Capsule Wardrobe Additions: High Summer 2014

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High Summer Additions

During the high summer season, when temperatures regularly rise above the mid-twenties, thoughts of layering and wearing anything long-sleeved are forgotten as comfort and circulation become our main priorities. The majority of (sane) men will resort to a simple shorts, polo/tee and shoes/trainers formula – it’s inevitable. We hate to break it to you, but dressing for extreme heat isn’t particularly creative and your options are extremely limited; fashion and style does sometimes have to take a back seat to practicality. Yet hopefully this latest instalment in our Capsule Wardrobe Additions series will demonstrate how, with just a few key pieces, you can reinvent your high summer (or holidaying) wardrobe with ease. We’ll start with items that every guy should consider adding this year, working our way through to ‘non-essentials’ such as hot-weather-specific garments and accessories that will help individualise your look. However, the following advice assumes that you already have a good foundation to build on – i.e. a nice collection of classic, simple and versatile basics that can be relied on all year round. If not, then check out our article on The Ultimate Streamlined Capsule Wardrobe. The emphasis today is on simple, versatile pieces that you can mix and match and wear over and over again. There is often no need to spend more than £20 on ‘basic’ items such as polo shirts or shorts – and thanks largely to great brands like Uniqlo, ASOS and HE by Mango, this advice has never been more pertinent.

The £300 Budget

As with most things in life, we all have to work within a budget. Of course, some budgets are bigger than others but no matter how much money you have to spend, it’s all about making sure you buy the best that you can afford while considering quality, construction and, above all else, fit. We can’t stress that last point enough. When the weather restricts you to basic combinations, fit plays an even bigger part in your look. It truly is the difference between a good outfit and a great one. It’s also what will separate you from the hordes of other men who seem to believe that more material equals more comfort. But as always, remember this: slim, not skinny. Clothing that’s too tight and restrictive reduces air circulation and encourages sweating. Not what we’re after, at all. Let’s start with a typical budget for most students or young professionals, as well as those who have other priorities that come first: rent, bills, children etc. When confined to a modest budget such as this, it’s important to prioritise value for money.

A Few Pairs Of Shorts

These are going to become the work horses of your high summer wardrobe, so purchase them in versatile colours like navy, grey and beige. This allows them to be paired with pretty much anything you already own or plan on purchasing later. Make sure they fit you around the waist (you shouldn’t need a belt to keep them up), are cut slim through the thigh and end one to two inches above the knee for the ideal length. For more on this subject, check out our Dos and Don’ts Guide To Shorts.

Our Pick

Uniqlo Men Chino Shorts, various colours, £14.90 each:

MEN Chino Shorts

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Neutral Shorts High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

selected ss14 minimum summer 2013 sarar ss14 calibre ss13 perry ellis ss14 ben sherman ss12
Key Styles (<£25)
  • Gap Flat Front Shorts 8Gap Flat Front Shorts 8
  • Asos Chino Shorts In Twill With BeltAsos Chino Shorts In Twill With Belt
  • Next Linen Blend ShortNext Linen Blend Short
  • Topman Stone Chino ShortsTopman Stone Chino Shorts
  • River Island Navy Blue Chino ShortsRiver Island Navy Blue Chino Shorts
  • Topman Off White Chino ShortsTopman Off White Chino Shorts
A Handful Of Polo Shirts

Again, the same rules apply here: keep them neutral for maximum versatility. There are plenty of designs out there but our favourites for 2014 have to be those with button-down collars – they look smarter, taking any outfit up a notch instantly, and if you do put a blazer or jacket on the collar will stand better. Make sure the polo fits you around the neck and across the chest/shoulders. It should end an inch below your waist and the sleeves should hit around mid-bicep.

