When the mercury starts to rise, it can feel like dressing smart needs to take a backseat. Fully buttoned shirts and blazers begin to feel suffocating and they’re a one-way ticket to drenched-in-sweatville. Actually, this isn’t wholly true. Yes, a wool blazer and heavy cotton shirt will have you wet through before you arrive at your destination, but a little ingenuity about dressing smart in summer will have you breezing through the season without letting standards slip.
The key to dressing smart in summer is having a real think about materials. For example, it’s easy to say that all wool pieces should be hidden away until next winter, but actually, it’s a case of picking the right wools. Lightweight wool pieces like these Thom Browne pants can actually be perfect in summer, offering breathability and maintaining a sharp image.
If you’re looking for a bolder approach to dressing smart in summer, consider playing with your silhouette. Opting for the right pair of tailored shorts can free up your legs and bring a slightly more playful angle to your smart ensembles if it’s the right occasion.
With the help of Luisaviaroma, we’ve rounded up 10 pieces of clothing to have you dressing smart in summer like an expert.
Keep scrolling to see our top picks for dressing smart in summer.
Lemaire Trench Coat
Lemaire's Trench Coat is the perfect top layer for your smart fits in summer. The spacious tailoring means it moves beautifully and never feels constrictive while the fine wool shell is the ideal weight for a summer evening.
Junya Watanabe Reversible Blazer
If you want to make formal clothing work for you in summer, you have to be clever about it. Pieces like this reversible blazer by Junya Watanabe are your friend. Its cotton canvas build positions it as a lightweight jacket but the blazer shape allows you to sport it proudly over a shirt.
The Row Lukre Shirt
If there was one piece to crown a formal summer wardrobe, it'd be this shirt from The Row. The fine, pure cotton build and slightly oversized cut make it a highlight in today's roundup.
Gucci Double G Shirt
Ideally, you'll want to find ways to not wear a tie during summer. Getting hot under the collar verges on unbearable when you're sporting a tie. This Gucci shirt features a big, '70s-style collar which is a nice visual substitute for a tie.
Solid Homme Shorts
Shorts are definitely a daring move when you're smartening up, but it can pay off big time. These shorts are made from lightweight Tencel which is perfect for warmer temperatures. They also feature a crease down each leg to keep up appearances.
Thom Browne Side Tab Pants
But if you'd rather keep things classic, these Thom Browne pants should do the job. Tailored perfectly and cut from lightweight wool, they're everything you need from a pair of formal trousers.
Bottega Veneta Tire Shoes
When we're not trying to be smart, we'll be wearing our Bottega Puddle Sandals this summer. It follows, then, that if we need to sharpen up, we'll just swap to the formal version in the form of the Tire Shoes.
Saint Laurent Teddy Loafers
For those not loving the idea of lacing up leather shoes in summer, a pair of loafers from Saint Laurent to the rescue.
COMME des GARÇONS Tote Bag
During summer, avoid carrying a bag over the shoulder and certainly not a backpack — you'll cultivate a prominent sweat patch underneath either. This leather tote from COMME des GARÇONS looks smart and offers a useful hand carry.
Maison Margiela Work Bag
Made from supple, grained leather, the Margiela Work Bag also allows you to carry by hand but, with multiple zipped compartments, might be a better choice for the more organized of us.
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