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Valet. > 5 Stylish Items

5 Stylish Items
to Buy This Week

From some relaxed pants to a midcentury-inspired planter

May 18, 2026 at 12:03 am
5 stylish items to buy the week of May 18th, 2026

By

Valet. Staff
@valetmag

Published

May 18, 2026

Published

May 18, 2026

Photography

Courtesy

Note

Items featured in this story are independently selected by the editorial team. Purchasing via our links may earn Valet. a portion of the sale, which helps fund our editorial mission.

The Valet. team is always on the hunt. We’re scrolling, shopping, and visiting showrooms to sift through the noise to find what’s actually worth your time and money. From fresh new labels and reliable standbys to those under-the-radar upgrades you didn’t know you needed, our goal is to bring you the best of what’s out there right now.

Each week, we handpick five standout items that deliver on style, quality, and everyday usefulness. Think of it as your quick hit of shopping inspiration—a way to treat yourself, refresh your lineup, and kick the week off looking sharp. Each selection reflects our ongoing pursuit of quality, craftsmanship and value.

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Beams two-pleat trouser

1

Are these the perfect summer pants? It’s hard to say for sure, but we’re thinking they come pretty damn close. Lightweight, breezy and able to be worn with everything, be it a tank top and sandals to a knit polo and some loafers to sneakers and a simple T-shirt. They’ve got a two-pleat design with a relaxed, structured shape and come in three neutral colorways. The wide tapered fit has room through the waist and a gradual taper that somehow looks good on just about everyone.

Two-pleat trouser,

$165
at
Beams
Buck mason featherweight sweatshirt

2

Basically your favorite sweatshirt from ten years ago, minus the wear and tear. Buck Mason’s new featherweight terry crew has that perfectly faded, broken-in feel right out of the gate. The vintage-inspired raglan sleeves keep it sporty, the lightweight terry keeps it breathable, and the washed blue tone looks especially good with fatigue pants or some nylon shorts. It’s easy, comfortable and somehow makes casual clothes look more intentional.

Blue Fescue Venice Wash Featherweight Terry S/S Raglan Crewneck,

$108
at
Buck Mason
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West elm atkins planter

3

Your plant deserves better than a basic terracotta pot. This mid-century-inspired planter adds instant polish to even the saddest grocery-store fern. The elevated wooden stand gives it a lighter, more architectural feel, while the clean ceramic shape works in pretty much any style of room. It’s the rare home upgrade that takes about two minutes to install and somehow makes the entire place feel more put together.

Atkins planter,

$79
at
West Elm
Flint and tinder seersucker shirt

4

This shirt deserves a cold drink in its hand. Flint and Tinder leans fully into vacation mode here with breezy seersucker fabric and an easy camp collar that feels made for late afternoons near the water. The classic texture keeps it from sticking in the heat, while the relaxed fit works whether you’re layering it over a tee or tank (or wearing it commando). Equal parts beach shirt and workaday-uniform staple.

Seersucker Keys Camp Shirt,

$108
at
Huckberry
Cb station waxed canvas tote

5

Summertime requires a sturdy tote. But you knew this already. But this one, from Georgia-based CB Station, is cut from sturdy 18-oz. cotton canvas with a waxed coating that protects it from the elements and develops a rich patina with use. The outside is tough and the inside features a handy internal zip pocket with additional slip pockets to keep all your stuff tidy and organized.

CB Station Waxed canvas tote,

$75
at
Banana Republic

For the Week of

June 8th
American trench indigo dyed poplin short

1

The shorts your linen shirts have been waiting for. American Trench keeps things simple in the best possible way. Lightweight cotton poplin, naturally derived dyes and an easy fit that feels relaxed without looking sloppy. The indigo blue has the kind of depth that only gets better with wear, while the clean silhouette makes them versatile enough for everything from beach weekends to city errands. Trust us, you’re going to be wearing these all the time.

Indigo-dyed poplin short,

$145
at
American Trench
Le labo santal 26 incense

2

Has Le Labo really never fucked with incense before? The indie French fragrance house’s new incense delivers the same warm, smoky, wood-forward character as the cult-favorite candle and cologne, but with an even more immersive feel. Notes of sandalwood, cedar, leather and spice linger long after the stick burns down. It’s less “air freshener” and more proper atmosphere creator.

