THE JOURNAL

Maybe you left your vacation planning to the last minute and decided to stay put. It could be you’ve already been away, or you’re leaving it till when the madness dies down. Someone has to keep everything ticking over, after all. Or perhaps you went on a city break by choice. As European hubs traditionally empty out over the hotter months, now could be the time to see the sights without the queues. However you ended up in the big smoke over the dog days of summer, you can still style it out. And these 20 carefully curated pieces should help on that front.
01. The open-knit Onia striped linen shirt

Men of all stripes can appreciate this knitted linen shirt from Onia. The lightweight material and classic style, certainly. But note the contrasting patterns of the front panels, either side of the placket. Vertical or horizontal? Usually it’s a choice that we have to make during the vacation season. Well, not this summer.
02. The statement Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses

We can all be prone to looking back with rose-tinted glasses. But what about a retrospective glance at the 1990s – but with yellow lenses? These limited-edition Sandro sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage latch onto the design signatures of the decade, which, in turn, were mostly borrowed from the 1960s. Then again, if you can remember either, you weren’t there.
03. The versatile LE 17 SEPTEMBRE Bermuda shorts

Korean designer Ms Eunhye Shin shares her birthday with gun slinger Billy the Kid, former BBC sports presenter Mr Des Lynam and Hollywood directors Messrs Paul Feig and Baz Luhrmann (17 September, in case you were marking the calendar – Feig and Luhrmann were even born on the same day). Who of that lineup would look best in these Bermuda shorts is subjective. But given that this style and colour should suit most legs, we’re not sure it matters.
04. The cheery adidas Originals Bermuda sneaker

From one Bermuda silhouette to another. First released as part of adidas Originals’ Island Series – other entries included Jamaica, Samoa and Tahiti; we’re a bit miffed that the Isle of Wight got overlooked – this sleek model of sneaker was embraced by the casual movement that spilled out of British football terraces in the 1980s. This bright yellow colourway sways more towards the shoe’s tropical namesake.
05. The camp-collar, linen-blend Mr P. jacket

You’re probably shopping with this summer in mind – what you need in the here and now. But this lightweight cotton and linen-blend jacket from Mr P. has your future summers covered, too. What’s more, the fabric comes garment dyed for a softer handle, meaning it will feel like it’s a well-worn fixture of your wardrobe rotation already.
06. The iconic leather LOEWE Puzzle messenger bag

It’s no puzzle why Mr Jonathan Anderson’s debut design for LOEWE took off in such a big way. Not even a decade on and this It bag feels so much a part of our lives that it’s hard to imagine a time before it. However, if the Puzzle still isn’t a part of your life, here’s your chance to solve that, in a handsome brown calf leather.
07. The refined John Elliott brushed silk shirt

No summer wardrobe is complete without a silk shirt. Light yet incredibly strong, this natural material sets the benchmark when it comes to absorbency. In Mr John Elliott’s hands, you get a classic short-sleeved shirt in the designer’s signature boxy shape.
08. The responsibly made Yuketen suede sandal

Talk about treading lightly. This exemplary sandal by Yuketen is constructed from at least 50 per cent lower-impact materials and fabricated in a manner than promotes artisanal skills, invests in its community and adheres to fair-trade principles. No wonder it’s a fixture of our Consciously Crafted collection, not to mention one of our go-to shoes when the summer sun hits.
09. The classic-as-they-come Dries Van Noten denim jeans

Jeans in summer? This dependable staple can be easily adapted to the hotter months, provided you think about the cut. Dries Van Noten’s timeless take features a straight-legged shape that won’t stick to your skin. But they will stick around in your wardrobe for many years to come – and will only look better as they age.
10. The puntastic KAPITAL logo T-shirt

The catchphrase of the British gameshow Catchphrase is “say what you see”, advice that should be applied to this T-shirt by KAPITAL. Or rather CATPITAL? We think the cult Japanese brand is here relying on another quirk of the British dialect: the dropped t. And speaking of just dropped tees… Or maybe we’re reading too much into this?
11. The Carhartt WIP chore jacket

Is a summer jacket – such as Carhartt WIP’s chore style – the best way to make a low-key statement this season? According to Lyst’s “hottest product” ranking, a similar workwear staple was up there, at the fifth spot, for the first quarter of 2024. The most popular shade? The tanned colourway of this Michigan chore style. A win-win.
12. The knotted Bottega Veneta loafers

Loafers are still the hottest thing in menswear, as this Bottega Veneta style can attest. These are crafted from supple hide and feature the kind of intricate leatherwork we’ve come to expect from the Italian powerhouse – an artfully tied pair of knots on the vamps, in this case.
13. The essential Kingsman shorts

If there’s anything truly deserving of the term “summer essentials”, a versatile, reliable pair of linen shorts is close as it gets. Kingsman’s are fitted with a drawstring through the waist, so you can adjust them to your preferred fit.
14. The AGOLDE skater shorts

Denim shorts – “jorts”, if we really must – have been all the rage recently, so consider summer the perfect time to grab a pair and try out the trend. These by AGOLDE borrow the wide-left fit and distressed finish from West Coast skater styles. Dress them up with crew socks and loafers.
15. The portable Ralph Lauren Home blanket

Whether you’re spending the weekend in the countryside or simply organising a picnic at the park, leave Ralph Lauren Home to think of the essentials. Made from an extra soft blend of merino wool and cashmere at Scotland’s Johnston of Elgin, this blanket comes with a handy leather carrier, so you can bring it along anywhere you go.
16. The elevated De Petrillo T-shirt

The perfect T-shirt doesn’t exi… wait? If you take a closer look at De Petrillo style, you’re sure to change your mind. It’s spun from soft cotton in a rich brown hue, and structure with small slits at the hem, so it’s guaranteed to fall neatly over any pair of trousers.
17. The everyday Fernando Jorge bracelet

Inspired by the styles that were popular in the 1970s, Fernando Jorge’s 18-karat bracelet is a subtle yet refined way to elevate your everyday fits. Wear it next to a timepiece or stacked with different metals.
18. The practical Marni tote

We’ve recently published a handy style guide on the eight bags that every man can ever need – and a practical tote such as Marni’s is definitely up there. It’s subtly detailed with the brand’s moniker in white and generously size, so it’s sure to fit all your daily essentials.
19. The Altea smart-casual chinos

Altea’s trousers are the kind of staple you can dress up or down, so they’re perfect to pack for a holiday. Wear them with a T-shirt for daytime exploring, and swap the top for a button-up come evening. The neatly pressed creases give them a smarter feel.
20. The retro Polo Ralph Lauren cap

Polo Ralph Lauren is deeply rooted in quintessential American style – and this baseball cap is a perfect example. It’s inspired by classic Ivy League baseball caps and lightly faded for a worn-in, vintage appeal.