How to keep your office dressing cool this summer
Don't let your warm weather wardrobe get you hot under the collar
Londoners know all too well the challenges of dressing for a British summer. With changeable weather, packed public transport and offices short of air conditioning, balmy mornings can soon giveway to soaking afternoons. And, even if the day looks like a cold one, you could be sweating through you Oxford button-down and wool suit by the time the clock ticks 10.
So learn the best summer clothing hacks around, courtesy of Gentleman’s Journal. Pay close attention to the fabrics, and you’ll soon find yourself carrying yourself with the elegant effortlessness of the cool Italians. Our advice? Steer well clear of manmade fabrics, skinny fits, and anything that leans on the stuffy side when the thermometer hits those higher double-digits…
Photo by Associated Press
Weather permitting, a lightweight summer blazer is the single best item to wear to the office and still look suave. Instead of wool, choose linen and cotton mixes like Reiss’ double-breasted option, or Gant’s beige linen with patch pockets – which are more breathable and comfortable even on the warmest days. Whilst you may take off your blazer at your desk, it certainly pays to invest in one – just incase you have a last minute client meeting, or the weather decides to take a turn and the clouds roll over.
Your blazer can also be paired with slim linen chinos, like Levis’ navy offerings – which are a handsome alternative to jeans or suit trousers. We advise contrasting your summer office look (as opposed to the matching two-piece ensemble), by going for a light-coloured blazer and dark trousers or visa versa.
Photo by Robert Spangle
Not every office will welcome this modern take on smart attire (unless you’re in the creative industry), but it’s no doubt a convenient look to adopt this summer. By taking a leaf out of the books of the gentlemen who made summer style look effortless, wear your trusty polo shirt or t-shirt under a blazer to ensure you stay cool, smart and above all, ready to transition from office-to-pub.
The key is to keep your colour palette minimal – think of white as a starting point. And if you want to bolster the polo shirt under a blazer look, opt for a camp collar polo which can rest on top of your lapels – but never pop up your shirt collar. Ensuring your suit trousers are cropped to show some ankle, you can go as far as wearing a pair of loafers or trainers into the office.
Photo by Robert Spangle
You’ll probably wear fewer layers during these warmer months, so getting your finer details right can be a nod to true style. Try wearing braces (a smarter, and more gentlemanly alternative to the belt) and make sure that your tie sits boldly between the straps. Elevate your outfit with a bold pair of socks, or similarly add some fun to your blazer with a printed pocket square…
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