People can be rather sniffy about short-sleeved shirts, can’t they? We suspect this is because – like other pieces deemed ‘less than desirable’ – they are actually designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind. A little online searching reveals the main argument against the s-s-s is that they are often worn with knee-length shorts and sandals by men of a certain type. The whole argument reeks of sneering snobbery. If women can eschew the heel and be empowered to wear the clothes they love, rather than the clothes which mask and disguise, then let our brothers feel free to wear the clothes that allow their arms to air and – with a few buttons lowered, perhaps – their chests to bare. (Medallions should be approached with caution, but if you have the chutzpah, go for it.)
The shirt pictured is an extremely reasonable £25.99 from Zara. The abstract print is interesting but not distractingly so. The artsy portrait face is a trend which has stealth-dominated womenswear for the past couple of years. Time for the menfolk to get on board. zara.com
The key word with regard to this seersucker blazer is ‘unstructured’. Whilst we can concede there may be a valid argument against a short sleeve when worn with a formal suit, donning a less severe jacket removes the troublesome juxtaposition of casual and smart. Uniqlo have a well-priced range from which to make your choice, but the sheer jauntiness of seersucker and all of its preppy, summery connotations make it our recommendation. Unlike linen which is a bugger for creasing, seersucker is handily wrinkled in its natural state. £34.90, uniqlo.com
To Gen X eyes, the rehabilitation of the bow tie into mainstream men’s fashion has been nothing short of miraculous to witness. But where subculture leads, we are bound to follow. It’s a bold choice to pair with a shirt like this, arguably two items which are still teetering somewhat on the brink of respectability. Play further with the concept by making the tie bright, bold and with texture. We love a knitted tie but summer = linen, and this is an example of Ireland’s finest; woven and dyed in County Down. Plus, if there’s anything the past few weeks have taught us, it is that supporting independents has never been more vital. £18, the Belfast Bow Company on etsy.com
Neat and neutral should never be confused with boring. Admittedly, this isn’t a colour which announces your arrival, but it will take anything you wish to throw at it. Teamed with white? Fresh. Black? Edgier. Patterns, prints, neon – all are welcome here. The length comes just above the knee, the cut is tailored and the detailing minimal, all of which make these appropriate for most summer dressing. M&S Collection Chino Short in Grey £15, marksandspencer.com
Life has become less formal for many of us and the slide into comfort has been welcome. Continue the laid-back vibe by slipping feet (sockless preferably) into a pair of loafers. Are these not the very epitome of stylish summer footwear? Forgiving suede which will give generously should higher temperatures result in a little foot-swell; flexible sole in dazzling white for modish contrast and an element of grip; the colour (tan) should be mandatory in June, but if you prefer, there are five others to match or clash with the rest of your wardrobe. Belters Square Toe Loafer £85, dunelondon.com
Sustainably sourced, machine washable – how can you go wrong with FatFace’s Lulworth Crew Neck T Shirt, shown here in white, but available in an impressive range of colours and sizes. It gets consistently great reviews online – perhaps due to its flattering cut; not too loose, not too tight. Unbutton your shirt, and embrace casual layering by wearing this underneath. £22.50, fatface.com
