweatshirt from COS, raw hem dirty blue wash jeans and a simple white tee to break the colours, we managed to achieve a flattering and simple look. Paired with the Old Skool Vans, it completes the fit and makes for some nice contrasting details. This is Charlie’s favourite fit for everyday wear as it’s stylish but simple and can be changed up easily with different coloured sweats and bottoms. If skinny jeans aren’t your style, throw on some slim-fit chinos or jeans and you’re good to go.
Outfit 2
It wouldn’t be summer appropriate if we didn’t feature an outfit featuring a good ol’ pair of shorts. Despite Charlie’s dislike towards knee length bottoms, this outfit definitely captures a sweet summers day. With this style, Charlie threw on a black hemp tee which allows heat to escape, perfect for the warm weather days and paired it with some smart cotton shorts from H&M. The Vans really complete this look and act as a subtle but statement piece for the fit.
We included some nice details with this outfit too by adding a black tote bag, some Classic 108 sunnies from YSL and a Simple Navy Key Wrap from Campbell Cole. This created some interesting touches and we’re thrilled with the final outcome from this fit. You can put your legs away now Charles.
Outfit 3
For our third and final fit, we wanted to include some smarter elements such as these cropped grey trousers from H&M. Slim fitting, perfectly tailored and well constructed, these trousers are ideal for the warmer weather as they give your legs some breathing space and look great whatever the occasion. To provide the best contrast to the Vans sneakers, we threw on a heavy cotton, oversized, drop shoulder t-shirt in white. This fit is really great as it can be mixed up for any occasion. If you’re going smart-casual, swap out the tee for a white oxford shirt. Formal event? Switch out the vans for some chunky derby shows or slip on loafers and you’re set for whatever the world is gonna throw your way.
So there you have it, three outfits perfect for the summer season whatever the weather. Vans have proven to be not only iconic but a hugely versatile sneaker and we can’t get enough of this white Old Skool pair here at Clothes Make The Man. Affordable, easy to style and an obvious essential every gent needs in their wardrobe this summer, so make sure you pick up a pair!