Our Pick

HE by Mango Button-Down Collar Polo Shirt, various colours, £29.99 each:

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Neutral Polo Shirts High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

calibre ss14 sarar ss14 m&s 2012 perry ellis ss14 pull & bear heritage ss13 he by mango summer 2014
Key Styles (<£30)
  • He By Mango Essential Cotton Polo ShirtHe By Mango Essential Cotton Polo Shirt
  • Asos Polo In JerseyAsos Polo In Jersey
  • He By Mango Button-down Collar Polo ShirtHe By Mango Button-down Collar Polo Shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Dry Shirt Collar Button-down Polo ShirtUniqlo Men Dry Shirt Collar Button-down Polo Shirt
  • Next Short Sleeve Polo ShirtNext Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Novak Djokovic Dry Ex Short Sleeve Polo ShirtUniqlo Men Novak Djokovic Dry Ex Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
A Short-Sleeved Shirt In A Colour/Pattern

The short-sleeved shirt is still a criminally underused item in menswear, perhaps due to its unfortunate association with IT nerds and fast food workers. But if you follow just a few simple guidelines, there’s no reason why the short-sleeved shirt cannot become a versatile weapon in your high summer arsenal. There are two main areas you need to focus on: the sleeves and shoulders. The shirt should fit well across your shoulders without being too tight around your chest or through the sides. As for the sleeves, they should finish around mid-bicep and allow a single finger between the fabric and your arm. With your capsule wardrobe already well-stocked with plain basic tees and polos, use this opportunity to introduce some colour or pattern to your personal style. Pick up one in a summer hue or print and wear it with absolutely every pair of shorts you own. You won’t regret it.

Our Pick

ASOS own brand short-sleeved shirts, various colours/prints, from £15:

ASOS Own Brand

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Patterned Short-Sleeved Shirts High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

office shoes ss13 scotch & soda ss14 zara man may 2014 perry ellis ss14 7 diamonds ss14 club monaco aw12
Key Styles (<£50)
  • Topman Pink Mini Oxford Shirt – Short Sleeve Shirts – Mens Shirts – Clothing- TopmanTopman Pink Mini Oxford Shirt - Short Sleeve Shirts - Mens Shirts - Clothing- Topman
  • Asos Twill Shirt In Short SleeveAsos Twill Shirt In Short Sleeve
  • Asos Oxford Shirt In Short SleeveAsos Oxford Shirt In Short Sleeve
  • Next Oxford ShirtNext Oxford Shirt
  • Topman White And Blue Floral Short Sleeve ShirtTopman White And Blue Floral Short Sleeve Shirt
  • Asos Linen Mix Shirt In Short Sleeve With Green And White CheckAsos Linen Mix Shirt In Short Sleeve With Green And White Check
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Short Sleeve Check ShirtHe By Mango Slim-fit Short Sleeve Check Shirt
  • Asos Shirt In Short Sleeve With Floral PrintAsos Shirt In Short Sleeve With Floral Print
  • Asos Stripe Shirt In Short SleeveAsos Stripe Shirt In Short Sleeve
Espadrilles

Arguably the ultimate high summer shoe, the espadrille will quickly become your go-to footwear choice throughout the warmer months. Ideal for everyday casual looks and a more refined alternative to flip-flops on holiday, every man should have a pair in his capsule wardrobe. Opt for traditional canvas construction and a rubber/jute sole to ensure breathability and comfort over extended periods in the heat. Classic shades of navy, beige or black are your most versatile options, but due to their nautical and Riviera associations you can also choose to make more of a statement with a pastel-coloured pair or even a subtle Breton stripe, like our pick below. Perhaps the greatest thing about espadrilles is that they can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Wear them with printed swim shorts and a vest during the day on holiday, switching for white trousers and a short-sleeved shirt when going to a beachside restaurant in the evening.

Our Pick

Dune Finch Striped Espadrille, priced £21.00:

Dune Finch Striped Espadrille

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Espadrilles High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

he by mango summer 2013 scotch & soda ss14 house of fraser ss12 Gieves & Hawkes ss14 simons ss14 h&m ss14
Key Styles (<£30)
  • Selected Homme EspadrillesSelected Homme Espadrilles
  • Topman Navy Pinstripe Canvas EspadrillesTopman Navy Pinstripe Canvas Espadrilles
  • River Island Grey Mesh Slip On PlimsollsRiver Island Grey Mesh Slip On Plimsolls
  • Dune Frampton Canvas GreyDune Frampton Canvas Grey
  • Dune Fence Cotton Espadrilles NavyDune Fence Cotton Espadrilles Navy
  • Welland EspadrillesWelland Espadrilles
Summer Neutral chinos/trousers

Not a fan of shorts or just want to give your legs a break from all that UV? The right type of chinos/trousers can actually be just as good at keeping you cool – ideal for when you need to dress up in the day or on balmy evenings. The key here is to focus on fabric, colour and fit. Look for a pair in a lightweight cotton- or linen-blend for ultimate breathability, and opt for a light summer neutral such as white or stone so they don’t absorb heat. Finally, consider a slightly fuller cut with these trousers to help increase airflow while also promoting a slightly more relaxed, Bueno Vista Social Club vibe.

