With July well underway, the British summertime is starting, albeit very slowly, to break into its stride. But how do you make styling outfits in this weather interesting? Cue dramatic music here. There is a silver lining! We’ve compiled a list of summer wardrobe essentials that can carry you from evenings in the beer gardens, all the way to formal events and more. So sit back and take notes, as we show you how to give your summer style that long awaited overhaul. It’s in everybody’s best interests.
Breezy Linen Shirts
Possibly the most straight forward pick on this list, the linen shirt is a summertime heavy hitter for those looking to add a hint of sartorial style this season. With a handful of benefits to offer such as being highly breathable, hypoallergenic and lightweight, it’s a clear winner for maintaining comfort whilst ensuring elegance. Linen has recently seen a renaissance within menswear, as fashion mood boards and tastes have remodelled, with overly tight and form fitting clothing being replaced by their breezier and oversized counterparts.
When choosing your linen shirt, experiment with varied cuts and colours for a straightforward styling experience this summer. Pair your top half with chinos or trousers with loafers for a conventional evening getup. For a sophisticated, yet relaxed piece, we recommend the Hackett Pink Garment Dyed Linen Shirt. Arriving in a slim fit with a soft garment dyed finish, this is the perfect choice for implementing linen into your wardrobe.
Signature Sunglasses
A common fixture in both men’s and women’s fashion, a solid pair of sunglasses simply cannot be more underrated. Aside from the UV protection benefits, sunglasses have been a way of flaunting personal individuality for decades, with hundreds of variations arriving as tastes and trends have changed. There are also a handful of benefits, including enhanced facial symmetry, glare reduction and a confidence boost for the wearer in general.
Everybody likes wearing sunglasses, right?
Having been the go-to for celebrities and other public figures, wearing a well-fitted pair of shades can give you that touch of A List allure that can be handy in the warmer months.
Shop our favourite sunglasses this season here.
Polo Shirts
Advocated for famously by the likes of James Bond and Elvis Presley, polo shirts have been a classic and adaptable piece in menswear since their original design. Initially a symbolism of preppy, American culture, they’ve reached widespread notoriety, with men globally opting for the polo silhouette for a multitude of occasions. With an enduring design, they offer a flattering and masculine aesthetic that is versatile for being dressed up or down, dependent on the situation.
Fred Perry, in particular, are renowned for championing the polo shirt in the United Kingdom, having created the world-famous M3600. We find that timeless and stylish walk hand-in hand, so for a definitive polo pick, we recommend the Fred Perry Silver Blue Twin Tipped Polo Shirt. Featuring the textbook twin tip that Fred Perry is known for, this vibrant, yet classy colour way is perfect for the warmer season.
A ‘Do-It-All’ Bag
Often as it gets warmer and more men are switching to shorts, a certain pressure arrives. You have your keys, phone, wallet and then a chilling realisation hits you. You’ve reached full capacity, you’re in the danger zone, where are the rest of my items going to go? With pockets loaded and jangling like a mule carrying goods, you’ve finally realised you should have elected for carrying a bag.
Don’t be like this person. Summer is all about being prepared for whatever the day may throw at you and a bag allows you some flexibility on what you can and can’t bring when you step out of the door. We are of the opinion that a bag is an essential for a man and that they can be stylish and uncompromising to your style. Offering a quick means of entry to your accessories, a daily carry bag can allow you freedom to carry your essentials, so whenever a situation may arise, they’re safe. For us, we would look no further than the Rains Black Mini Tote Bag. With a generous amount of interior space, coupled with a minimalist and water resistant design, this is the perfect grab-and-go in the morning.
Graphic T-Shirts
Admittedly, there’s a fine line.
With the resurgence of pre-millennium pop culture being felt across the global fashion scape, it was only a matter of time before graphic tees threw their hat back into the mixer. And our opinion? Graphic t shirts can offer method to conveying the correct amount of off-duty laissez faire, for those days when you’re more concerned about remaining comfortable. Picture a weekend errand or coffee run for example. Graphics can give freedom in expressing individual interests, whether that be through music or TV references, or simply because you enjoy adding art pieces to your wardrobe.
With a broad spectrum of colours, designs and silhouettes to settle on, implementing a statement piece into your wardrobe couldn’t be easier. In addition, shopping around and finding your own grail piece can be extremely rewarding, as these can be items you cherish for years to come. So go forth, and wear them like a badge of honour, whether that’s at your local park or cafe, just maybe not in the boardroom.
White Sneakers
White trainers, or white sneakers, as coined by our transatlantic cousins, have been a staple in men’s wardrobes since their inception and for good reason. A sleek and clean silhouette can present an unobtrusive method to men’s fashion, which is why over the course of time they’ve become indispensable.
White offers versatility due to its compatible colour way, meaning that it can be paired with a plethora of items from formalwear to routine, casual outfits. Think of them as the ol’ reliable within your styling.
Now with more options than ever to choose from, there is no better time to make the investment if you haven’t already. Our choice for a no-nonsense white sneaker is the Oliver Sweeney Hayle Trainer. Crafted from high quality calf leather, the minimal upper section of the trainers is what makes them adaptable for daily wear. Pair with denim or chino shorts for a laid-back look during the Summer. Just promise that you won’t wear them with black socks, please.
Swimwear
Swim shorts, somewhat counterintuitively, often go under the radar when summer fashion is mentioned and we’re not really sure why. After all, when the warmer weather hits, you don’t want to be stuck with the same shorts you wore on that one dodgy holiday a few years ago. When purchasing swim shorts, we suggest considering the following factors:
- Fit– This is particularly important, as the fit of your swimwear will vary depending on your height and desired aesthetic.
- Colour– This will reflect your own personal tastes. Block colours offer for simple styling, however, understated patterns and designs can create interest within your beach fits.
- Material- Opting for a nylon or polyester variation is effective due to their quick drying properties. Alongside this, they frequently contain a mesh lining to prevent chafing, ensuring a fashionably comfortable poolside experience.
Our recommendation for a stylish and uncompromising swim short is the Belstaff Mineral Green Clipper Short. Crafted from a lightweight, textured nylon, Belstaff’s foray into swimwear features the high quality elements you would expect from their other items. With the iconic phoenix logo patch emblazoned on the leg, we believe that these are a fine choice for aquatic adventures this summer. We can’t promise that you’ll look like Bond, but you’ll be closer than before.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a fool-proof method to remaining stylish this season. Whether you’re abroad this summer, or simply looking for a way to revitalise your warm weather outfits, these items will add another dimension to your everyday wear. Maybe with these tips you wear a linen shirt when watching the Euros, or even a retro three lions graphic. The possibilities are endless. And it definitely is coming home this time. Oh Gareth, I hope you don’t make me regret saying that.
