 ith spring well sprung and the palpable anticipation of summer (and the social/wedding season) nearing its precipice, it felt a most apropos occasion to cast an inspirational eye towards addressing the perennial plight many face in respects to how to at once look good AND feel comfortable whilst in the throes of combating the warm-weather seasons (Spring/Summer) sweltering heat, intermittent rain showers and (seemingly) incessant humidity. |
A perfect time, as it were, to not only highlight the critical (and transformative) role therein played by lightweight (yet rich) seasonal fabrics (and blends), softer (tailoring) silhouettes and (airy) open weaves but to also table a pronounced collection of inspirational looks for one’s all due consideration alongside a 5-piece capsule collection of ageless (reputation-staking) wardrobe staples worthy of immediate investment, 10 essential trans-seasonal wardrobe substitutions to make with haste, and a discerning selection of season (and heat) beating styling tips that can instantly elevate a gentleman’s style with minimal effort on his part.
High time, if you will, to truly explore and espouse upon what those amongst us with a more keen sartorial eye can unfailingly rely upon year-after-year to aid us in our pursuit to continually cut a rakish dash well into prime apple picking season.
What I’m ultimately referring to, of course, is the referential mood board before you today that touches upon how to dress with unwavering confidence whilst upholding ones sartorial standards in the heat, exhibiting a flattering lived-in feel in what you wear ,and living in a state of refined comfort in which you can tastefully sustain throughout a time of year wherein the (seemingly unrealistic?) ideal of dressing with style and panache often falls prey to a singular pursuit of practicality (and the guise of casual convenience) trumping the lot.
Inasmuch, you could say that my (far-reaching) goal with this seasonal primer is to simply make mastering the increasingly rarefied sartorial art of dressing well whilst in the throes of heat, rain and humidity a more plausible reality rather then but a farfetched and fanciful dream; to helping the modern gentleman of style and substance achieve the sort of highly covetable characteristic nonchalance in dress seen on such luminary style icons as Messrs Grant, (Errol) Flynn and Gandy (amongst select others) before us who each made what is oft an exceedingly frustrating, trying and difficult proposition — stylish warm-weather dressing that is — seem so carefree and effortless.
High time, if you will, to truly explore and espouse upon what those amongst us with a more keen sartorial eye can unfailingly rely upon year-after-year to aid us in our pursuit to continually cut a rakish dash well into prime apple picking season.
What I’m ultimately referring to, of course, is the referential mood board before you today that touches upon how to dress with unwavering confidence whilst upholding ones sartorial standards in the heat, exhibiting a flattering lived-in feel in what you wear ,and living in a state of refined comfort in which you can tastefully sustain throughout a time of year wherein the (seemingly unrealistic?) ideal of dressing with style and panache often falls prey to a singular pursuit of practicality (and the guise of casual convenience) trumping the lot.
Inasmuch, you could say that my (far-reaching) goal with this seasonal primer is to simply make mastering the increasingly rarefied sartorial art of dressing well whilst in the throes of heat, rain and humidity a more plausible reality rather then but a farfetched and fanciful dream; to helping the modern gentleman of style and substance achieve the sort of highly covetable characteristic nonchalance in dress seen on such luminary style icons as Messrs Grant, (Errol) Flynn and Gandy (amongst select others) before us who each made what is oft an exceedingly frustrating, trying and difficult proposition — stylish warm-weather dressing that is — seem so carefree and effortless.
In having said that, an affront to wearing t-shirts, (tailored) shorts and sneakers/trainers this is not but rather an educated attempt to illuminate any discerning eye on an elevated plane of sartorial astuteness that rests beyond the blasé realm of pique polos, (board) shorts and boat shoes (not to say there is anything wrong therein); A realm wherein a more sartorially fulfilling and formal, yet still delightfully louche manner of dress that promises to keep you as cool and comfortable as the former but with the added bonus of ensuring you remain cast as the rakishly astute, cultured and alluring leading gentleman you’ve always fancied yourself to be.
To wit, this mood board purposefully casts aside the sartorially frivolous, trendy and superfluous in lieu of the infallibly astute, classic and influential, or, if you will, a considerably more smart and cultivated style of seasonal dress that continually plays off as distinctively handsome, endearing and refined rather than lazy, boring or try-hard — it is inspiration for those who fancy (or are obliged to) dressing a touch smarter and sophisticated yet still desire simplicity and comfort all the same.