Santal 26 incense,

$48
at
Le Labo
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Huckberry x Vaer G2 Pacific steel watch

3

This is a travel watch that doesn’t look like a travel watch. Vaer packs a surprising amount of capability into a clean, cool and rugged everyday timepiece. The GMT function lets you track a second time zone without cluttering the dial, while the brushed steel case and understated design keep it versatile enough for daily wear. Whether you’re actually hopping time zones or just trying to remember what time it is in London, it gets the job done without screaming for attention. Exactly how a good watch should operate.

Huckberry x Vaer G2 Pacific Steel GMT,

$499
at
Huckberry
Ray-Ban Flacko Puffer sunglasses

4

What if you took the classic Wayfarer and turned it up a notch? A$AP Rocky’s take on Ray-Ban’s most iconic frame keeps the familiar shape but inflates the proportions with a bold, sculptural edge. The result feels playful, fashion-forward and surprisingly wearable. They’re statement sunglasses, sure, but they’re still grounded in one of the most recognizable silhouettes ever made. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “fashion guy,” these squared off frames look good on just about anyone.

Ray-Ban Flacko Puffer Sunglasses Transparent Dark Brown Frame Brown Lenses 54-23,

$202
at
Ray-Ban
Abercrombie & Fitch Baggy trouser

5

Relaxed trousers that look far more expensive than they really are. Abercrombie continues its surprisingly strong run with a pair of pants that nails the current mood without overdoing it. The fuller leg creates an easy drape, while the pleats add just enough polish to keep things from feeling overly casual. Wear them with loafers and a knit polo, or sneakers and a heavyweight tee. Either way, they make anything look a lot cooler.

Baggy trouser,

$79.99
at
Abercrombie & Fitch

For the Week of

June 1st
Sperry x Todd Snyder x Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood CVO sneaker

1

Call them the feel-good sneakers of the season. Todd Snyder takes Sperry’s classic canvas sneaker and gives it a nostalgic twist inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The designer created a whole capsule collection inspired by Fred Rogers’s signature sneakers and sweaters. But these are our favorites. The vintage indigo canvas feels timeless, while subtle details nod to the beloved television icon without feeling gimmicky. It’s cheerful, understated and refreshingly optimistic. Wear them with relaxed dress pants, chinos or shorts and enjoy the rare combination of great design and a genuinely good story.

Sperry x Todd Snyder x Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood CVO sneaker,

$0
at
Todd Snyder
Abercrombie & Fitch World Cup snapback cap

2

A little ’90s nostalgia never hurt anyone. Abercrombie taps into vintage tournament graphics and old-school sportswear energy just in time for the coming World Cup. This easy-wearing snapback has a classic fit and the graphics feel authentically retro. The overall vibe lands somewhere between souvenir and style statement. Throw it on with a rugby shirt, a worn-in tee or your favorite weekend uniform. It’s an affordable way to add a little personality to your summer fits.

World Cup snapback cap,

$45
at
Abercrombie & Fitch
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Confect linen twill easy trouser

3

Don’t want to give up your black denim in the summer? These linen pants are the swap you need. Made in Japan, the linen mélange twill fabric gives them texture and drape, while the relaxed fit feels effortless without crossing into sloppy. They’re the kind of pants that work equally well with loafers and a camp shirt or sneakers and a simple tee. Lightweight, breathable, and deceptively versatile, they make getting dressed when it’s hot and humid feel a whole lot easier.

CONFECT Linen twill easy trouser,

$255
at
Canoe Club
Billy reid shoals denim shirt

4

How can you make an all-American denim shirt feel even cooler? Billy Reid’s signature Shoals shirt takes a wardrobe staple and cuts it from soft denim that’s been treated with a special wash for a broken-in feel from day one. It’s finished with beautiful antique brass snaps and angled pockets, comes in three colorways but the really killer detail is the personalization. You can now have you name, nickname or monogram stitched above the pocket.

