When it comes to the debate of what to wear this summer and how to, there is an extreme overload of information, from an endless list of trend-forecasting agencies, magazines, fashion weeks, stylists and fashionistas. Whether you’re going for a full overhaul, or want to subtly freshen up your look, here are my recommendations for this season.
Lightweight jackets
The fluctuation in temperature is perhaps the most difficult to deal with in this part of the world, where the heat and humidity come hand in glove. There needn’t be any negative connotation around the word jacket, as they are more lightweight than ever. Guaranteed to give your summer wardrobe a ready lift, a bold-coloured lightweight blazer or a printed sleeveless jacket will serve you well for a slew of occasions, right from pool parties to a sunny holiday some place away.
Prints
Spring-summer collections encourage us to be more adventurous, with an emphasis on variety. Bold graphic prints, scattered motif and floral prints allow you to bring out your personality in your look and show off a playful character. Whether worn on its own as a statement piece or layered underneath a lightweight jumper or blazer, the printed shirt is back in new guises for SS15, offering a sure-fire way to breathe life (and colour) into our warm-weather wardrobe. Key motifs to consider this year include florals, tropical prints, dots, geometrics, camouflage, and statement stripes (block colours or thick vertical designs).
Black and white
There’s nothing new about a black and white combination, but there’s a reason it’s a sure classic. It’s clean, timeless and fuss-free: both colours are accessible, create a great contrast and highlight a smart design. Among the quantity of crazy designs and colours out there, ironically, black and white stands out more. Whether you decide to opt for statement pieces or not, it seems like this combination is here to reign.
Colour blocking
It’s time to inject your wardrobe with a pinch of colour. It’s an undeniable fact that there’s a strong undercurrent of searing bright shades throughout menswear for this spring summer season. Colour blocks aren’t just accents this season, but are emblazoned over blazers, shirts and tees. Colours always incite a certain kind of feeling and perhaps colour blocking reminds us of fun summer days. No wonder it has stayed on my list.
Coloured leg-wear
While you could opt for a jacket or a shirt, sticking to a pair of well-cut pastel chinos or shorts means that you have something to team your new striped jacket or printed shirt with. Something that would work as a statement piece when combined with pared-back staples like a white or printed button-down shirt, fine gauge knit tee or a linen blazer. Pastel leg-wear in lightweight materials such as stretch cotton or linen makes for a much more appropriate alternative to your trusty pair of denims. Chinos on… and now it’s time to board the plane to Bali or Barcelona.