In such a regard you could say this maiden entry into what is a planned bi-annual (or perhaps quarterly) series will hopefully (when all is said and done) help you come to better grips with the nuanced art of dressing stylishly in the heat; A tall task that I know, for some, should become easier to tackle with the helping of just such a primer as that resting before you today which is rife with the sort of endearing style inspiration and foundational wherewithal that every gentlemen of sartorial merit would do well in taking to heart so as to best avoiding becoming (both literally and stylishly) hot under the collar this season.
To that end, it likely goes without saying that I am a firm believer that dressing to impress in the heat needn’t be as seemingly confounding as many hold it to be granted one is willing to both put in the required effort and invest smarter into a few perennial warm weather wardrobe staples that, on top of being ageless wunderkinds with a transcendent generational draw, are known for delivering an inscrutable marriage of highly cultivated style, comfort and utility whenever called to the occasional fore.
To wit, this mood board purposefully casts aside the sartorially frivolous, trendy and superfluous in lieu of the infallibly astute, classic and influential, or, if you will, a considerably more smart and cultivated style of seasonal dress that continually plays off as distinctively handsome, endearing and refined rather than lazy, boring or try-hard — it is inspiration for those who fancy (or are obliged to) dressing a touch smarter and sophisticated yet still desire simplicity and comfort all the same.
In such a regard you could say this maiden entry into what is a planned bi-annual (or perhaps quarterly) series will hopefully (when all is said and done) help you come to better grips with the nuanced art of dressing stylishly in the heat; A tall task that I know, for some, should become easier to tackle with the helping of just such a primer as that resting before you today which is rife with the sort of endearing style inspiration and foundational wherewithal that every gentlemen of sartorial merit would do well in taking to heart so as to best avoiding becoming (both literally and stylishly) hot under the collar this season.
To that end, it likely goes without saying that I am a firm believer that dressing to impress in the heat needn’t be as seemingly confounding as many hold it to be granted one is willing to both put in the required effort and invest smarter into a few perennial warm weather wardrobe staples that, on top of being ageless wunderkinds with a transcendent generational draw, are known for delivering an inscrutable marriage of highly cultivated style, comfort and utility whenever called to the occasional fore.
Heretofore, championed herewith is the simple notion that dressing stylishly (as well as comfortably) in the heat — both in a formal and casual context — is at once possible and a commendable pursuit that tends to bring with it great (self-fulfilling) pleasure whether it arrives courtesy of knowing such things as how to cooly wear a suit in the heat, how to reimagine ageless wardrobe classics synonymous with sun, surf and turf as ones own, or how to navigate every warm weather social occasion — weddings, garden parties, picnic dates, holidays, work, et al. — through Labour Day with a charming sartorial savoir-faire.
Be that as it may, it bears final note that what I propose today may not (likely will not) speak to all tastes; that my unique view of what constitutes as dressing well (in any season) is a cultivated paradigm gathered only after much personal inflection, effort (on the individual level) and (presupposed) suitability was considered — to each his own as it were.
That having been said, and personal tastes notwithstanding, a gentleman must nevertheless always be mindful that there indeed exists a thin line between being quietly confident, sartorially fulfilled and truly comfortable in what one wears and (on the flip-side) looking unprepared, tasteless, careless or uncomfortable -- dressing well simply demands a nuanced balance between want, expression and necessity if you will.
Ergo, knowing how to dress for the season is essentially a balanced act made easier through proper preparation, reflection, tutelage and enlightenment.
Be that as it may, it bears final note that what I propose today may not (likely will not) speak to all tastes; that my unique view of what constitutes as dressing well (in any season) is a cultivated paradigm gathered only after much personal inflection, effort (on the individual level) and (presupposed) suitability was considered — to each his own as it were.
That having been said, and personal tastes notwithstanding, a gentleman must nevertheless always be mindful that there indeed exists a thin line between being quietly confident, sartorially fulfilled and truly comfortable in what one wears and (on the flip-side) looking unprepared, tasteless, careless or uncomfortable -- dressing well simply demands a nuanced balance between want, expression and necessity if you will.
