Introduction
It’s fair to say that we Brits haven’t yet had a summer to speak of. However, as the past couple of days have proved (at least in Brighton), occasionally we might be pleasantly surprised. We suffer terribly inconsistent weather, but for those whose intentions are distinctly sartorial, it’s still important that what we wear reflects our passion for clothes. Some of you might remember the original guide to dressing down and dressing well, which was published last October. In this article I discussed my personal attitude towards clothes and how this manifested itself in the outfits I put together. Well, my attitude hasn’t changed but the season has, so it’s time to stoke the fire once more and consider how you might want to dress down but still dress well during the spring/summer season.
Dressing Down In Spring/Summer
Unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed with an innate ability to remain sweat-free as soon as the temperature starts ticking towards twenty degrees – even if we’re just standing around. Throw in any kind of light exercise, a little bit of pressure/nervousness and it can seem as though someone has tipped a bucket of water all over you. I have always found that the easiest way to get around this problem is to avoid over-complicating your outfits. Casual looks are by far the coolest and least stifling – regardless of whether or not you take note of Matt’s excellent advice on summer fabrics – so it’s generally my go-to way of dressing over the warmer months. My summer outfit selection is generally based around colour, fabric and fit. As much as it seems ridiculous, certain colours do show your unsightly sweating more than others, particularly grey. I also find that bold colours in general tend to set it all off, so will generally avoid them. Although a lot of these problems can be solved by fit. For one season only, the slimmest of slim fit shirts, tees, polos, jeans, chinos etc. are not your best friend; anything that clings close to your body is just inviting warmth and contact, so opt for clothes that have a slightly looser cut. Fabric, as Matt has pointed out, is also extremely important. Heavyweight chinos, cords and the like are designed for the winter – so too are big, chunky jumpers in heavyweight wool. Lightweight layers will be much more comfortable and much more suitable for warmer days, stopping you from overheating yet keeping out the worst of any chill.
Look 1: The Humble Henley
To my mind, the humble Henley tee is a wardrobe essential. Extremely versatile, you can use them as a base layer, a lightweight second layer or as a standalone item, and for those mornings/evenings when the temperature is just a touch lower than normal, the extra length in the sleeves should be just the thing to keep you warm. Stick to neutral colours (I’ve found oatmeal to be particularly useful) and you can wear them with practically anything you want. Knitted examples are good when using as a standalone piece and don’t be afraid of going for something striped or patterned, it will only serve to add interest. A pair of tailored chinos or trousers is a great way to elevate the Henley to another level. If your top is in a neutral hue then you can afford to experiment with colour on the bottom – don’t be afraid to go for something a little bit ‘out there’ as the rest of the outfit will anchor them. Consider getting your trousers taken up at the bottom so that they brush the top of your shoes, or even sit around the ankle for a typically Italian-inspired aesthetic. I’ve chosen to use double-monks here because they are a personal favourite – you could easily switch them out for a pair of loafers, suede brogues, espadrilles, desert boots… whatever you please. Should you want to bring an extra layer with you, why not consider a denim shirt? Particularly if you’ve used chinos or tailored trousers, a denim shirt might be just the thing to strike a perfect smart-casual balance:
- Esprit Henley Top With Long Sleeves
- Allsaints Beaumont Shirt
- Nike Roshe Run
Final Word
I love fashion, I love clothes, I love tailoring, I love suits and I love getting all dressed up – but most of the time I just don’t want the hassle. I want to look good and dress well but without having to make loads of effort every morning. That’s why my hair isn’t carefully blow dried into position every day and why I don’t wear blazers and ties. I’d like to think I still dress well; it’s just in a different way; taking more and more inspiration from sportswear trends and focusing on the casual end of the spectrum. But now it’s time for you to have your say: do you find your style becoming a bit more casual during the summer? And what are your go-to outfits when you want to dress down, dress well and stay cool? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below… Will
