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What to Wear for Memorial Day and the Official Start of Summer

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memorial day outfit
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Wondering what to wear on Memorial Day weekend (Monday, May 27)? Take our tips, tricks, and suggestions, then make them all your own for a worthwhile and fun long weekend as we kick off summer. A three-day weekend can be about travel or a weekend at the beach just as readily as it can be about a bar crawl or hours in front of the grill. That’s why you need to be ready in versatile style for all situations. For 2019, we’re suggesting the outfit below. The picks are optional, but the basic premise should be followed: a short sleeve collared shirt, a good pair of shorts, a nice watch, and some cool accessories.

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What to Wear for Memorial Day

Life After Denim Rainforest Short-Sleeve Shirt
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Keep things light, free, and fun with a subtly patterned short-sleeve shirt that can be worn casually (as in this outfit) or with a little bit more tailoring (throw on slim tan chinos if the shorts don’t do it for you). Manning the grill just got a lot more fun.

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Free Fly Utility Shorts
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The key with Memorial Day is not to overdo it – if you know you’re going to be grilling, tossing the football and throwing back a few beers in the process, go with some functional and stylish shorts that allow you to move, be comfortable. These are made with two-way, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool while playing that 10th game of cornhole.

Tretorn Nyliteplus
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Subtly stylish, low-key sneakers that keep you looking crisp and sharp are the way to go. This pair from Tretorn can be worn for summer travel to your Memorial Day weekend destination, and then worn right out to the bar for some brews.

Le Specs Bandwagon Sunglasses in Matte Tort
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If you can find a pair of sunglasses like this for under $70 someplace else, go for it. The Le Specs Bandwagon Sunglasses are laid back-yet-refined and are ready to wear with a stylish printed short-sleeve shirt like the one above.

Boarding Pass Metro Waxed Backpack
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Memorial Day is a casual holiday by its very nature, so reach for a casual backpack that provides durability and ease of transport for when you need to lug a few extra beers to the beach. We love the waxed canvas and bridle leather touches on this handsome Boarding Pass number.

Jack Mason Diver 42mm with Nato Strap
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The long weekend could call for any number of activities that require a versatile, tough watch, from a bar crawl to a round of beers by the pool. The Jack Mason Diver Watch can do it all.

Now that you’ve got your Memorial Day outfit planned, it’s time to start thinking about the drinks.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe
Former Contributor
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…

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Tissot Seastar 1000 shrinks to perfect everyday proportions
Size revolution: Tissot's 38mm seastar transforms dive watch wearability
Tissot seastar 38mm blue background

The watch industry is seeing a return to smaller sizes, and Tissot has responded by introducing a new version of the Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph. The Swiss brand has reduced its dive watch from 45.5mm to 38mm, transforming what was once a large sport watch into a comfortable daily accessory.
This reduction in size reflects the market’s shift toward vintage-inspired looks and easier wear. While many companies are gradually shrinking their watch sizes, Tissot’s approach makes a bold change to the appearance of its dive chronograph.
The original 45.5mm Seastar was designed with professional divers in mind, as a larger case is easier to read underwater. However, entry-level dive watches like the Seastar rarely see professional diving use. Instead, they serve as everyday watches, offering durability and water resistance for work or travel.
Tissot has preserved the design elements that defined earlier models—a 60-minute rotating bezel, square markers, and contrasting hands. The change in size required adjustments to the numbers on the outer seconds track and the sub-dial counters, resulting in a look that’s closer to mid-century dive watches.
The 38mm steel case offers 300 meters of water resistance, thanks to screw-down pushers and a crown—engineering that stands out at a price under $600. The 12-hour chronograph function allows for precise timing, displayed on the sub-dials: the 30-minute counter at ten o’clock, the 12-hour counter at two o’clock, and running seconds at six o’clock. A date window is positioned at four o’clock.
Tissot offers six color combinations. Silicone strap options include a white dial with a white bezel, a gold case with a turquoise bezel and sunray dial, and an all-black design. Steel bracelet versions feature an all-black look, a black bezel with a gray sunray dial, and a two-tone option with a black bezel and gray sunray dial.
The Swiss quartz chronograph movement is reliable. Super-LumiNova on the hour and minute hands, as well as the markers, ensures visibility in low light. Tissot prioritizes practicality over flashy features, reinforcing its status among affordable watch brands that compete with established names like Seiko and Citizen.
This change transforms the Seastar from a pure tool watch into an everyday timepiece—offering robust water resistance and time-tracking features without feeling oversized on smaller wrists. The price of $550–$595 upholds Tissot’s promise of value, while delivering Swiss quality and full water sport capability.
For those seeking the look of a capable dive watch in a modern, wearable size, the 38mm Seastar 1000 Chronograph is a welcome evolution. It fits today’s preferences for comfort and style without sacrificing function.

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Adidas’ Climacool slip-ons are the lightweight performance shoe you need now
Adidas' Climacool shoe is the ultimate innovative design
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In the era of innovative performance sneakers, you’ll often see many athletic shoes with extra features. While these features are key for upgrading your performance, they add weight to your stride. Although the extra weight isn’t always an issue, a lightweight sneaker can typically be an easier option that ensures prime performance with all of the technical features you seek. Not long ago, Adidas released its ultimate lightweight shoe, which is an ideal solution for reducing the weight on your feet without exposing them. Featuring Adidas’ latest comfort technology, this lightweight sneaker dons a futuristic style that still feels true to the brand. 

Adidas’ Climacool is as cool as it gets

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Oakley debuts two new colorways for its Flesh models
Oakley and Brain Dead drop their second collaboration for the season
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Fresh off their first drop of the season, Oakley Factory Team and Brain Dead reunited for a second collection, introducing new hues for their new iconic Flesh Warp model. As a successor to their first drop, this latest release continues the style’s innovative shape and unexpected twists. In the past few seasons, Oakley’s releases have been deeply set in constant innovation, introducing new silhouettes that push the boundary of what you’re used to seeing. On the other hand, Brain Dead has contributed its unique style to collaborations with other footwear brands like Adidas. For this second release, the brand has introduced two versatile, contemporary, and timeless shades for all your adventures. 

The Flesh Warp comes back in two new hues

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