It’s officially summer time and for many of us, this means long hours in a hot office along with uncomfortable commutes for the foreseeable future. Dressing for the hot weather is not simple – we all know how unpredictable the British summertime can be writes DLUXE’s men’s style correspondent Pablo Collelo.
The mere thought of wearing tailoring in the stifling heat of summer can cause even the most hardened of men to break out in hives – stiff, starched collars, weighty fabrics, suffocating tie knots and of course – the sweating; so it pays to swat up on the basics which, when mixed and matched to produce looks that are comfortable, still cut a handsome figure.
Ever wonder how these slick Milanese types saunter through a sweltering piazza in a three-piece suit without so much as breaking a bead of sweat? Well, there are ways to ensure you don’t spend the day
constantly mopping your forehead; follow these easily executed styling tips and you’ll be well on your way to seasonal sartorial comfort.
Start by remembering that natural fibres are your friend during summer. This applies to every aspect of your wardrobe and not just workwear. Although linen is a great choice at combating the heat, it has,
with wrinkles and creases, too much going against it for the ‘rat race’ and may be a
little too scruffy for an office that demands a smarter appearance; but blended with
cotton, it becomes a savior.
The key to layering at this time of year is opting for pieces you can easily throw on and take off; depending on which turn the weather is taking. It’s about setting an outfit foundation that you can gradually build on as the day gets later and the temperature gets cooler.
Being in an office in summer shouldn’t feel like an obscure form of torture. Armed with these simple guidelines, you’ll see that your work wear can be versatile all year-round; so long as a little more consideration is made for fabrics, construction and colours.
Lightweight Suit
Your jacket needs to be lightweight enough to layer over a shirt or tee on cooler days without
feeling oppressively hot. Look for unstructured and unlined styles – they feature minimal
padding and will allow you to receive the full benefit of your summer fabric choice. A jacket in
a shade of white, cream or beige is not only on trend but also reflects light whilst being timeless
and extremely versatile meaning you’ll use for many years to come.
T-Shirt
For those lucky enough to work in an environment where the dress code allows a degree of freedom,
staying stylish and cool in the heat is easily achievable. Swapping out a restrictive shirt for
something more casual instantly ups the comfort factor of your tailored looks, while also lending them
a subtle contemporary edge. The humble t-shirt is a no-brainer – stick to stripes, flecked or plain and
avoid logos at all costs. A white t-shirt with charcoal tailored trousers and brown brogues or with a suit
will hit the sweet spot between smart and casual.
Double Breasted Blazer
Double-breasted tailoring is a look I’m not only championing for summer, but thanks to this season’s new textures and sharpened cuts, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with the design all over again. An easy to wear design which will reinvigorate your working wardrobe for the summer without making too bold a statement, the double breasted blazer feels refined and slightly relaxed at the same time.
Wear this in summer during working hours as part of a mismatched tailored look, pairing a
navy blazer with light sand chinos, a white shirt and brown suede monk straps.
Knitwear
Breathable, open weave knits are crucial when it comes to layering up in a refined way. Thin cotton
v-neck jumpers in navy or grey never fail to look sharp when pulled over a crisp white linen shirt – a
go to combination for the office on a chilly summer day. Pair with a slim-cut suit, seasonal tie and leather
Derbys during the working week and with rolled up chinos and slip-on loafers for smart-casual occasions.
Chinos
When it comes to leg wear, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for styles that are either cropped or that can be easily turned up at the hems. Make sure your top and bottom half contrast or clash; the only head-to-toe colour that works is white, which makes for a striking summer getup providing you have the skin tone to see it through.
Short Sleeve Shirts
When it comes to short sleeve shirts, there are two main areas you need to focus on – sleeves and shoulders. The shirt should fit well across your shoulders without being too tight around your chest. As for the sleeves, they should finish around midbicep. Go for conservative colours such as white, blue and pink.