Billy Reid Shoals denim shirt,

$228
at
Billy Reid
House of leon valley side table

5

This is a small table that does a lot of heavy lifting. Built from warm white oak with a sculptural, geometric silhouette, it strikes that sweet spot between California casual and midcentury heirloom-worthy design. It’s substantial without feeling bulky and versatile enough to work beside a sofa, next to a bed, or standing alone with a good lamp and a few stacks of books. The multi-level table tops allows you to stash decor items while retaining a spot to set down a coffee cup.

Valley side table,

$650
at
House of Leon

For the Week of

May 26th
ZARA Cropped cotton polo

1

Bad Bunny made a splash with his ZARA collab. Turns out his Super Bowl and Met Gala fits were slow-simmering teasers of this wide-ranging capsule collection. One of our favorites from the line is this cool, cropped polo shirt. Available in five colorways, the heavyweight cotton gives it structure, the proportions feel intentionally off in the right way, and it wears especially well with fuller pants or loose denim. It’s one of those pieces that somehow makes a basic outfit look styled without actually requiring effort.

Cropped cotton polo,

$69.90
at
ZARA
Centerline cross sport pique polo

2

Special Promotion

One polo for any and every sport. Centerline’s new Cross-Sport Collection is built for the guy who bounces from a morning workout to a pickleball match to an afternoon of golf or drinks without changing outfits. The standout? This lightweight pique tech polo, which blends moisture-wicking performance fabric with a cleaner, more elevated fit that works far beyond the gym. Breathable, easy to move in thanks to the raglan sleeves and polished enough to wear off the court, it captures the whole point of the collection: versatile gear for people who don’t silo their lives into “sportswear” and “everything else.” The same could be said for their oversized quater-zip. It’s less about those single-sport pieces and more about an everyday wardrobe done right that can move with you.

Cross-Sport pique polo,

$72
/
$50
at
Centerline
Advertisement
Sluff it kit

3

This is your sign to exfoliate like an adult. Inspired by Korean bathhouse culture, the new Sluff It Kit turns what’s usually a forgettable shower step into something oddly satisfying. The mitt and treatment combo leave your skin noticeably smoother without feeling overly precious or spa-like. It’s equal parts self-care and deep clean and honestly, a little addictive once you realize how much better your skin feels afterward.

Sluff it kit,

$48
at
Sluff
West elm marble jacks

4

Real talk: This is a completely unnecessary object that somehow makes the room better. West Elm takes the old-school jacks shape and scales it up in solid marble so it lands somewhere between sculpture and conversation piece. It doesn’t technically do anything—which is sort of the point. Set it on a stack of books, a console, or a coffee table and suddenly the whole space feels a little more considered.

Marble jacks,

$69
at
West Elm
Madewell indigo camp collar shirt

5

The might be the shirt you end up wearing three days straight on vacation. Madewell keeps things loose and breezy with a soft linen blend that looks even better slightly wrinkled. It’s got a shibori-indigo dyed look that feels much more expensive than it is and the camp collar gives it that old-school resort feel, but the fit stays modern and relaxed instead of costume-y. Throw it on open over a tank, button it with chinos, wear it straight from the beach to dinner—it handles all of it without looking like you packed too hard.

Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt in Archive Linen Blend,

$118
at
Madewell

For the Week of

May 11th
Lejon mccoy ii bison leather belt

1

A little Western goes a long way. If you’ve been looking for a Western style belt without too much rodeo energy, this is a cooler, cleaner, more grown-up version. Made from thick American bison leather with subtle silver detailing, the McCoy II adds just enough attitude to denim or chinos without tipping into costume territory. The leather’s rugged, the hardware’s sharp and the whole thing looks better the more worn-in it gets. Oh, and it’s available in brown or black so take your pick.

Mc Coy II Bison Leather Western Belt,

$92
at
Huckberry
Levi's Baggy pleated short

2

These shorts look expensive. Like the ones you’d see in some mood board image of an Italian man in the 1990s. But they’re from Levi’s. Cut from a smooth cotton twill, the brand really nails the fit here: roomy through the leg, slightly longer and finished with front pleats that make them feel more intentional than your standard shorts. Throw them on with loafers, sneakers, or sandals of course. An easy summer styling move.

