Here at SG HQ, we’re big fans of Penfield, the outdoor brand known for bright primary colors and sturdy, staple silhouettes…especially when the temperature drops. So we raised a collective eyebrow when the Massachusetts-born lifestyle brand announced a new head of design tasked with updating the iconic Penfield style with a technical twist.
Designer Simon Oates has harnessed his mastery of performance fabric (picked up at his last job with the renowned sailing company, Musto) to highlight the intersection of innovative and heritage design. The result? A happy union between classic Americana outdoor lifestyle and advanced technical design. We wanted to know: How does London-based Oates dress for the gig?
Below, a week of style from Simon Oates of Penfield:
Monday
Tee: Journal Standard | Trousers: Jack Spade | Jacket: Our Legacy | Sneakers: Y-3
“I started my week with a day in the Penfield showroom meeting customers and taking them through the SS17 collection, so the outfit had to be reasonably clean and smart. I opted for a black linen Journal Standard tee under a black Our Legacy over-shirt and a pair of fatigue pants – this pretty much sums my approach to style and fashion – clean, understated and good quality. Im on my feet all day in these situations so I always reach for my Y-3 QR – I don’t think I’ve ever owned a pair of sneakers so comfortable.”
Tuesday
Tee: COS | Jeans: Kings of Indigo | Jacket: Penfield | Sneakers: Comme Des Garcons
“Today I was back in the design studio so I selected a really easy casual choice – cut off Kings of Indigo denim, Comme des Garcons Converse (Rei Kawakubo / Comme is pretty much my favourite designer) and a simple Cos t-shirt finished off nicely with a piece from the Penfield SS17 Collection. I’m lucky in my job that I get to wear pieces my team and I have designed and the Howard camo coach jacket is one of my personal favourites – camo goes with everything.”
Wednesday
Tee: Club Monaco | Button-Down: Penfield | Jeans: Acne | Sneakers: Common Projects
“I seem to wear a lot of basic monochrome clothing – black jeans and a white or grey t-shirt is my go to uniform when I’m in a rush in the morning – so today I broke it up a little with a flannel shirt.”
Thursday
Tee: Norse Projects | Jeans: Jack Spade | Sneakers: Common Projects
“I’m meeting my girlfriend for dinner tonight and because this is an outfit I can transition from the office to restaurant without needing to change! I can throw on a blazer if I need to smarten it up and as It was a bright summers day I thought I’d break out the white denim and finish with a pair of common projects B-Ball Hi-Tops . I love Common Projects footwear and these can go with pretty much anything.”
Friday
Tee: OAMC | Overshirt: Penfield | Jeans: Niko And | Sneakers: Vans
“On Friday I had a design review with the CEO/ Creative director so normally, I would be a lot smarter than this, but it’s a Friday so we’re all a bit more relaxed in the office. I travel a lot and the jeans are a great Japanese denim I picked up in Tokyo. The Vans are a classic style that reminds me of my youth, its great to see them coming on strong again. Finally, the overshirt is part of the new Penfield collection and something that has been particularly well received by buyers.”
TELL US:
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORK-TO-PLAY TRANSITION OUTFIT?
Catch up with Team Style Girlfriend on Facebook Live, and stay up to day with what we’re reading, playing and watching each week
My work is pretty casual so for me it is usually jeans, a button up shirt and a casual blazer. I use the blazer to determine how dressed up I want to be.
That’s really a great barometer of dressed up-ness..smart, Tod!
Gotta love how Simon typically has an overshirt (or a shacket, if you will) to smarten a tee-and-jeans combo. If I had a more casual office (and especially in the summer), there’s no doubt that I’d be all in on this one.
As for my fave work-to-play transition outfit, it’ll be a plaid/chambray shirt with some dark denim, dark sneakers/chukkas and a cool jacket (think biker, bomber, etc.) And on a casual Friday, swap the shirt out with a henley and we’re gold!
agreed on jacket to dress up a tee
seconded!
This guys’ style is phenom. I used to have those checked vans in the 80’s too!
Damn Joe! Back at it again with the checked Vans!
Uhh, I *still* have those checkered vans!!
serious question: do you recommend 95% of men wear their pants this cropped?
haha, nope! I think this style works great for Simon but certainly it’s not right for everyone
We actually talked about this very thing on Thursday’s facebook live! (We were split down the middle opinion-wise) https://www.facebook.com/StyleGirlfriend/
I think I’ve realized why these articles are some of my favorites.
1. They are very person stories of style. Stories very unique to stylegf.
2. I get to see the style pulled together on a “model” (This also applies to articles like “Borrowed from the Boys” or “Steal His Look”)
Maybe Gabi could even convince me cargo shorts made their comeback, if i saw someone pulling them off. Maybe…
I’m really feeling this bomber from Penfield! FALL here we come! http://penfield.com/mens/jackets/fw-pf-mens-jacket-vanleer-olive
After this (extremely hot) weekend, I’ve gotta give that sentiment two thumbs up!
Simon’s outfits were amazing all week. Very chill and fresh. I think they made him look younger which was great. Thanks
A jacket on top of that navy blue shirt would be amazing to go the date with his girlfriend
Totally agree, Derrick!
Obviously he’s not afraid to flash some ankle! I think it works for him but it’s a bit more than I would be comfortable showing. That being said, I love Penfield jackets and hope to own one someday.
That’s a good life goal! I have a puffer vest and a winter coat from Penfield and they are two of my most prized (winter) possessions 🙂
Having lived in Florida and now in Texas, it’s hard to justify getting a super nice winter coat. I do hope to live somewhere a bit farther north some day that would allow me to feel okay dropping serious dough on a winter coat.