THE MEN’S SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE

From garden parties to lunch with the in-laws, we present our foolproof guide to tackling summer’s busy social calendar with stylish aplomb. 

AFTER-WORK DRINKS

BURBERRY trench coat, TOM FORD leather briefcase, TOD’S leather driving shoes, HUGO BOSS cotton shirt, RALPH LAUREN cotton chinos

Whether it’s a quick mid-week pint or happy hour on a Friday, regular visits to the local drinking establishment come summer are a prerequisite of most jobs. If the office dress code requires you to wear a suit and tie, opt for something modern, lightweight and pared-back. Alternatively, ditch the uniform in favour of a pair of well-made chinos (Hugo Boss and Slowear do the best), a slim-fitting shirt and a classic trench – you’ll still hold your own with your suit-clad colleagues but also look equally at home in your local boozer. After all, you don’t want to be that guy who can’t switch off, even after his computer has.

 

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THE SUMMER PARTY

HUGO BOSS wool suit jacket, SANDRO wool trousers, GEORGE CLEVERLEY penny loafers, JOHN SMEDLEY wool jumper, SMYTH & GIBSON cotton shirt

You’re going to a garden party and the invitation reads ‘smart-casual’, meaning you need to look sharp but not overly formal. It’s a tricky balancing act that leaves many a well-dressed male in a sartorial quandary. For an easy solution, go for a tonal approach with a navy wool jacket and blue-grey wool trousers, a crisp-white Oxford shirt and a pair of penny loafers, sans socks. If it's a celebratory event – a low-key wedding, for instance – finish off the look with a silk tie and pocket square. Problem solved.

 

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THE WEEKEND

BELSTAFF shell jacket, THE KOOPLES checked shirt, GIVENCHY backpack, COMMON PROJECTS suede trainers, HUGO BOSS cotton shorts, NEIL BARRETT Fair Isle-print neoprene sweatshirt

Looking forward to a day exploring the city but it’s too warm to wear your favourite jeans? What you need is an on-the-go outfit that ticks three key style boxes: comfort, classic and cool. Cue a pair of smart chino shorts that, thanks to their soft cotton construction, feel like old favourites from the moment you put them on. Team them with one of this season’s statement sweats (Neil Barrett’s printed iterations are a slick way to give casual outfits a graphic lift), some fail-safe sneakers and a lightweight jacket for when the mercury drops, and enjoy a weekend of mooching in effortless ease.

 

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LUNCH WITH THE IN-LAWS

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI cashmere jumper, HUGO BOSS slim-fit trousers, GUCCI leather moccasins, CANALI denim shirt, TOM FORD sunglasses

Whether it’s an al-fresco affair at their house or a simple pub lunch nearer to home, what to wear when you meet the in-laws requires some serious attention. Making a good first impression is paramount, so you need an ensemble that hits the right note. Start with a relaxed-yet-fitted shirt (we’ve always preferred long sleeves, whatever the weather) and chinos and you have the smart box ticked from the get-go; a pair of leather loafers (Guccidoes the best this season) adds that classic finishing touch. Consider the in-laws’ approval sorted – well, on the sartorial front at least.

 

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BARBECUE GATHERING

STUTTERHEIM rubberised-cotton raincoat – available in store, PERSOL aviator sunglasses, RALPH LAUREN cotton shorts, SANDRO linen t-shirt, PAUL SMITH leather trainers

Picture the scene: it’s the weekend, the sun is (finally) shining and you’re hovering around the barbecue trying to act like you know what you’re doing. Gone are the days when you could throw on a pack of supermarket sausages and hope for the best; today’s barbecue is a competitive arena, where your grilling and marinating know-how is put to the test. But, fear not: while your barbecuing skills may be somewhat lacking, you can make up for it in the sartorial stakes. A decent pair of shorts is key here, with Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Armani Jeans the brands to note. Add a lightweight cotton t-shirt, some stylish skate shoes and a waterproof jacket (check Stutterheim) and you’re ready to step up to the hot plate.

 

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