4 essential summer fashion tips for men
With beaches filling up, days getting longer and office air-con making a comeback, it’s safe to say summer’s on the way. This means Christmas, holidays, work-do’s, time with loved ones and much hotter days.
To help you prepare your wardrobe for the silly season ahead, we’ve compiled an essential checklist of do’s and don'ts for the warmer months. From quality suits to casual wear, read on to make sure you’re set to beat the heat and dress to impress this year.
Choose (your fabric) wisely
In summer, the right fabric is essential. In the same way insulating fabrics like wool will keep you snug in winter, lighter fabrics will do wonders in keeping you comfortable and sweat-free during the warmer months. For this, we recommend cotton, linen, lightweight wools and even synthetics, which have their place when opting for something functional.
Cotton is great as it’s versatile, breathable and commonplace. You’ll find stylish cotton options in pants/chinos, shorts and short sleeve t-shirts, like the pure cotton Army McQueen shirt from Dstrezzed.
Linen is similarly lightweight and with an open weave, allows sufficient ventilation to keep you cool. It also has a premium quality that makes it highly versatile, fit for both the beach and the boardroom as the office dress-code loosens up towards the end of the year.
Layering is also important, particularly to ensure you don’t get caught out during transitions from indoor to out and warmer days to cooler nights. If needed, layer a more lightweight, breathable option like the Army Green Voile Shirt by Dstrezzed with a summer coat, which can be taken on or off to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable as your environment changes.
Get colourful
Summer also means having some fun with colour. It’s a great time to experiment with shades beyond the safer,go-to winter hues of black, blue and grey and to showcase your personal sense of style. For some, this can come with a bit of apprehension, as with the added possibility these provide, there’s also the chance for some clashing to occur.
Blues, greens, pastels like pink and yellow and lighter neutral hues like tan are a great start. It’s also useful to consider your skin tone when choosing colour and ensure that whatever you’re wearing complements your complexion. For fairer skin, darker colours like burgundy, green, navy and bolder shades of blue will work, whereas pastels and neutral tones like white may cause a washed out look. Try the Mini Dot Polo for a smart-casual addition for office or weekend-wear.
For medium-olive skin, lighter colours will work well. Pastels can come into play as can bolder colours like magenta. The Roma Soft Cotton Red Chino by Meyer is a fun option that can be dressed up or down at your next summer function. While there are exceptions, avoid anything that is too close in colour to your actual skin tone. Play to your strengths.
With darker skin tones, the fashion world is your oyster. With little risk of washing out your natural skin tone with colours, you can experiment with a variety of hues and shades and bold statement pieces like the Light Blue Bold Floral Print Shirt by R2 Amsterdam. The key here is to not go overboard with variety in a single outfit, sticking to complementary colours and a considered ‘theme’ for each outfit.
Be wise - accessorise
Accessories aren’t just for winter! Whether you’re dressing up or down, you can add some pop to any outfit with sunglasses, or a hat like the Camel Check Newsboy by Hills Hats. For formal-wear and events, 1919 Centenary Collection Limited Edition tie by Parisian, or Libby Pocket Square by Parisian is a stylish addition that can make any outfit better-suited to the summer.
When in holiday-mode, it also pays to come prepared. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a road-trip with the family, we have a few essentials to keep you covered. Beat the sun and keep your skin safe with a high SPF sunscreen like the No Dice Natural by Triumph & Disaster and ensure you’re hydrated with fresh water on hand in a sturdy Hydro Flask.
Set the vibe wherever you go with an audio player option, like the stylish 1950’s Vintage Bluetooth Speaker by Phillips or the limited edition Purple ATH-M50XBT By Audio Technica. They also make great gift ideas, whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one.
Don’t compromise
When it comes to formal wear for many, the rules above can go out the door. Linen shirts and lightweight options are easy for leisure but when a summer wedding, or the Boxing Day Races are on the horizon many can be tempted to take out a staple, year-round dress suit and bear the discomfort that ensues.
Fortunately, with countless summer-suited fabric and formal-wear options in store, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style this year. The same rules above apply for formal wear and wedding ideas and by opting for suits, blazers and trousers in lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, you can ensure you have an incredible option on hand to help you step out in confidence.
For a great formal layering option, try the Safari Jacket by Florentino - an easy jacket to throw on to smarten any outfit. With a soft construction and refined shape, it’s the perfect option for dressing-up an outfit when the occasion calls.
For Bespoke and Made-to-Measure wedding suits for men, look no further than the stunning Calypso range by Dormeuil. Exceptional-quality fabric blending linen and wool for supreme comfort and versatility, Calypso have an extensive range, with countless colour and pattern options for wedding attire or when you need to make a statement on a wedding day.
Whether you’re just looking for a gift idea, an accessory or a full wardrobe revamp we’d love to see you in-store. Join us for a beverage and a chat and we can take you through the range of menswear, mens suits, fabrics and help you discover the perfect options to complement your style for the months ahead. We pride ourselves on having the finest range of mens suits Auckland and mens suits NZ wide, from mens shirts, to shoes & accessories, premium suits & casual menswear.