Ergo, knowing how to dress for the season is essentially a balanced act made easier through proper preparation, reflection, tutelage and enlightenment.
Point being: Cutting a rakish dash in the heat takes care and consideration (albeit not too much), an understanding of cut, fabrication and suitability, and (last but not least) a vested onus being placed upon timeless, easy-to-wear wardrobe staples — rather then trending fashions — that never date and whose tried-and-true elegant handles, simple designs and smart-casual bridging utility enduringly transmit faultless and revered style that never fails to impress.
Thankfully, this mood board offerrs ample inspiration for just such elegant summer dressing, countless lessons in smart yet accessible style, and the sartorial wherewithal needed to help you better carve out a more cultivated sartorial identity capable of opening doors, bringing self-fulfilling joy and that is worth retrospective admiration.
There is, after all, something to be said of a gentleman who not only knows how to impress whilst dressing sensibly but who also looks and feels as comfortable in his clothing as his signature sense of style makes out for being an endearing gesture of good taste, impressionability and effortlessness.
So with that in mind, here’s to sensibly (and stylishly) trading in your fully formed A/W wool suits, patent leather oxfords and chunky knit turtlenecks (i.e. rollnecks) for breezy (cotton-) linen tailoring separates, rakish easy-going loafers and classically chic meriniere shirts whose warm-weather sartorial iconography and ageless marriage of effortless sophistication, timely comfort and transitional versatility remains sartorially peerless and riveting.
Howbeit, please join me if you will in recounting 5 quintessential wardrobe staples synonymous with S/S that every gent should own, to inspirationally reflecting upon three 3 rakishly inspired looks that yours truly will be channelling in sartorial earnestness right Labour Day, in discussing 10 refined trans-seasonal style substitutions worth making with haste, and too ascribing to memory 5 easy warm-weather styling tips that will help elevate your sartorial cachet with minimal effort this forthcoming season.
You can, after all, tell a lot about a man by the clothes he wears, the shoes on his feet
and the way he carries himself…
Thankfully, this mood board offerrs ample inspiration for just such elegant summer dressing, countless lessons in smart yet accessible style, and the sartorial wherewithal needed to help you better carve out a more cultivated sartorial identity capable of opening doors, bringing self-fulfilling joy and that is worth retrospective admiration.
There is, after all, something to be said of a gentleman who not only knows how to impress whilst dressing sensibly but who also looks and feels as comfortable in his clothing as his signature sense of style makes out for being an endearing gesture of good taste, impressionability and effortlessness.
So with that in mind, here’s to sensibly (and stylishly) trading in your fully formed A/W wool suits, patent leather oxfords and chunky knit turtlenecks (i.e. rollnecks) for breezy (cotton-) linen tailoring separates, rakish easy-going loafers and classically chic meriniere shirts whose warm-weather sartorial iconography and ageless marriage of effortless sophistication, timely comfort and transitional versatility remains sartorially peerless and riveting.
Howbeit, please join me if you will in recounting 5 quintessential wardrobe staples synonymous with S/S that every gent should own, to inspirationally reflecting upon three 3 rakishly inspired looks that yours truly will be channelling in sartorial earnestness right Labour Day, in discussing 10 refined trans-seasonal style substitutions worth making with haste, and too ascribing to memory 5 easy warm-weather styling tips that will help elevate your sartorial cachet with minimal effort this forthcoming season.
