Most guys’ summer calendars are light on engagements on the Buckingham Palace lawn, and most are still waiting on that invite to the Gold Cup polo tournament. But what about wet barbeques and day-to-night drinking? Thanks for booking me solidly until September.
And just because these events don’t require a swish hat, unless you are that way inclined, each does have its own approach when getting dressed. Here’s how to boss any social engagement with the five essential summer outfits you’ll need this season.
The Heatwave and Your Work
The majority of guys crave the sun until it arrives. Then, we discover a universal inability of men to deal with heat. Train tracks warp, headlines scream that it’s hotter than Dubai, and people everywhere shed clothes like they’re lined with napalm. But a glimpse of nipple won’t be welcomed at the morning sales meeting.
Fit and fabric are two of your best allies in the war to stay cool. Clothing that is too tight or slim can trap heat against your skin. It starts to flow when you loosen up. “A boxy shirt will keep you cool on those hotter than hot days,” says ASOS head of menswear design Nick Eley. This shape is already off dress code, so don’t push it any further with hula girl patterns – plain white, light blue or grey designs reflect heat and the wrath of HR.
Whatever material you choose, it should still be as airy. Both linen and cotton light are covered with small holes to allow the air to circulate. “Linen is a great option in tailoring or for granddad collar shirts,” says Mr Porter style director Olie Arnold. “Lightweight chinos are also office-worthy.” If shorts definitely aren’t, then a slight roll gets some ankle skin on show, to help your body dump heat. And won’t get you handed a P45.
The Wedding With The Vague Dress Code
Weddings were once simple. If the sun is up, wear tails. As soon as the sun went down, you wore black tie. In recent decades, dress codes have evolved. Today’s couples demand things like ‘rural chic’, ‘city formal’, or just ‘fabulous’ – a request so ‘WTF’ it could mean a suit or short shorts.
So how do you make sure you’re not the only guy with his thighs out? Of course, you fix yourself up and look good. “You want to be smart, but not as smart as the groom,” says stylist Kitty Cowell, who has worked on campaigns for the likes of
You can always go for tailoring with removable trimmings. That doesn’t mean the outfit you wear to work; after all, the shade should be celebratory. “Wear separates rather than a full suit,” advises Arnold. Neutral combinations – think navy with beige, grey with blue or white with charcoal – will work in any pictures, whether the wedding party is in tails or tees. The shirt must be plain with a classic button-down or point collar. Then if you’re the only guy who turns up in a tie, you can pocket it.
On which note, your breast pocket should pack a bright silk square that complements your jacket – yellow or pink is suitably nuptial. If it turns out even that’s too much, you can move it to another hidden pocket.
Finally, shoes. “A monk-strap is more interesting and will work both smart and casual,” says Arnold. If you want to bring your look up another notch, head to the bathroom and remove the socks.
The lunchtime drink that ends at breakfast
The best intentions are always the first thing to start. After a quick pint and catching up, it’s time to mow the grass. But it’s so nice out, the first sun we’ve had in ages. Another one for the road, please? Well, you can’t leave before the rounds are level. Dark comes, as do shots, and suddenly you’re Googling local fry-ups.
An accidental night out could involve moving from daytime to nighttime, from hot to cold weather, and possibly even from a beer garden to a nightclub. The best way to cope with all six scenarios is layers – and a bag to stow them in. A grown-up leather tote or backpack won’t annoy bouncers and can stand up to grass – and the cloakroom – without you stressing stains.
You should also match your footwear. Leather sneakers that are sleek and minimal will be comfortable for all day wear, while also passing the dress code. “Team them with simple black jeans, a white T-shirt and a leather biker jacket,” says Cowell. Storing a post-club sweatshirt and a mobile phone charger in your bag is a great idea. You could spend an eternity trying to hail down a cab.
The Barbecue Where It’s Guaranteed To Rain
What’s summer without a party in the open air, under a grey sky? People shield their drinks against rain while you shiver wearing shorts.
Pragmatism is the best way to go. It’s better to check the weather every so often than dress for what you hope happens. You can keep your glass (of beer) half full. “Even if it’s not 35 degrees outside, it’s nice to pretend with a printed shirt,” says Arnold. A Cuban collar shirt has long been the favourite of uncles who don’t know their limits. But stick to this season’s new slim-fit takes, in muted tones, and your nod to tropical weather comes across as smart, not ‘zany’.
Top this off with waterproof outerwear to avoid the inevitable. Your prudence might upset the host, so you need outerwear that doesn’t look like you expect torrents. “Lightweight coats are practical, but still look cool,” says Cowell. A showerproof shell (think a bomber jacket or blouson cut from a non-absorbant twill) is a fuss-free throwover that won’t cause you to overheat. Just in case.
What Your Ex-Boyfriend Will Drink on His Birthday
You’ve split your DVDs. You argued over who got the dog. But your social circle doesn’t divvy up as easily.
It’s easy to make friends at school. Ditto colleagues. But there’s equal claim on your college mates. And if your erstwhile other half won’t back down, why should you? So now you’re about to meet for the first time since the tears, and you need to look good. Like, see-what-you’re-missing good. But you can’t let anyone know you made an effort.
You should first consider the surface of your clothes. In a pinch, a full-body prison workout will do the trick. Then look for clothes that say you’re doing just fine, thanks, without labouring the point. If you debut something dramatically different to your usual style, people will assume you’re struggling with a post-breakup reinvention.
Instead, opt for the best basics you can afford: a blazer that you’ve had tailored; slim-fit jeans cuffed just so; a Henley shirt that showcases your new bench press PB; a haircut from a high-quality barber.
Great materials and the perfect fit mean no one will be able to put their finger on why, but you know what, you’re looking just great, especially considering, you know. Then accessorise with a smile – and ignore your ex’s glances.
