When it comes to great summer wardrobes, we think there's a sweet spot somewhere between relaxed casual aesthetic and sophisticated tailored silhouette that everyone would do well to hit. But it's difficult to put a finger on it. The overarching look is "I didn't try very hard to pull this together", while the onlooking opinion is "damn, that looks so naturally stylish".
The secret to summer style perfection is in the blending of classic tailored shapes with an undeniable summer appeal - think cuban collar shirts, tailored shorts - with elements that have a pervading casualness about them, such as slubby linen or terry cloth fabrics. Then you just add the finishing touches with sunglasses, a modicum of jewellery, a hat, and some well-considered footwear.
Cuban Short Sleeve Jersey |
Weston Jersey Shorts |
This season we have created a number of matching short and shirt sets. Why matching? Because the two-piece look delivers an element of uniformity that keeps the aesthetic smart, and yet the nature of the fabrics and the contemporary cuts of the shorts and shirts maintain an irrevocably casual summer attitude. We've created pleated shorts for a more sartorial look, as well as drawstring styles that are slightly more laid back.
Cuban Short Sleeve Shirt |
Pleated Shorts |
Conduit T-Shirt |
We've incorporated subtle degrees of pattern too, such as chalk stripes and multi-coloured stripes to reiterate the tailored references. However, the silhouettes are loose and breezy which just adds to the laid-back 'sprezzatura' styling that is such a great summer look.
Cuban Short Sleeve Shirt |
Pleated Shorts Clement |
Incorporating a variety of different shirt styles also adds to the summery flavour, not least our own version of the traditional Cuban guayabera shirt, with its two front patch pockets, akin to a field shirt. The addition of matching shorts brings the shirt to life in a whole different way compared to if you complemented it with a different pair of shorts.
Havana Short Sleeve Shirt |
Osborne Drawstring Shorts |
That said, all of these two-piece sets can be mixed and matched as you see fit. They have been designed in such a way to be easily assimilated into your summer wardrobe as individual pieces, but we think they make the biggest statement when worn as a two-piece. You can also mix the look up by layering the shirt over a plain white tee or a contrast colour.
Cuban Short Sleeve Jersey |
Weston Jersey Shorts |