You can, after all, tell a lot about a man by the clothes he wears, the shoes on his feet
and the way he carries himself…
 uave and continental, knit (or sweater) polos — from performance driven merino wool and breezy cotton/linen blends through luxurious pure cashmere iterations — have a sterling reputation for lending instant richness, tactile contrast, and an understated characteristic elan to any ensemble they adorn.  Distinctively vintage (read: very 50s’/60s’ Riviera in styling) and sweater-like in appearance (oft being referred to as sweater polo’s), what they do best is make for unexpectedly versatile, smart-casual bridging sensations of timeless sartorial impressionability whose (often) luxurious handles are commonly buoyed by both world class warm-weather performance (if cut in the right fabric) and an inherent rakishness in wear that is admittedly intoxicating. Often bearing (variable) hallmarks such as elasticated (and often ribbed) waistbands and sleeve cuffs as well as smarter, fully fashioned (+ well-tailored and slim) silhouettes that are available in a variety of short and long-sleeved forms, it stands to reason that the sheer amount of stylized options at ones sartorial disposal are near boundless whether one fancies a classic ribbed, contrast striped navy top with white trimmings and a relaxed buttonless placket or perhaps a rich and lively retro patterned swerve with a traditional three-button collar — you will certainly not be left wanting for options that is to be certain. |
L-R — Mr. Don Draper (Jon Hamm); Orlebar Brown Ribbed Polo; Mr. Errol Flynn
 In view of that, my (investment) advice would be to elect for whatever style best speaks to your tastes and needs (ie. short or long sleeved, etc) in a rich hue (such as tobacco or burgundy) rendered in a sturdy yet breathable merino wool (or cotton-linen/wool blend) fabrication that marries warm-weather comfort, class, and rakishness as one. Inasmuch in peak sartorial form when decidedly cut in clean, crisp and retrograde designs (whether plain or striped), I’ve chosen to include knit (sweater) polos as one of the 5 rakish essentials of the season before you today for the sole reason that these vintage marvels are truly indulgent and luxurious upgrades whose elegant riff on the traditional (and omnipresent) preppy/sportive cotton-pique polo shirt that is favoured by most is wholly deserving of renewed praise and industry-wide revival. Capable of wearing incredibly well whether teamed with smart (high-waisted) trousers, a blazer and tasseled loafers on the job or dressed down with tailored shorts (or chinos), a panama and espadrilles while gallivanting about the beach or boardwalk on summer holiday (a la Dickie Greenleaf), the knit polo truly is without question a modern gentleman’s S/S staple primed for perennial reference and pride of place in ones seasonal wardrobe.  |
 t once unfailingly chic, summery, sportive and graceful as well as fashionably timeless, failsafe and eternally synonymous with the care-free sartorial nonchalance (or savour-faire) of la belle France, the traditional (standard naval issue) marinière — or Breton-stripe top — is as unequivocally versatile in its ease of wear and occasional utility as it is a dateless perennial wardrobe pillar of the highest (heritage) order whose streamlined (not to mention eternally flattering) vertical striped design simply looks smashing upon everyone and (arguably) with everything in a gentleman’s sartorial employ -- under lightweight pastel or navy hopsack blazers, with white chinos, in tandem with indigo jeans and summer weight quilted/waxed jackets…truly whatever tickles ones creative sartorial fancy. For well over two centuries worldly revered as a functionally faultless and sartorially understated naval uniform mainstay that long ago (through the initial influential grace of one Coco Chanel) transcended its humble militaristic roots in becoming an iconic everyday (civilian) warm-weather essential known for commanding equal respect whether worn on land or sea, the now culturally appropriated Breton top has been notably adopted and seemingly sported with reckless abandon by just about every style tribe and celebrity to have ever existed — from Ivy League traditionalists and modern sartorialists through both pop culture artists and actors alike (amongst many others) — due in no small part to its peerless versatility, cultivated sartorial cachet, relaxed yet elegantly poised persona, a classically easy-to-wear silhouette and design, and an impossible to get wrong styling cadence that makes getting dressed in it a simple task unencumbered by neither confusion nor applicational restriction.  