Essentials: Memorial Day

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Although Memorial Day is bearing down on us quickly, let’s get a few things straight — you definitely need stylish, versatile menswear for the long weekend. And you need accessories that can go the distance, too.

From a handy cooler to sharp sneakers and stylish swim trunks, you should make room in your bag for plenty of hard-working pieces. And you should make way for more than a few American classics, too. After all, what better way to ring in summer and enjoy the time with friends and family (while celebrating our troops) than with picks that nod to classic Americana? We think you’ll like the Memorial Day essentials we’ve gathered here — just get to shopping before it’s too late.

Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunk

Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunk

Hopefully, you’re heading somewhere warm and sunny for Memorial Day weekend. If that’s the case, you’ll need to pack — and wear — something essential, well-made and durable. You’ll need the Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunk — it’s the best pair of swim trunks you can get when it comes to classic looks, durable functionality and quick-drying capability. Pair it with a grey pocket tee for easy style. And don’t forget the neat, patriotic red color — that’s an American essential, too. – Buy It

Jack Purcell Classic Low Top

Jack Purcell Classic Low Top

Even when heading to the beach or the boardwalk, don’t skimp on classic sneakers. That being said, there’s really only one choice to make when it comes to standout, classic style for Memorial Day weekend — the Jack Purcell Classic Low Top are as recognizable a sneaker as it gets, ideal for celebrating an American holiday in casual-yet-versatile fashion. These will work with light wash jeans and a white polo, or with a blue henley and slim khaki chinos at a backyard BBQ. – Buy It

Beach Camp Shirt

Outerknown Beach Camp Shirt

The camp shirt is decidedly cool again — and it’s sustainably made and uniquely stylish, thanks to Outerknown. That combo makes it a wise Memorial Day pick-up, as it’s eye-catching enough to wear at casual patio drinks and a nice evening out on the town. With a vintage-inspired Japanese print, it’s a surefire conversation starter that’ll work for summer style moves well past the coming long weekend — that means you’d do well to wear it with everything from tan chinos to olive linen trousers. – Buy It

Yeti Roadie Cooler

Yeti Roadie Cooler

Take one for the road — literally — with the YETI Roadie Cooler, ideal for your beach-going and backyard BBQ needs this Memorial Day weekend. It’s a durable piece of equipment that’s often underrated — don’t leave your favorite craft beers to while away the afternoon in a cheap cooler. The cooler’s ColdLock Gasket helps ice stay colder longer — crucial for day-drinking — and it also features space for 14 cans of tasty beer, plus a No Sweat design. Yessir, it’s a Memorial Day essential. – Buy It

Laurence Straw Panama Hat

Laurence Straw Panama Hat

If you’re kicking back with a cool camp shirt and an even cooler brew, why not add a sun-ready straw hat in the mix? You’re only adding styling points with the Lawrence Straw Panama Hat from Loro Piana. It’s the pinnacle of luxury and style as far as the world of hats — and that’s why you need it in your bag this season. Handwoven in Ecuador and finished in Italy, it merges unbeatable style with crucial protection from the sun — both necessary this coming Memorial Day weekend. – Buy It

Warby Parker Stanton Sunglasses

Warby Parker Stanton Sunglasses

What’s the finishing touch you need when it comes to your Memorial Day packing list? Easy — sharp, effective and stylish sunglasses. Luckily for all of us, Warby Parker delivers the goods with its Stanton Sunglasses. Particularly with mirrored cobalt lenses, you’ll be the hit of your party or barbecue — and you’ll be able to do so quite affordably, too. Crucially, those perfect design details will match stylishly with clean white kicks and a sharp red swimsuit — winning Memorial Day style. – Buy It

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