Break free from the conventional norms of using jeans, trainers and T-shirts to create your summer vacation look. Here are some simple wardrobe essentials that will help you beat the rising mercury with style and panache.
Deck shoes/loafers
Loafers are a big men’s fashion item for sunny days. I would recommend opting for a leather version over suede for vacations. Pack a pair of deck shoes or loafers in subtle and solid hues of navy, black or brown, as they will go with most of the colours in your existing wardrobe. Also, leather shoes will spare you from painstakingly cleaning suede.
Round-frame glasses
With the current focus on the revival of retro styles, it should come as no surprise that eyewear, too, is influenced by this design from yesteryears. Vintage round-frame glasses, which are a hot favourite on both runways and streets, make a fashionable alternative to classic wayfarers and aviators for summer 2015.
Navy-khaki
A blend of navy and khaki is the hottest separates style for this season. The combination of a navy top and beige trousers will prove to be the most versatile and fashionable pairing to have you looking your best on any occasion. For summer holidays, dress down slightly, by pairing a printed navy knit with khaki chinos or shorts. Avoid wearing black shoes with this combination and instead complete the look with navy or dark brown shoes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with oxblood or bold red shoes either.
Sneakers
The traditional sneaker has outgrown its streets origin to become an essential fashion accessory. Sneakers have now become to men what purses are to women. Wear a sporty high-top sneaker silhouette with an ultra-modern street-ready feel for comfort, functionality and effortless style while travelling.
Sandals/flip flops
Summer dressing deals with maintaining a balance between practicality and style. Sandals are breathable, comfortable and stylish, making them arguably the ideal warm weather shoes. Gladiator sandals teamed with a statement T-shirt is a casual combination that oozes effortless cool. Choose leather over plastic sandals since the former is not only smart and timeless but more comfortable than the synthetic versions. Wearing socks with sandals is an inexcusable fashion faux pas; also make sure that you’ve trimmed your toe nails. An alternative would be flip flops with funky and vibrant prints.
Printed shorts
Printed shorts in bright colours add a retro vibe. Watch out for loud and quirky prints and wear them with a vest or T-shirt, sunnies and sandals to look cool under the sun.
Statement T-shirt
Layering is not an option in soaring temperatures. Despite the drawback, make a statement by wearing T-shirts featuring bold prints, quirky cuts and interesting materials to make sure that you don’t blend into the background. While T-shirts and jumpers with unusual floral, camouflage, ombre and Aztec prints are a great way to work this look, break free from the conventional rules of fit by sporting an oversized tee in timeless charcoal hues. Combine that with skinny jeans, chinos or shorts.
Lightweight linen
Linen fabric comes with a drawback of wrinkling easily. Embrace the wrinkles of natural and lightweight linen, as this fabric keeps you cool, thereby making it a must-have summer wardrobe essential. Linen suits are an ultimate companion to formal events and outdoor summer parties.
Leather backpack
While a briefcase is meant to stock papers, a parker pen and your laptop in office, go for a leather backpack to carry your camera, wallet, phone and iPad while vacationing. As much as a style statement, leather backpacks are practical load-bearers. Experiment with backpacks featuring statement graphics to epitomise the definition of ‘fashion meets function’.
Skinny belt
Sometimes, a subtle detail can add character to the outlook, and this is why accessories are extremely important to bring an outfit to life. Belts are a great way to add or break colours in an outfit. Belts with big and flashy buckles are outdated and simply don’t compliment your summer attire. Round up your perfect summer holiday look with a sleek, minimal and slim-line belt.