In view of that, its worth referential note that the Breton-stripe top/shirt is considered by many to be amongst the finest (and most enduringly popular) unisex garments in existence — a legacy staple as well-received and regarded by gentlemen (of all walks of life) as it is with ladies and children. To that end, one could say that both its effortlessly chic sartorial handle and highly revered cultural iconography have arguably only been bested by a well trodden path (read: it has been worn by everybody from Messrs Grant, Picasso and Dean through Gandy and Redmayne with aplomb) that tells the fluid tale of a certifiably ageless, generationally transcendent and universally flattering wardrobe pillar whose “must-own” positing has inarguably been cast in 24-carrot sartorial stone for time immemorial. And yet should you remain unconvinced, or rather in need of further evidence as to why you should own one (or many) yourself, here's a quick-fire summary of both its most endearing merits and enduring strengths for both your consideration and future posterity: (1) it is universally flattering in (year-round) wear; (2) it is endlessly versatile in its transitional application and ease of wear; (3) it is as failsafe a garment that exists as well as an enduring hallmark of adventurous yet reliable character and cultivated taste; and (4) its pioneering striped aesthetic has the ability to instantly broaden ones chest and strengthen the shoulders. |
L-R — Actor Aiden Turnerr; Everlane Knit T-Shirt ($25); Mr. Pablo Picasso
 Through-and-through, you could say it has become effortlessly adept at continually adapting to the never-ending turnstile of ever-evolving fashion mores that we have all but become far too accustomed to welcoming into our lives season after season — and without ever missing a beat. Howbeit, at the end of the day it really should be no mystery as to why every sort of gentleman from the McQueen's, Dean's and Hemingway's (in the days of yore) through contemporaries such as Eddie Redmayne, David Gandy and Ryan Gosling have favoured its peerless marriage of surefire sartorial insouciance, faultless wearability and carefree nautical spiritualism come S/S. Come to think of it, its ability to both continually stay (fashionably) relevant and hold prominent court over our (seasonal) wardrobes year after year (as well as decade after decade) is simply astounding erstwhile its ability to delightfully tempt our spirits out of their winter doldrums while likewise helping us stylishly transition our seasonal wardrobes with not only ease but also the infallible promise of style, comfort and class is beyond commendable. All that having been said, the beloved meriniere remains (in the eyes of yours truly) in peak form when styled in a traditional 21 stripe (navy and white) design with a crewneck collar that is cast in either a naturally breathable and luxurious lightweight merino wool or a tropical weight cotton (or perhaps a linen-cotton-silk blend that retains its shape better as cotton and linen variations are wont to do.) which will make proper allowance for ultimate breathability, ease of wear and comfort come rain or shine. It is, when proffered in such a stylized vein, "The Ideal Warm-Weather Compliment To Everything In A Gentleman’s Closet."  |
 artorially understated, exceptionally durable and reassuringly cool and comfortable in wear, there is ample historical evidence as to why linen (which is derived from flax) has long been considered — since the dawn of civilization — the go-to, (un)official fabric of choice come spring and summer.  Famously rich and prized for its lightweight comfort, worn-in look and sophisticated yet airy constitution, it warrants peculiar note that the “fabric of kings” has become as uniformly denounced for its perceptive formal tailoring shortcomings and inherent tendency to wrinkle as it is lauded for its uniqueness of handle, smart-casual bridging dexterity and trans-seasonal poise and malleability. Personal styling proclivities aside, (cotton) linen tailoring remains, in the eyes of many, a quintessential seasonal standby synonymous with the cultivated warm-weather styling habits, needs and desires of many a gentleman the world round as well as a perennially well-received and apropos suiting alternative fit for any S/S al fresco wedding, garden party or perhaps picnic date in the park. Having said that, I am of the firm positioning that — when all is said and done — its formal-informal versatility, decent moisture wicking capabilities and open weave finish, the latter of which renders it cool, crisp and composed, ensure its rather louche laissez-faire sartorial credentials continue to outpace any perceptive tailoring shortcomings it has accrued over the years— especially when purposefully commissioned in a cotton-linen blend that is eminently more structured, elegant and formal then a pure linen fabric. |
L-R — Mr. Simon Crompton; Spier & Mackay ($80); Brooks Brothers
 Linen is, after all, one of the oldest, most exceptional, compelling, versatile and continually referenced of all (warm weather) fabrics in the world for good reason (read: lightweight, breathable, absorbent and quick-drying) in addition to being a fabric which both breathes better than cotton and takes to blending exceptionally well with it (for added crease resistance and formality) so as to better deliver a suit with a delicate balance of style and substance that is buoyed by a spirited “devil may care” characteristic elan that effectively makes it a sound choice for most any occasion save exceedingly formal affairs and professional workplaces wherein strict traditional dress codes are actively enforced. In light of that, my professional advice herein would be to opt for a heavier (perhaps 13 to 14 ounce) weight lined-cotton blend with a looser weave, little to no lining, and soft shoulders that are cast in a super-sharp modern cut whose agile yet tailored form fits as well as it both moves and feels; Ideally a suit smart enough for the office yet also capable of being worn as smart-casual separates for both less formal affairs and leisurely lounging at large; A certifiable S/S wardrobe staple, if you will, that is exceedingly wearable in the heat, rife for personal styling experimentation/separates wear, and fit for any well-heeled gent who fancies introducing a dash of ruffled elegance, individuality and character (not to mention comfort) into his seasonal suiting rotation. As for standalone casual linen sports coats and blazers, anything within the 7-11oz weight class should suffice. Simple, understated, complimentary and effective.  |
