Classic Summer Pieces That Should Be In Every Man’s Wardrobe

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

There’s an old saying: the smallest dog barks the loudest. Wait, where are you going? We have a point. A beautiful woman doesn’t need to convince anybody she’s beautiful. A rich man doesn’t need to convince anybody he’s rich. And similarly, a well dressed man doesn’t need to convince anybody he’s well dressed by throwing on every trending piece from fashion week.

A look is only as good as its weakest link. Therefore, the coolest guy in the room is not always the one wearing a floral Cuban collar shirt or trousers so wide they could double up as bell tents, but the one that nailed the basics with an expertly fitted white T-shirt or sleek penny loafers.

These, and the other 13 classic pieces listed here, are the shortcuts to looking stylish while keeping shtum this summer.

(Related: 12 Go-to Summer Outfit Combos)

Grey Tailored Trousers

Contrary to popular thought, tailored trousers aren’t just for sitting behind a desk in. A pair cut in a slim, tapered shape can just as easily serve as a step up from jeans on the weekend as a dependable choice for summer wedding separates.

“Tailored trousers are a menswear staple, and swapping to a lighter shade for summer months is a great way to update your wardrobe,” says Marks & Spencer head of menswear design James Doidge. “Going for a light grey tone pairs well with other neutrals or pastels for easy summer looks.”

grey tailored trousers

M&S COLLECTION Linen Rich Tailored Fit Trouser - Click to buy reiss HARRY T MODERN FIT TROUSERS - Click to buy HUGO BOSS Grey Genesis Slim-Fit Tapered Trousers - Click to buy suitsupply LIGHT GREY TROUSERS - Click to buy

Tote Bag

Still think the only thing worthy of being at the end of your manly, calloused hands is a sturdy briefcase or sweaty gym bag? Firstly, get a manicure. Secondly, get a grip: chiefly of one of this season’s grown-up totes.

“Ease of use is this bag’s best feature,” says Jamie Cormack, co-founder of luggage brand Herschel Supply. “You can casually take it to the beach and then out to a nice dinner. It’s also a great piece to travel with – you can carry an extra layer for if it gets cold and have quick access to all your items.”

tote bag

Eytys Ecru Small Void Tote Bag - Click to buy NORSE PROJECTS RIPSTOP TOTE BAG - Click to buy BAMFIELD TOTE - Click to buy NAVY BLUE TOTE - Click to buy

White Long-Sleeved Shirt

We’re firm believers that a man can’t own too many shirts, the most indispensable of the lot being a white long-sleeved version. No longer just the default uniform for bankers, lawyers and doctors, this classic piece still does the business.

“A solid choice no matter the season, a white long-sleeve shirt can take you from the office to a dinner out with absolute ease,” says the editor of menswear etailer The Idle Man, Tom Courcey. “For summer, you can always opt for a linen option for added breathability with a pair of light coloured chinos and loafers.”

(Related: 10 Expert Summer Layering Hacks)

white long-sleeved shirt

INCOTEX Slim-Fit Linen Shirt - Click to buy Selected Homme Long Sleeve Twoboe Linen Shirt - Click to buy White Button Down Oxford Shirt - Click to buy reiss PERDU SLIM LINEN SHIRT - Click to buy

Navy Tailored Shorts

The last thing you want when the mercury hits the high twenties is to have your legs trapped in an unforgiving furnace of a fabric. Stand up to the heat and leave a stylish impression with a pair of tailored shorts.

According to Henry Graham, co-founder of independent boutique Wolf & Badger, the trick is picking a classic colour commonly used on trousers. “Tailored blue shorts always look great on holiday and help you avoid looking like you’ve only met shorts for the first time that morning.”

navy tailored shorts

ORLEBAR BROWN Norwich Slim-Fit Linen Shorts - Click to buy whistles Linen Shorts - Click to buy M&S LIMITED EDITION Cotton Rich Slim Fit Shorts - Click to buy ralph lauren polo Tailored Fit Stretch Short - Click to buy

Lightweight Blazer

If we weren’t already well versed in the Italian art of sprezzatura, we’d assume it translated loosely into something like ‘still looking good while it’s hot as balls outside’. The Mediterranean knack for blazing a trail in double digit heat comes down to light-as-air fabrics and fresh summer hues.

