With the weather finally beginning to perk up, it is time to ditch your AW knits and boots in favour of some more breathable summer gear. This might sound like common sense, yet many of us seem reluctant to part with out winter wardrobes which we often linger on with long into spring and summer. Refreshing your wardrobe for summer is a quick, simple fix; to lend a hand, we have picked the seven key pieces that will provide you with a solid foundation for the perfect summer wardrobe.
Sharp Shoes
Shoes are the cornerstone of any look, and the importance of your choice of footwear is only accentuated by the fact your get-up will be considerably lighter during the warmer months. A pair of all-white sneakers has become a summer staple in recent years and this is not changing for SS16. Lacoste’s ‘Straightset’ tennis shoes are a timeless leather low-top with the versatility to take you from day to night, while more casual takes on the trend include Sperry’s ‘Cloud’ trainers, Converse’s low-top ‘Chuck Taylor All Stars’ and Novesta’s ‘Star Masters’.
While your all-white sneakers will be versatile enough to dress up or down, your summer wardrobe should also incorporate a pair of more sophisticated, high-quality loafers. H Shoes by Hudson offer a good range of loafers for SS16 with the ‘Felipe’ blue suede driving shoes and ‘Pierre’ brown leather tassel loafers as standout examples. We are also fans of Selected Homme’s brown suede ‘Bolton’ tassel loafers.
Smart Shorts
Choosing a successful pair of shorts seems to present an impossible hurdle for many men. Sadly, too many of us often resort to offensively bright or printed shorts barely acceptable on the beach let alone within the company of other people. Instead, opt for more minimalist yet finely cut shorts with simple detailing, such as J. Lindeberg’s ‘Nathan’ chino shorts or Scotch & Soda’s slim fit herringbone shorts.
An Oxford Shirt (Or Two)
A simple yet high-quality Oxford shirt is one of the few pieces that can seamlessly transcend seasons. Equally wearable for casual and formal occasions, the quality of the Oxford weave provides breathable comfort within a timeless look that can be paired with anything from tailored trousers to casual shorts. Blue and white should be your go-to summer colours, and Scotch & Soda have premium quality Oxford shirts in both colours (blue and white). We can also testify for the outstanding quality of Knutsford X Tripl Stitched’s white Oxford shirt which is handcrafted in Tripl Stitched’s London factory stamped with all the hallmarks of a good Oxford.
Sunglasses
A simple accessory that will elevate any man’s look, not wearing sunglasses in summer is fashion’s equivalent of Freddy Adu—so much lost potential. That said, we’d recommend not picking sunglasses willy-nilly based on having seen James Dean or David Bowie pull them off in their heyday; your choice of sunglasses should be based on an understanding of your facial geometry and knowing which style of sunglasses will best fit your profile. This season’s selection of shades includes fine silhouettes from the likes of Ray-Ban and Calvin Klein, but try our guide to sunglasses and face shape to consider which style might best be suited to you.
Daniel Wellington St Mawes Rose Gold Watch
A Crisp Watch
In addition to the battering of rain, wind and illnesses that come with winter, one of our sartorial pet hates is the need to constantly cover up your wrist and conceal your beautiful new watch. A quality watch is a key style indicator in summer, and Daniel Wellington’s new watch collection is a cut above most other collections available at this time at an affordable price point. Available with refined smooth leather straps or more military-inspired NATOs, each watch showcases the minimalist craftsmanship of the brand which makes each watch an investment that will last far beyond summer.
Rucksack
Summer is a time for travel and adventure, and a robust yet stylish rucksack will save you from having to overload your pockets with bits and bobs which can ruin the cut of your shorts or shirt. Fjällräven have carved itself out as a leader in rucksacks that combine practicality and style, crafted from a tough nylon fabric and stamped with the brand’s iconic fox logo.