 ermanently enshrined in the menswear Hall of Fame as well as a sartorial hallmark enduringly intertwined with both breezy continental insouciance and functionally astute sun-beating grace (at its stylized peak), the beloved Panama hat is worldly renowned by gentlemen and ladies alike from Roma to Montecristi for a storied legacy and luxurious handle that belies the tale of an eminently practical equatorial accoutrement of humble (agricultural) origins that has rakishly evolved into a contemporary symbol of cultivated refinement and fine taste. Having for near two centuries continually bested both the trials of time as well as the fickle transience of generational trends, it remains to this very day an ageless seasonal wardrobe stalwart of faultless merit that has dutifully earned its vaunted positioning atop the warm-weather headwear totem poll for many a sound and notable reason; At once sartorially charming and eminently practical, it is a UNESCO protected heritage masterpiece whose value (within certain style tribes that is) ultimately rests in it (arguably?) being the pinnacle of smartly informed yet effortlessly laid-back hatting options come the dog days of summer — par excellence.  To wit, you could say it has an endearing characteristic draw and centuries spanning heritage appeal that rarely abates as well an ability to continually play off as an understated statement of fine taste and characteristic sophistication whose distinctively romantic spirit, minimalist aesthetic, and heat defying performance uniquely position it as the ultimate (Spring/Summer) hatting selection for any discerning modern gentleman worth his sartorial weight in gold. To that end, it certainly stands to reason that is a peerlessly beautiful, true-blue sun-beater whose divine marriage of artisanal craftsmanship, perfectly balanced character and culturally transcendent sartorial cachet will likely forevermore ensure it inexorably prevails as one of the most highly revered and beloved (as well as oldest) warm weather (gentlemanly) accoutrements in existence — simply exquisite! |
L-R — Breezy Linen Look; Borsalino Optimo ($ ); Summer Casual Look
| In respectable wear as amiable to being featured alongside fine (often deconstructed) tailoring as with considerably more louche leisurewear (think: t-shirts/polos with smart trousers and loafers), the finest Panama's are said to be woven in Montecristi (Ecuador) of authentic toquilla fibres derived from the tropical jippi-jappa palm into works of wearable art capable of tastefully accentuating most everything in ones sartorial employ save for athleisure and streetwear. The panama hat is, after all and by virtue of its functionally understated simplicity, one of the few truly timeless elements of style (over 200 years of prolonged popularity can attest to this) as well as one of the first (if not the first) gentlemanly accoutrements to marry simplicity and purpose to that of style and sophistication. Simple, self-indulgent and effective, the characteristically endearing sartorial quintessence of summer.  |
 ielding considerable sartorial clout, social influence and lasting impressionability, it is often said that the shoes upon one's feet feature most prominently in how our signature sense of style, propriety and tastes are first perceived, taken measure of and than adjudged upon by any onlooker.  Be that as it may, I am of the stern belief that there exists no finer warm-weather footwear option capable of delivering that oft elusive marriage of cultivated style, functional substance and all-day comfort than an easy-wearing (yet never slovenly) pair of smart-casual bridging loafers whose rather quite broad definition covers everything from sportive driving shoes (read: moccasins) through a variety of eminently more formal incarnations that hail from the well-heeled and welt-stitched realm — from iconic pennies and superlative Belgians through rakish tasseled loafers. By any such definition effectively a half slipper, half dress shoe distinctively marked by a completely laceless (yet often decorative bow/tassel/strap adorned) upper vamp whose enduring virtue rests in its ability to be slipped on and off with little effort (read: relief from the trouble of knotting laces), some view loafers as a laissez-faire sartorial antithesis’ to the prevailing conservative monarchy of oxfords and derbies; As unbridled jack-of-all trades utility players that effortlessly straddle the line between dressy and casual on route to becoming a divine alternative footwear option with warm-weather season gravitas aplenty that is appropriate in wear for most any occasion — formal or leisurely — due to an inherent smartness and trans-seasonal saviour-faire that stands unparalleled. Cast in such a vein the loafer is — in social utility, characteristic sophistication and fashionable agelessness — arguably the footwear equivalent to the navy blazer — a sartorially intoxicating, astute, self-indulgent, transitional and discreetly rakish and revelatory sensation. |