“A lightweight, deconstructed blazer is essential for staying smart in the warmer months,” says Doidge. “Fabrics such as cotton, seersucker and linen are great options – you’ll look smart, but not too formal. Style with a printed revere collar to nail any summer occasion.”

lightweight blazer

H&M Linen jacket Slim fit - Click to buy M&S COLLECTION Mini Grid-Checked Seersucker Blazer - Click to buy mango Slim-fit unstructured cotton blazer - Click to buy zara SMOCKED BLAZER - Click to buy

Beige Chinos

Without a pair of chinos in rotation, men would not only be less stylish during the warmer months, we’d probably be naked from the waist down. What other trouser gets us through the summer? Originally developed for the military before being adopted by civvies (including style icons such as Paul Newman), they’ve never gone out of fashion.

“With their classic preppy edge, beige chinos in particular work perfectly alongside a light blue Oxford shirt and a pair of trainers,” says Courcey. “For the summer, look for a pair cut in a slim shape that allows a little bit of air flow and aren’t too constricting.”

beige chinos

POLO RALPH LAUREN Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Twill Chinos - Click to buy hugo boss Slim-fit chinos - Click to buy river island Light Brown Stretch Skinny Chino Trousers - Click to buy uniqlo ULTRA STRETCH CHINO FLAT FRONT PANTS - Click to buy

Sunglasses

Yeah yeah, protect your eyes. UV rays, yada yada. The practical reasons for owning a decent pair of shades are obvious. But on a more superficial level, the right colour, cut and size can help bring symmetry to your face and hide crimes of excess, making them essential for summer.

“If a pair of sunglasses is uncomfortable, it’s because most are built in generic sizes for the impulse buyer,” says bespoke eyewear designer Tom Davies, who has made frames for the likes of Kevin Spacey and Heston Blumenthal. “Take time to understand your features and face shape and find out which style suits you best. This is unlikely to change so doing so pays off for life.”

sunglasses

PERSOL 649 AVIATOR SUNGLASSES - Click to buy PERSOL Round-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Mirrored Sunglasses - Click to buy RAY-BAN Gold And Black Sunglasses - Click to buy h&M Sunglasses - Click to buy

White T-Shirt

No well-edited wardrobe is complete without the humble white T-shirt, ideally in supremely soft Supima or cotton-jersey. While a year-round essential that can also be used to add ballast in winter, its place on the menswear mantle is most important in summer when the light colour helps reflect heatwaves and therefore keeps you cool, in more than one way.

Doidge says the T-shirt’s greatest asset is its versatility. “There are so many styling options available. Wear one under a light coloured linen jacket for a relaxed take on summer tailoring; under an open short sleeve printed shirt for a breezy summer look; or on its own with blue jeans for a quintessential heroic men’s look.”

white T-shirt

NN07 Pima Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt - Click to buy HAMILTON AND HARE Haymaker crew-neck cotton T-shirt - Click to buy SELECTED HOMME White Pima Cotton T-Shirt - Click to buy mango Essential cotton-blend t-shirt - Click to buy

Breton Stripe Top

From sailors to Saint Lauren, few items have a history as varied or storied as the Breton stripe top. First worn by French mariners in Brittany during the 1850s (with a stripe for each of Napoleon’s victories), today the piece serves as a solid choice for underpinning smart-casual looks or wearing solo.

“Breton tops are one of my favourite looks,” says Graham. “They can be worn under a jacket in the evening, thrown on after getting out of the pool or just casually when out and about.”

breton stripe top

Gant Rugger Organic Cotton Waffle Stripe T-Shirt - Click to buy SANDRO Striped Linen-Jersey T-Shirt - Click to buy tu Navy Breton Stripe Crew Tee - Click to buy Ben Sherman Engineered Tipping Breton Tee - Click to buy

Penny Loafers

The right pair of shoes will win you respect and endless compliments. A key part of the mid-century Ivy League look, penny loafers (named so because students would insert a coin into the front slit) are some of the most versatile around, and can easily bridge that tricky smart-casual dress code.

“They work with brightly coloured chinos, jeans and linen trousers,” says celebrity stylist Alex Longmore. “They are also practically the only shoe style that properly works with shorts. Make sure you break them in before wearing, as there is nothing worse than blisters and sore, swollen feet.”

penny loafers

WEEJUNS LARSON PENNY LOAFERS BLACK LEATHER - Click to buy GRENSON Ashley Suede Penny Loafers - Click to buy dune Smart Penny Loafer - Click to buy reiss KORNER LEATHER PENNY LOAFERS - Click to buy

Tailored Swim Shorts

Swim shorts are as synonymous with summer as ice cream or beer gardens. Perhaps this is because it’s always sunny somewhere and we’d probably, okay definitely, always rather be there. While retro, runner-style shorts have joined the (pool) party this season, models cut like chinos will always score a perfect 10.

