What to Wear Ascension Weekend

Ascension, which will take place Sunday, Aug. 21, is one of those "must be seen to be believed" experiences. Like Pines Party, the nightly equivalent held earlier this summer, it sprawls alongside the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, a mini city built in a few days for a one-day festival of music, dance and friendship --�and all for charity.

The party has grown into an entire weekend jam-packed with events. Even the most experienced Fire Island veteran faces a wealth of fashion choices. The newbie stands in terror of wearing the "wrong" outfit to an event.

So, as a public service, EDGE presents a few insider fashion tips on what the fashionably hot man will be sporting this weekend.

Kristine W Concert

On Friday, Aug. 19, dance mega-star gets the ball rolling with an intimate night of music featuring songs from her landmark double CD of jazzy covers of her dance hits and other music.

Whyte Hall, the venue, is the Pines' version of Carnegie Hall, but you don't have to worry about tux, cummerbund or black tie.

But there are still rules. Clean, preppy dressed-down lines are favored. But not too preppy. These madras shorts from J. Crew are the perfect blend of doing preppy just right. The Madras says "Hamptons," but the cut says "Alegria." Perfect with a polo shirt or logo tee.

Pool Party

I always seem to end up spending more time in the water than out, no matter how good the DJ. This is a pool party that takes the "pool" part very, very seriously. If you fancy yourself one of those prissy queens who turns up her nose at those maniacs making perfect fools of themselves channeling their inner Esther Williams, well get over yourself and get into a sexy but sturdy suit.

This one from Undergear fulfills all the basic functions of a Pool Party brief:
� Material is sturdy enough to stand up when you get out so none of that dreaded "butt crack peak" escapes.
��Dries quickly in the sun
� Rides down along the waist, accentuating all those Pilates classes you suffered through all winter
��The zipper on the side allows you to carry all valuables (bar tip dollar bills, condoms, ear plugs).

Tea Dance

Held on a gorgeous house overlooking Great South Bay, this party is a celebration of the sunset. And what is more beachy, sunny and islandy than a sarong?

Yes, a sarong. These men's cloth ad hoc skirts have long been popular on Fire Island, just as they are throughout the Southeast Pacific.

These are being offered on eBay, but the price ($12 per) is comparable to other sites.

Oh, and all the Internet sites that teach you how to wear a sarong. Sorry, but they are so wrong. You fold the cloth in half, lengthwise and wrap it around your body, with the end coming around at front left or right of your hip. You then grab the two top ends, squeeze them toward your body and tie and double-tie them tightly.

And no, you do not have to wear anything underneath.

Ascension

This is an all-day dance party in the sun, so the most essential ingredient is sunscreen. Lots and lots of sunscreen.

That said, you want to look sexy but feel comfortable. You want clothes that let you move to the music but allow you to converse on the sidelines. The answer is a squarecut bathing suit. "Conservatively" cut, these will give you everything you need, plus that essential "junk in the trunk" bit of advertising.

I have a pair of these from Undergear and have worn them to parties on the island. They're perfect. Nice, thick material. The pouch is so generous you can even use it as your mini-man bag.

Closing Party

The sun has gone to bed, but you haven't. For the closing party, once again in a house with a dance floor jutting into Great South Bay, you'll want to wear something a little warmer but flattering.

These "ziggy" jeans from Ruffskin are the kind that look better with no shirt. Perfect! They have zippers in the front and back pockets, zipper on the hem to get those tight boots on, and steel details.

What you wear is, of course, ultimately up to you. If you're comfortable in it, it's you, baby.

Now get on that dance floor and testify!