L-R — Rakish Summer Panama Style; GUCCI ($200); Pitti Uomo Style
 To that end, whether it be a stately penny, a playful tassel, a sportive driver or even perhaps the iconic horsebit (with the latter being the only shoe in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection) that tickles your immediate sartorial fancy you can rest assured in knowing that laceless loafers of all varieties have a proven track record for delivering stylish yet functional good looks alongside an occasional utility and ease of wear which has effectively transformed them into transitional (and trans-seasonal) wunderkinds capable of accentuating any type of look (or styling tribe doctrine) one could feasibly anchor them down with — from classic Ivy-League prep stylings through Neapolitan tailoring and panama hat laden ensembles. Inasmuch, loafers can be anything one could possibly want them to be, from preppy and Presidential to continental (read: sprezzatura stalwarts) and casual given they are continually bolstered by an enduring sense of purpose, practicality and sartorial romanticism whose appeal speaks most prominently to gentlemen of confidence who are assured of their style as well as what they want and what speaks to their tastes most expressively; Those who are unafraid to add a tasteful dash of refined expressionism and sartorial intention to their choice footwear. Loafers are, after all, pristine selections primed to please for years to come not to mention endearing testaments to the reality that shoes lacking laces can indeed be incredibly smart yet casual, eccentric and comfortable all the same. Wear yours (whatever the style) with sartorial panache, incredible pleasure and unwavering confidence whether gussied up with evening wear for a formal affair or at leisure with your go-to smart-casual staples (or tailoring separates) as you see fit — with or without socks.  |
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 ell-heeled sartorial inspiration aside (see above), it bears peculiar note that dressing not only for comfort but with rakish panache in the face of unrelenting heat and unfaltering humidity often proves to be too burdensome (or confounding) a task for many amongst us to navigate with ease given it requires an artistic marriage of educated sartorial tact, unfaltering dedication, sustained effort, social propriety, self-discipline and a willingness for personal trial-and-error that is all underscored by a highly cultivated eye for detail that stands second to none; It is, if you will, truly an art form to and of itself whose seemingly elusive mastery only becomes more probable (and properly executed/evident) over time as our attention to detail and sartorial intellect is honed, our basic understanding of cut, fabric and structure (as each pertains to seasonal comfort) solidified, and our signature style/seasonal wardrobe capsules increasingly distinguished and reassuring in their respective cultivation. In light of that, herewith are 10 infallible, next-level seasonal wardrobe transitions that every gentleman of style and substance would do well in executing with (flatter imbuing) haste so as to ensure he not merely lives comfortably whilst in the combative throes of the seasonal heat but truly embodies a man of style and taste who is capable of leaving an endearing sartorial impression wherever the warmer-weather takes him this season (or any to follow for that matter)….  |
 hether you arrived here today with the singular intent of smartly investing your money into a seasonal wardrobe capsule of time-honoured warm-weather classics that are immune to dating, the simple ideal of adding a cavalier touch of sartorial distinction to your seasonal turnstile of inspired looks, or but a pressing appetite to further apprise yourself of fresh ways to supplement your ever-evolving paradigm of what it means to dress well in the heat, this maiden S/S sartorial mood board will have certainly both touched upon and (hopefully) addressed your every want, need and longing desire. |    |
It is, if you will, at once both a love letter to a considerably more pronounced, sophisticated and impressionable styling discourse as well as a masterclass in how to channel a distinctively modern manner of dressage (with vintage traditionalist undertones) that is easily adaptable for most any occasion.
Strictly speaking, it champions (above all else) a seasonal embrace of lightweight and breathable (often open weave) fabrics, the transitional versatility and unwavering comfort of soft (natural/deconstructed) tailoring, the addition of subtle influxes of colour and personalization through accessorizing, and the perennial reference of a few choice infallible seasonal stalwarts that deliver an equability of style and substance through a focus on contrasting textures, rich fabric blends and breezy silhouettes — simple, refined and effective style in other words.