“Tailored swim shorts are a summer essential,” says Longmore. “They can take you from beach to bar and slim fits do wonders for your physique. If tall, you can opt for a patterned pair; but as a general rule, a single plain colour is the best option. Navy, grey or bright red is a good choice – the latter being very Baywatch.”

tailored swim shorts

TOPMAN PREMIUM Light Grey Fixed Waist Swim Shorts - Click to buy mocha salt Huck 5 Shatter Black swim shorts - Click to buy ONIA CALDER 7.5 SOLID SWIM SHORTs - Click to buy ORLEBAR BROWN Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts - Click to buy

Woven Belt

Every well-dressed adult knows that the key to looking good for the long-haul is actually keeping your clothes on. A stylish belt saves any embarrassing slippages and can also be used to add a point of interest to an outfit.

“Waistbands are rising and shirts are being tucked in as men gain sight of their midsections once again,” says Time Out style editor Miriam Bouteba. “This calls for a belt that’s as much about form as it is function. A woven style is versatile and doesn’t look too heavy with chinos or trousers in the summer; it’s also a subtle nod to the ’70s trend that just won’t quit.”

woven belt

J.CREW 3cm Brown Woven Leather Belt - Click to buy ANDERSON'S WOVEN TEXTILE BELT - Click to buy reiss ELMONT WOVEN BELT - Click to buy uniqlo MEN LEATHER STRETCH MESH BELT - Click to buy

Printed Short-Sleeved Shirt

As more and more men clock on to trends, it can be hard to stand out. Even Crazy Frank down the pub knows what a souvenir jacket is. A printed shirt in the style of Rami Malek or Harry Styles is the antidote. Use to add a little light-heartedness to a suit, or to make a solo statement alongside jeans or chinos.

“The look you want to go for is the modern day Hawaiian shirt, just slightly more fitted,” says Longmore. “Go for bright, bold colours and unique patterns, team this with simple separates and let the shirt do all the talking.”

printed short-sleeve shirt

next big Geo Print Shirt - Click to buy HARTFORD Slim-Fit Camp-Collar Printed Cotton-Voile Shirt - Click to buy H&M Short-sleeve shirt - Click to buy river island Green Car Print Revere Short Sleeve Shirt - Click to buy

Cotton Polo Shirt

Of all the ‘classics’ in the male wardrobe, the polo shirt arguably deserves the title more than any. A grand slam of design that has remained practically unchanged since the early 20th century, the sporting piece still refuses to look outdated when worn alongside anything from swim shorts to tailored trousers.

“Ever since Fred Perry and Lacoste emblazoned polo shirts, the world has been obsessed,” says Courcey. “This season, opt for a polo shirt in pink or blue and team it with a pair navy shorts and some white trainers.

cotton polo shirt

OLIVER SPENCER Hawthorn Mélange Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt - Click to buy Jaeger Pima Cotton Polo Shirt - Click to buy river island Blue Slim Fit Polo Shirt - Click to buy uniqlo MEN DRY PIQUE SHORT SLEEVE POLO SHIRT - Click to buy

White Sneakers

Trends aren’t meant to last, right? That’s why we call them trends. So how long does a piece have to stick around before it’s considered a classic? Well, we’re calling it: the white sneaker has officially been inducted into the menswear hall of fame.

“I’m not sure we can credit the Scottish actor with this trend but ever since David Tenant’s turn in Doctor Who, wearing trainers with a suit has not only been acceptable but actively encouraged,” says Bouteba. “Pick up a simple pair of white sneakers and they’ll take you from desk to dancefloor and on to dodgy chicken shop if the night goes well.”

white sneakers

VANS OG Classic LX Textured-Leather Slip-On trainers - Click to buy Converse All Star Low trainers - Click to buy ADIDAS STAN SMITH trainers - Click to buy KG kurt geiger phoenix white low top trainers - Click to buy

Similar Articles

TRENDING ARTICLES

TRENDING ARTICLES

Subscribe successfully!!