Baggy pleated short,

$37.98
at
Levi's
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Abercrombie & Fitch Loose cargo pant

3

Want some vintage Abercrombie cargos? We know some guys are going to eBay but this might be a better move. Because these have been slightly tweaked to fit the way you want your pants to fit in 2026. The Abercrombie design team took an archival design and stripped away all the extra straps and bulk and left you with something surprisingly wearable. The fit is relaxed but clean, the pockets sit flat, and the fabric has enough structure to hold its shape throughout the day.

Loose cargo pant,

$95
at
Abercrombie & Fitch
James brand ellis knife

4

This is a pocket knife for people who hate pocket knives. The Ellis keeps the utility but loses the aggressive, overbuilt look. Slim enough to disappear in your pocket, it fits on a key chain and combines a straightforward blade that feels more like a considered object than survival gear. Open boxes, trim loose threads, feel vaguely prepared for anything—it handles all of it and is thinner than a pack of gum.

Ellis knife,

$99
at
James Brand
Bather linen leisure shirt

5

This is what you want your linen shirts to look like. Bather’s linen leisure shirt keeps things breezy in every sense: lightweight fabric, relaxed fit, and a deep navy color that somehow makes even shorts look pulled together. Wear it open over a tank, buttoned with chinos, or half-wrinkled at the end of a beach day. This thing only gets better the less precious you are with it.

Linen leisure shirt,

$185
at
Bather

For the Week of

May 4th
Banana republic italian cotton linen blazer

1

A blazer that doesn’t feel like a blazer. This easy going blazer ditches the stiff, overbuilt feel in favor of something lighter, softer and way more wearable. Cut from an Italian cotton-linen fabric, the plaid keeps things interesting without trying too hard, and the relaxed construction means it works just as well with a T-shirt as it does with a button-down. It’s the kind of jacket you throw on for dinner and don’t immediately want to take off.

Italian cotton-linen blazer,

$380
at
Banana Republic
Away cooler tote

2

This is what happens when a modern travel brand applies its logic to a cooler. Away took its usual clean, travel-first design and smart compartments and then added insulation. Engineered to stay cold for up to nine hours with an ice pack, it’s designed with fully welded seams, multiple carry options, exterior pockets, and smart details like a towel-or-blanket pass-through and integrated bottle opener. It feels like a real bag, not a piece of gear, so it’s easy to carry, easy to pack, and looks good wherever you set it down.

Cooler tote,

$248
at
Away
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Laneige cica sleeping mask

3

What’s not to like about a low effort, high return skincare product? Put it on before bed, wake up looking like you drink more water than you actually do. Designed with expert Korean sleep care technology, this rich balm cream seals in soothing hydration overnight. The formula is built to calm, hydrate and repair stressed skin, especially when things are dry or irritated. It’s lightweight, not greasy, and doesn’t require a complicated system to see results.

Laneige Cica sleeping mask,

$35
at
Amazon.com
Karbo grill x1

4

If you want to grill, but don’t want all the work, this is for you. The Karbo X1 keeps things simple: compact, modular and easy to set up wherever you are. It’s built to handle both grilling and griddling, so you’ve got options without needing extra gear. Small enough to travel with, but solid enough to cook on regularly, it hits that sweet spot between convenience and capability. What’s more, the grill grates are slightly inclined to direct grease into a removable drip tray system for less smoke and easy cleaning.

Grill X1,

$650
/
$549
at
Karbo
Gap cropped t shirt

5

A basic that doesn’t feel basic. Gap’s always made great T-shirts, but this one leans into the slightly cropped, boxy fit that you should be wearing this summer. It feels modern without looking trendy. The heavier cotton gives it structure, so it holds its shape instead of stretching out by midday. Plus, it comes in a range of colors and is wildly affordable, so throw it on with jeans, chinos or shorts and you’re done—no overthinking required.

Cropped T-shirt,

$44.95
/
$35
at
Gap
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