To that effect it tables a perfectly staged sartorial consummation of timely, pleasure deriving, indulgent, wholesome, commendable, stately and self-fulfilling style whose timeless draw and ageless appeal will speak most tellingly to any discerning (or daring) dresser with a characteristic penchant for continually cutting a rakish dash — come rain or shine — right on through to Labour Day (and beyond) .
Strictly speaking, it champions (above all else) a seasonal embrace of lightweight and breathable (often open weave) fabrics, the transitional versatility and unwavering comfort of soft (natural/deconstructed) tailoring, the addition of subtle influxes of colour and personalization through accessorizing, and the perennial reference of a few choice infallible seasonal stalwarts that deliver an equability of style and substance through a focus on contrasting textures, rich fabric blends and breezy silhouettes — simple, refined and effective style in other words.
To that effect it tables a perfectly staged sartorial consummation of timely, pleasure deriving, indulgent, wholesome, commendable, stately and self-fulfilling style whose timeless draw and ageless appeal will speak most tellingly to any discerning (or daring) dresser with a characteristic penchant for continually cutting a rakish dash — come rain or shine — right on through to Labour Day (and beyond) .
With that in mind, as well as the reality of the days growing increasingly warmer and longer with each passing week (alongside the sun positively beaming as we speak), here’s raising a glass to tastefully channeling Mother Nature’s vibrant seasonal colour palette, taking sartorial refuge in the creature comforts of those timeless wardrobe stalwarts above that are forevermore synonymous with spring/summer, and too enjoying easy (spring and) summer living with rakish panache and a true feeling of sartorial euphoria whether you anticipate becoming besotted by the warmth of the sun (at the beach), sullen by unrelenting downpours (at work), or uniquely dealt one of those rare unicorn days wherein all four seasons descend in unison without proper forewarning.
To, if you will, unapologetically dressing with style, ease, poise and steadfast self-belief for many fair weathered seasons to come so as to continually reap the benefits of the so-called “halo effect” that is the common accompaniment of always dressing the proper part.
And lest you forget why it all matters, do remember to keep this in mind (1) That what we wear — our clothing — has the power to both influence/sway opinions and transform our character (for better AND worse); (2) That you simply owe it to yourself to always look your best; and (3) that “a gentleman should always take great pride in his appearance.”
In having said that, consider this mood board but a rousing (yet sensible) sartorial reaffirmation of the enduring merits of classic understatement and cultivated elegance rather than a Keeping Up With The Joneses blueprint that panders to the tastes of the fashionably sheepish and trend-setting; A telling testament on how-to at once dress to impress and beat the heat (and rain) in comfort without ever compromising on style (nor substance) from this day onwards.
To, if you will, unapologetically dressing with style, ease, poise and steadfast self-belief for many fair weathered seasons to come so as to continually reap the benefits of the so-called “halo effect” that is the common accompaniment of always dressing the proper part.
And lest you forget why it all matters, do remember to keep this in mind (1) That what we wear — our clothing — has the power to both influence/sway opinions and transform our character (for better AND worse); (2) That you simply owe it to yourself to always look your best; and (3) that “a gentleman should always take great pride in his appearance.”
In having said that, consider this mood board but a rousing (yet sensible) sartorial reaffirmation of the enduring merits of classic understatement and cultivated elegance rather than a Keeping Up With The Joneses blueprint that panders to the tastes of the fashionably sheepish and trend-setting; A telling testament on how-to at once dress to impress and beat the heat (and rain) in comfort without ever compromising on style (nor substance) from this day onwards.
Beyond that decision, well I’d just like to leave you with this little nugget of advice to ponder:
Always dress as the man you want to be, not for the job you want.
Gentlemen, take a bow!
Always dress as the man you want to be, not for the job you want.
Gentlemen, take a bow!
Share your seasonal style thoughts, anecdotes and tips below…
What do you look forward to wearing most come spring/summer that at once keeps you cool, comfortable and stylish in the heat? And, do you have any general tips or advice on dressing well in the seasonal heat and humidity that I may have missed?
Please share below if the desire strikes…
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Please share below if the desire strikes…
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