Effortless Elegance for Summer Months
In our modern world, men's fashion and style are bursting with possibilities. Dress codes are becoming less prevalent in workplaces, business events, and social gatherings alike. Depending on one's lifestyle, every man still needs a few well-tailored suits, perhaps even a black-tie outfit. However, through my work in made-to-measure menswear, I frequently hear from men that these formalities are increasingly seen as unnecessary in today's casual environment.
Consequently, our attire often navigates between casual and business casual in our free time. Understandably, jeans serve as the foundation of everyday outfits for most of the year. When paired with a crisp cotton shirt and blazer, they hit the business casual mark. However, when worn with sneakers, your look can vary from trendy to “I don't really care,” depending on your personal style.
What Happens When Temperatures Rise Above 20 Degrees?
Many give up and switch from jeans to shorts, as denim can be uncomfortable in the heat. While shorts are among the most casual garments, they can be challenging to match with most urban situations.
As an alternative, I would like to introduce the concept of “effortless elegance,” as mentioned in the title, providing specific examples of material choices and combinations for occasions that require a slightly more polished appearance while still ensuring comfort.
Wool Fabric in Summer? Recommended!
The best choice is the so-called "fresco" or "high twist" fabric, which performs exceptionally well as both a jacket and trousers. This woven fabric, made from twisted yarn with an open structure, boasts excellent breathability and resists wrinkling. Thus, it's a great choice for business appearances and even for travel.
In my opinion, trousers made from this fabric are perhaps the most comfortable option even in the hottest weather. Thanks to the material, they can be part of a formal outfit and, when paired with a white shirt, make for a perfect summer office look.
In the accompanying images, I’ve paired trousers made from "high twist" fabric with the latest addition from my collection: the travel jacket. This lightweight piece features no inner lining, combining the styles of safari jackets and classic workwear. Its inner pockets can hold essential personal items, and you can easily place it in the overhead compartment when flying, as the right fabric will not wrinkle.
What About Linen? Recommended!
Linen is perhaps the most divisive fabric in a man’s wardrobe. Some swear by it, while others consider it off-limits. It's undeniable that linen is not accepted for business wear but is excellent for leisure, provided it's in the right form.
We can distinguish between Irish, Belgian, and Italian linen fabrics. However, this classification refers to the processing location rather than where the linen plant is grown (as is the case with Egyptian cotton). Linen is the oldest textile used by humans, giving these countries a long history in weaving culture. In terms of quality and fineness, there is no difference in the linen plant; thus, the variations in fabrics depend on the finishing and weaving types.
My personal favorites are Irish linen fabrics. The trousers and travel jacket shown in the image above are made from these fabrics. Yes, they wrinkle, but their weight and the stiffened finish give them a substantial and tailored fall. Because linen dyes exceptionally well, it is unbeatable in vibrant colors. Overall, Irish linen fabrics are true embodiments of casual elegance.
Knit cotton piqué polo shirts pair exceptionally well with linen. Piqué shirts are typically crafted with a knitted collar, known as tennis shirts that we all recognize. Their open structure and excellent breathability make them a favorite among men. The piqué shirt is more versatile than the classic polo, as its collar mimics that of traditional dress shirts, allowing it to hold its shape even under a blazer. This example further nuances the concept of effortless elegance. When planning outfits, I recommend blending formal and casual elements for endless variations.
White, Beyond Just the White Shirt? Recommended!
A white shirt is indispensable in a man's wardrobe. However, opinions vary on wearing any other white garment. It's clear that a proper occasion and environment are necessary for donning white trousers, especially a white blazer.
In the context of classic or modern classic men’s wear, trends can be observed, sometimes harshly referred to as "fads." These trends shouldn’t be dismissed outright, yet they shouldn’t be followed blindly either. Fashion designers and social media influencers communicate that this summer, white is the "fashion color" for men. While it may seem nonsensical, I believe there's a reason for this. The confinement of the past three years has lowered expectations for everyday appearance, leading to a trend where casual attire—unbound by formal dress codes—plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, reminiscent of the golden age of men's fashion in the 1930s. The application of white offers an excellent alternative.
Here are some helpful tips for wearing white with more confidence this summer:
There are countless shades between bright white and beige: while it’s best to choose a pure white for shirts, white trousers and blazers can appear cheap. Opt for bone and cream shades instead of optical white.
The thinner or more open the weave of a white fabric, the more transparent it becomes. This isn't always flattering for everyone. Choosing thicker, more substantial fabrics in lighter shades can make you feel more masculine.
After shirts, jeans are the most versatile white garments. They can be styled endlessly with t-shirts and sneakers or blazers and loafers.
Avoid bright white knitted pieces, as they often look cheap, even if made from the finest silk, wool, or cashmere.
The article originally appeared on Igényesférfi.hu.