Our Pick

Charles Tyrwhitt Chalk Canvas Weave Summer Trousers, priced £39.95:

Charles Tyrwhitt Chalk Canvas Weave Summer Trousers

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's White/Off White/Light Stone Trousers/Chinos High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

massimo dutti june 2012 zara man may 2014 massimo dutti Equestrian ss14 faconnable ss15 reiss ss13 calibre ss14
Key Styles (<£50)
  • Asos Slim Fit Suit Trousers In 100% LinenAsos Slim Fit Suit Trousers In 100% Linen
  • Topman Stone Oxford Skinny Fit TrousersTopman Stone Oxford Skinny Fit Trousers
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Garment-dyed ChinosHe By Mango Slim-fit Garment-dyed Chinos
  • Uniqlo Men Slim Fit Chino Flat Front TrousersUniqlo Men Slim Fit Chino Flat Front Trousers
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Pleated ChinosHe By Mango Slim-fit Pleated Chinos
  • John Lewis Linen Cotton Trousers naturalJohn Lewis Linen Cotton Trousers natural
The Printed Polo/T-Shirt

Along with your neutral summer staples, it’s important to have some options to break out when you want to stand out from the crowd. A printed top is perfect for this, so pick your poison: t-shirt or polo. More refined dressers can choose a collared polo in a timeless motif such as the Breton stripe, while casual dressers and festival-goers alike will naturally gravitate toward a bold print tee. Anchor them with your neutral shorts or summer trousers (above) and break them out when you want all eyes on you. Key patterns to consider include oversized checks, tropical florals and stripes (vertical or horizontal), which were all prominent at the SS15 fashion weeks and will therefore offer increased longevity.

Our Pick

Michael Bastian for Uniqlo Polo Shirts, £14.90 each:

Michael Bastian for Uniqlo Polo Shirts

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Statement Polo High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

next ss14 he by mango ss14 new look ss14 reiss ss14 asos ss14 Michael Bastian x Uniqlo ss13
Key Styles (<£25)
  • Topman Tropical Birds Roller T-shirtTopman Tropical Birds Roller T-shirt
  • Topman Red Check Skater T-shirtTopman Red Check Skater T-shirt
  • Asos T-shirt With Dip Dye And Stone WashAsos T-shirt With Dip Dye And Stone Wash
  • Asos Polo With Paisley PrintAsos Polo With Paisley Print
  • He By Mango Tropical Print Pique Polo ShirtHe By Mango Tropical Print Pique Polo Shirt
  • D-struct Polo Shirt With Palm PrintD-struct Polo Shirt With Palm Print
  • River Island Black Floral Print T-shirtRiver Island Black Floral Print T-shirt
  • River Island Blue Tribal Print T-shirtRiver Island Blue Tribal Print T-shirt
  • He By Mango Striped Herringbone Cotton T-shirtHe By Mango Striped Herringbone Cotton T-shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Michael Bastian Washed Short Sleeve Polo ShirtUniqlo Men Michael Bastian Washed Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
  • Next Red Print Rever PoloNext Red Print Rever Polo
  • Next Geo Print PoloNext Geo Print Polo
The £500 Budget

Another couple of hundred to spend? Well, now we can start to look at some investment pieces that will become key components of your summer wardrobe for many years to come.

Brown Boat Shoes

Because no matter how versatile they are, you don’t want to be wearing those espadrilles all day, every day, do you? Sometimes you need to dress things up a bit – and nothing does it better in summer than a pair of brown boat shoes in leather or suede. Any versatile shade of brown/tan can be considered, including two-tone or tri-coloured versions. Pair them with tailored shorts, linen trousers, sharp polos and striped tees to create a wealth of nautical-inspired looks that are wholly appropriate for the high summer season.

Our Pick

Sperry Top-Sider Amaretto Leather Boat Shoes, priced £85:

Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Brown Boat Shoes High Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

m&s high summer 2013 minimum summer 2013 selected denim ss14 dockers ss12 Nordstrom 2014 unknown
Key Styles (<£80)
  • Selected Homme Philip Boat Shoes

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