The Checklist: Summer In The City
Make getting dressed a breeze this summer with our ultimate guide to the easy tailoring, stand-out shorts and must-have finishing touches that you’ll want to mix, match and wear all season long.
The Elevated T-Shirt
We’re actually not sure it’s possible to navigate the summer season without a clutch of T-Shirts at your sartorial disposal, so pivotal are they to a modern wardrobe. A good quality, plain tee in black, white or grey is a no-brainer and will act as the lynchpin to any look you care to throw at it - but if you can’t unleash your playful side when the sun’s out then when can you…? With that in mind, look for graphic illustrations that suit your mood and style – we love BODE’s joyful fish and ERL’s retro print – or reach for the most vibrant colours and striking prints that you’re happy to step out in.
The Standout Shorts
Are you even dressing for summer if you’re not showing off your knees? First up, when choosing the perfect pair of shorts you need to consider the length – while on vacation anything goes, in an urban setting you want a pair that hits somewhere between mid-thigh and the top of your knee. Skate and sports-inspired shapes with a wide leg and an elasticated waist have a laid-back cool that neatly lends itself to the spirit of summer, and you get extra style points if they’re crafted in a luxe fabric like leather. A classic chino pair is a timeless classic with smarter, Riviera overtones while a denim iteration in a blue wash will work their way into your look for many seasons to come.
The Double Duty Shirt
To cover all your bases you’ll want one that’s classic, one contemporary. That means a long-sleeved button down in an understated shade or stripe that’s whipped up in cotton or linen, ready to be worn, sleeves rolled, over shorts or, with two or three buttons undone, with easy tailoring. Balance it out with a short-sleeved offering in a print as bold as you feel comfortable with that you’ll wear on low-key sunny Saturdays with shorts and sandals or with tailoring for evenings out. And, for maximum ways to wear, look for a shirt that comes with a coordinating pair of shorts.
The Easy Blazer
When the need to smarten up your act coincides with rising temperatures, you want to reach for tailoring with a relaxed fit in a lightweight fabric. Day to day stick to a neutral colour palette of greys, blues and browns that have a breezier attitude than their black counterparts and can be layered easily with the rest of your summer capsule wardrobe. And, for something more formal, look to the likes of AARON ESH’s sculptural cut or the flawless lines of Saint Laurent’s white silk blazer.
The Finishing Touches
A stand-out pair – although why limit yourself to just one? – of sunglasses is essential for rounding out every one of your summer looks and doubles up as a fast-track way to switch up the mood of whatever you’re wearing. Whether you reach for something modern and directional or oversized and retro. And you’ll want a fashion-approved hat in your arsenal, too: a bucket, be it logoed and luxe or a more bohemian raffia or crocheted affair, and a tried-and-tested baseball cap.
The Day-To-Day Shoes
Keep your cool in a luxe leather pair of sandals or flip flops that will go the distance in your wardrobe for seasons to come – just don’t forget the pedicure that’s essential if you want to wear them. A pair of canvas or suede espadrilles will hit the sweet spot between smart and casual while sneakers are, of course, a year-round staple whether you opt for a timeless, pristine white pair or a more sports-inspired shape with colourful details that will pop with whatever you style them with.
Words Emma Sells
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