Dive into San Diego Summer Style for Men with Eric Swank from Matti D

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Dressed in denim cutoffs, a black Turbonegro band tee, soft tan boat shoes, and sublimely oversized stunner shades, Matti D men's fashion guru Eric Swank paints a portrait of male summer style.

During high school and college, Eric recreationally toyed with fashion in the name of self-expression. From mixing up monotonous mannequin displays at Abercrombie & Fitch to sporting his girlfriend’s jazzercise-friendly attire to work at Pier 1, Eric adapted to his surroundings while experimenting with fashion to remain sane.

"I just did my own thing," Eric says. "I don’t feel like myself when I’m not wearing what I want to wear.”     

While working as a stock boy slash early morning cardboard box crusher at Pier 1, Eric overheard a nearby Del Mar boutique, Matti D, was expanding its stock with male clothing lines. In the heat of spontaneity Eric marched straight from the cardboard battleground to Matti D, and the rest is history.

Eric’s uninhibited passion for fashion-forward freedom and individuality makes him the eyes and ears of the masculine brigade at Matti D. But outside the store's hyper-glam glass doors, Eric’s personal stomping grounds and industry influences are sure to shock.

Eric’s vision for this summer's male style folds into one compacttheme: summer of the sailor. To detail your must-have look for this summer in San Diego, acquit assumptions and allow inspiration with Eric’s head-to-toe male style guide. . .

Dome:

Night watchman’s hat, Irish knit cap, Greek fisherman’s hat, or any captain’s hat.

Where to grab: Village Hat Shop in Hillcrest.

Frame:

Long sleeve shirts with thick stripes and subtle colors like grey, navy, and black.

Irish knit and cable knit sweaters cut at the shoulder seam, with button accents and simple collars.

Vests of all styles—interchangeable formality and informality based on outfit outlook. Always completely buttoned, form-fitting, and paired with a contrasting colored top.

Where to grab:

Matti D in Del Mar, Buffalo Exchange in Hillcrest, Army surplus stores, thrift stores.

Stems:

Stick to clean denim, khaki, and deep browns. For a more formal occasion, bring in suit pants. Add a summer vibe with cut-offs shorts and dramatic cuff edges with all materials. Keep cut-offs 2 inches above the knee and cuffs above the angle at 4-5 inches wide.

Where to grab:

Matti D in Del Mar and Buffalo Exchange in Hillcrest. Seek 575, Sacred Blue, Howe, Brown Label, Taverniti, and Sevens—new at Matti D, used at Buffalo Exchange.

Kicks:

Boat shoes and day driving shoes are perfect for San Diego summers. Pair subtle tan, white, and brown tones with a loud look or add a punch of color to a stark-black outfit with vibrant shoes.  

Where to grab:

Mint in Hillcrest, Puma in Downtown,West Marine in Point Loma, and Nordstrom’s in LaJ olla. Scope Keds online, and Asics and Topsiders in stores.

Gear:

Ascots, scarves, bandanas, bold belt buckles. Test out patterns and solid colors with contrast in mind.

Where to grab:

Army surplus stores, thrift stores, HOME in Encinitas, Gap in La Jolla. Justice Bodan belt buckles at Matti D in Del Mar. 

Keep an eye out for summer shirts by Love & Eight, Black Pearls Brigade, Alan B, and Aristocracy; denim by Monarchy, Brown Label, and Howe; and accessories by Ralph Burch, Stiletto Ties, Rehab, Red Monkey, Penguin, Marc Marmel, and Justice Bodan. Because “fashion comes before the season," also watch out for male fall lines by Penguin and Howe in July at Matti D.

As Eric dramatically depicts his summer of the sailor fashion theme, we ask what he wears to work himself. "The only limitations are bullet proof vests and unzipped leather jackets sans shirts," he replies.

 
Although Matti D's vintage chandeliers, early American antique furniture, Italian vanity mirrors and retro rock ‘n roll amp décor is indicative of ornate style, the boutique's clothing racks speak a simple language that's emblematic of a fresh, clean summer look. Marie Ferris, owner of Matti D, continues to steer trend with the top male designers for summer in San Diego.