There’s an old myth that dressing well in the summer is harder for men than it is for women. They have the beautiful floaty dresses, while we’re lumbered with trying to look and stay cool in a tank top and cargo shorts. In truth, we’ve never had it so good, especially on the high street. The new SS19 collection from Marks & Spencer is all the proof you need. The British institution latest lines spans the full breadth of sunny styles – from statement smart pieces for wedding season through smart-casual officewear and staple summer shorts and tees. Across the range, the focus squarely on style, quality, and fit. There’s also a fresh palette to this collection, with a choice of summery suits and Oxford shirts in pastel hues, vibrant activewear in coral and cobalt blue, knitwear in refreshed tones of mustard and orange, and essential summer items featuring eye-catching colours and high summer prints.
And when the weather fails to live up to expectations, the line offers a selection of unstructured jackets designed for both dressing up and dressing down – jersey blazers, linen bombers, and utilitarian styles. It’s all great, but here are 10 pieces from M&S that every man needs in his wardrobe this spring summer season.
The FashionBeans Edit
Knitted Polo
One of several understated items in the collection, this polo shirt has an instant summery feel with its mustard hue. It’s also soft and breathable. Match it with tailored trousers or smart shorts for the full warm evening look, although it could just as easily slip under a blazer. Buy Now: £19.50
Tailored Fit Trousers
Your woollen herringbone trousers won’t do when it’s 25 degrees outside. Your legs deserve something lighter, but no less smart. Crafted from M&S’s Miracle Linen fabric, these trousers have the light, breathable feel of linen but will crease much less that pure linen – making them a perfect choice for both smart and casual summer wear. Buy Now: £49.00
Linen Rich Striped Shirt
Vertical stripe shirts are the shortcut to looking like Armie Hammer or Jude Law on their summer holidays. The linen-rich composition of this one makes it breathable and cooling, with a classic summer style that will fit any shorts or chino combo. The new and improved fit is also made with easy-to-iron technology. Because nobody likes steaming up in the summer. Buy Now: £25.00
Slim Fit Suit
A key piece from the SS19 collection, made from both formal and casual occasions. A classic look but with a contemporary, slim cut, this suit is made from Linen Miracle fabric for unbeatable breathability. A rare suit that will see you right from work to weddings. Buy Now: £149.00
Textured Shawl Cardigan
For those brisk spring days and long summer evenings, this cardigan is the perfect top-up layer. The shawl collar and button-down front make it a cosy but considered item, a little bit preppy and a little bit rugged. The exact centre-point of the smart-casual spectrum, in other words. Buy Now: £29.50
Four Pocket Jacket
There’s a strong masculine feel to this pure cotton jacket. The utilitarian style incorporates four pockets, zip-up front, and classic men’s collar. The pure, organic cotton makes it a lighter option but it’s also built for changeable weather. Because no summer is complete without that. Buy Now: £69.00
Skinny Fit Stretch Jeans
The latest fit in the extensive denim department at M&S, these skinny fit stretch jeans are the year-round no-brainer every wardrobe needs. You’ll wear them often, but especially on the cooler days of spring and summer, and the stretch fabric means they won’t get uncomfortable on stuffy commutes or in cramped bars. Buy Now: £22.50
Chino Shorts
Bearing our legs is not something that has always come naturally to the British male, but shorts like these certainly help. A brilliant piece of smart casual summer design, this chino design will pair with an easy T-shirt or hoodie. The shorts themselves and are light and breathable, and made from stretchy cotton-rich fabric. Ideal for uncomfortably hot train journeys. Buy Now: £15.00
Crew Neck T-Shirt
A vibrantly-coloured striped T-shirt is one of the true summer staples – bright, cheerful and bursting with those sunny feels. This pure cotton tee has a moisture-wicking finish (you remember last year’s heat wave, right?). A new, relaxed fit gives it a flattering shape. Buy Now: £12.50
Pure Cotton Oxford Shirt
Coming in a range of brushed pastel hues – from this dusty pink to chambray and teal – this Oxford shirt slips easily under your summer suits or looks casual over a casual white T-shirt. With a narrow cut through the shoulders and a slimmer, relaxed fit. Summer style that requires zero thought. Buy Now: £19.50
Shop the Marks and Spencer SS19 collection here
