Many men, especially those living in Toronto, have begun to escape the city on Friday evening in favor of a northern refuge, affectionately known as “cottage country”. They pack their weekender, which for most guys is a plastic bag with a bathing suit, and hit the road. Guys, this just doesn’t cut it! All men hitting the lake by weekend have no excuse to look less than presentable and appropriate from Friday to Sunday. Here are key pieces to pack for weekends at the cottage, which will keep you looking great while keeping your bag’s weight in check.
The Weekender – This bag should be large enough to fit all the key items you will need for a weekend away from home. This includes everything from a pair of running shoes to a cosmetics case, and everything in between. This bag can be an accessory itself, so be mindful of the story it tells. An old and ratty gym bag from high school will probably make the wrong impression, so choose something suitable to your “style”, whether it be sporty, classic, quirky, luxe, etc.
Bathing suit – Because we are speaking of Northern Ontario’s lakefronts and not the beaches of Ibiza, shorts or trunks (as opposed to the Euro brief) are your best bet. You can have fun and take some risks with your bathing suit using colour and pattern. Make sure that the look you choose works for your personal style and the activities you plan to take part in (ie. Loose-fitting short shorts are not a great idea for skiing/boarding). Your bathing suit will act as your outfit’s bottom half for Saturday and Sunday. Make sure it is comfortable and dries quickly!
T-shirt/Tank top – Due to the extreme heat this summer, tank tops are permitted (you can thank me later). Either a t-shirt or a tank top may be worn with your bathing suit for a day of cottage fun. Although while on the waterfront you may choose to reveal the fruits of your extra gym sessions, a shirt is always a necessary staple for drives into town, rides to the marina, or docking anywhere. If you are having fun with your swim trunks, try and keep the top a bit simpler. Although we are building an extremely casual style, this does NOT mean you should be wearing an old and ratty shirt with stains and/or holes. You never know whom you may meet, so dress to impress. Keeping it simple and modern (or new) makes for a failsafe formula for looking great all day long.
Flip flops – Rubber sandals are the perfect answer to the day-to-night cottage footwear conundrum. They slip on and off easily, are waterproof (some even float), and usually look good with either shorts or pants. Stick with a dark and neutral colour, and keep patters and logos to a minimum.
Casual button-down – This item is to be worn on Saturday evening, after the water sports have ceased for the day, and before the bonfire starts crackling. You want to look a bit more dressed, yet maintain the easy and casual look. A lightweight soft and casual shirt is the perfect answer. A solid colour is an easy option, to be paired with either your bathing suit or jeans, depending on what the occasion calls for. This shirt can also be worn on Sunday afternoon, back into the city. Again, you never really know whom you may run into.
Denim – Every man should always pack a great pair of jeans. In this case, you can choose a lighter weight, worked-in denim jean that is designed more for comfort. Although you may choose a pair that has lived in your wardrobe for a while, leave those that are stained, holey, or oversized at home.
For more style tips and questions, be in touch with Nicole – [email protected]. Happy Cottage-ing!
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