How to dress when you’re an adult (who also surfs)

“Smart Casual” is the scariest dress code.

The last time surfing won the style game.

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Yesterday there was a situation at my house. It was Easter Sunday and I took my family to church. You can spare me your sermon about religion. Buy me a drink, we can speak to the ethereal and spiritual under the right setting. Dark bar, corner booth, candle light. Let’s talk.

I find church to be an important place to experience existence and understand the human condition, regardless of your status with God. But it does come with certain challenges. Like the dress code. “Smart casual” is the most difficult of sartorial scenarios. Especially for a surfer.

Lean too far in either direction and you’re in for a few hours of plummeting confidence. And those of us who grew up surfers, surrounded by a culture that prides itself on the casual thing, “smart casual” presents several pitfalls. I’ve spent many frustrated hours trying to climb my way out of this as an adult.

A dire situation at my house was narrowly avoided when I paired a few key, recently acquired items together to create a universally beloved outfit that didn’t make me stand out for being over or underdressed. I also felt like I could carry on with whatever happened after church too — whether that was an easter egg, quick beer at the local bar or a nice dinner. I felt well-dressed with my own subtle individual style. I felt good.

If making noise and statements is your fashion objective: You know what you’re doing. You don’t need me. This is for those of us who simply want to feel good and probably not get too noticed and have likely been poisoned by surf culture’s fear of dressing up. —Travis Ferré 

*I’ll keep this list below updated so you have a good resource when it comes shopping time.