Even in the middle of summer, it is difficult to defend a man who forgets the principles of dressing well or turns his back on his signature style just for comfort or succumbing to seasonal trends.
We encourage you to organize your wardrobe and resist these common sartorial mistakes, allowing you to navigate the warmer months in style.
1. Vests and overexposure
The problem
Forgetting to check if you’re Ryan Gosling before leaving the house in a vest.
The solution
Summer can be a cruel mistress, especially for those of us who forget to spend the fall, winter and spring in the gym. That’s not to say that flashy fashion is exclusive to gym-goers with rock-solid bodies, but it does mean being honest with yourself and avoiding unflattering pieces like vests if you don’t have the physique to pull them off.
Rather than strolling around town in something strappy (which, let’s face it, isn’t a sophisticated look for even the most muscular of men), make the most of your figure by flattering it with quality fitted T-shirts (try Uniqlo and American Apparel on the high street or specialists such as James Perse and Sunspel if your budget allows) and this season’s shirt du jour: the short-sleeved Cuban collar.
If you can’t resist wearing a tank top, consider using it as the base layer of your outfit and layering a short-sleeve printed shirt on top; This allows you to add and remove layers depending on the occasion and appropriateness.
Lastly, and most importantly, no one should be exposed to the sight of your nipples hanging out the side of your racerback tank top – you’re not auditioning for… Geordie Coast.
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2. The skin you show is not protected
The problem
Blame your parents for smothering you with Piz Buin, but men tend to deflect sunscreen until their skin is already blistered. But you don’t have to get burned to cause damage.
Even when they warm your skin, UV rays can damage it, causing discoloration, premature aging, and more worrisome things like cancer.
The solution
You don’t need to cover your entire body with sunscreen, but you do need a moisturizer with built-in SPF, such as
It’s also worth adding a pair of sunglasses to your arsenal – low sun gets in your eyes and can lead to cataracts in the future. Look for glasses with 100% UV protection, like Carhatt’s new collaboration with RETROSUPERFUTURE. They’ll make you look good now and you’ll be able to look better in the future.
(Related: The Best Sunglasses for Spring)
3. Skip the jacket
The problem
Rely on a beer jacket to keep you warm at night.
The solution
Short of quitting work and moving to the Mediterranean, there are few surefire ways to stay dry and stylish in summer. This is Britain, after all, a country where even the sunniest, warmest days can be followed by really cold nights.
So yes, you need a jacket, even if you’re heading out in pleasant temperatures of over 20 degrees. We’d go for something versatile and breathable, like a thin cotton bomber.
Its clean, athletic shape makes it the ideal top layer for summer, and you’ll find plenty of attractive styles in seasonally appropriate shades of white, cream, stone and pale grey on the market this season:
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4. Turn your back on black
The problem
Forgetting that your signature color is black.
The solution
Sure, it’s too hot to find the cool side of your pillow, but that’s no reason to turn your back on black. Although you traditionally associate the hue with your winter wardrobe, black is an elegant and understated color that can also work just as well in the sun.
The key is to opt for pieces made from lightweight materials and with looser cuts if you want black to be part of your spring/summer palette. Try ASOS and
Pair it with grey shorts or black chinos or jeans for a stylish monochrome take on warm weather:
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5. Flip flops in the city
The problem
Confusing the city with the sea.
The solution
Flip-flops are fine at the beach or pool. But when it comes to summer footwear for the city, there’s no room for flimsy thongs.
This year, the humble sandal is back on the fashion agenda, with all the refreshing, barely-there benefits of flip-flops, while being much more robust, comfortable and refined.
Extremely versatile, opt for a pair of Birkenstocks or trendy slingbacks in white, black or brown leather, which will look as good paired with slim-fit chinos and a linen shirt as they will with a simple shorts and T-shirt combo.
Not a fan of exposing your feet? Try a pair of mesh or knit slip-ons. Light and breathable, they will go effortlessly from the beach to the city and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:
