WHY SUMMER PREP STARTS NOW
Summer style is more than pure appearance, we think it's a hard-to-define yet easy-to-recognize aura of distinction. Good tailoring is the result of choices - clothes that fit in all the right places, clothes to suit the occasion, clothes to suit the individual and clothes to suit the season.
A difficult rule to adhere to, but worth undertaking, is to order your seasonal bespoke clothes when you think you least need them! To avoid taking delivery of your linen suit or cotton trousers at the end of summer just as the sun goes in, here's our timely suggestions for adjusting your summer wardrobe.
We'll make this easy, to guide not to govern; it's about lightweight cloth and styling.
Fabric selection is an effective way to change to spring/summer clothes, for example linen is good for suiting and odd jackets cut in a soft-tailored silhouette or try a cheeky micro Prince of Wales Check woven in a finest wool and silk blend for more formal occasions. Both look great in a summer weight 7 to 10 ounces (winter is usually 11 to 14) and suggest easy stylish elegance. With regards to styling, it's not about quantity but quality, here's a list of five suggestions for summer "staples" and 'must-haves":
1. A grey or navy lightweight suit in mohair
Mohair, when blended with worsted wool results in a lustrous and durable summer suiting. Durable - mohair is the most durable of all animal fibres. Lustrous - mohair fibres benefit from a natural lustre that makes clothes look impeccable. Also has a natural stretch and is resistant to creasing.
2. A not-for-the-office suit
Ideal for summer invites and weddings. Something a little bolder (but wearable) in cotton. Perfect for crossover into casual weekends as the jacket can be worn with jeans or chinos.
3. A lightweight blazer in navy
Classic or patch pockets, hopsack or cashmere - the beauty of the blazer is that it goes with nearly anything and looks good in any situation.
4. Trousers in both linen and cotton.
Well-cut and a good fit, these will be the best looking cotton chinos you've owned. For smarter occasions try linen. Quality well cut trousers are all about lines; straight lines hanging from the waist (no baggy knees). Both are ideal teamed with a lightweight navy blazer.
5. Slip on lightweight slipper shoes
Personalized in suede, linen or tartan. Unashamedly inspired by the Duke of Windsor these shoes originated from English aristocracy. Try them with your blazer and linen trousers - navy double-breasted blazer, cream trousers, blue spread collar shirt and black personalized monogrammed slippers.
