A change in season also brings about an element of unease and uncertainty when it comes to dressing for work. You feel comfortable in your familiar Paul Smith navy travel suit, black John Lobb oxfords and reliable Mackintosh overcoat, but now you want to make the transition into summertime business-casual. Dressing for business in the summer means you can experiment with fabric choices and colour to achieve a Florence-worthy, Pitti Uomo kind of street-style look. When in doubt, do as the Italians do and opt for suiting and jackets in cotton or linen, wear chinos of a different colour and add a bit of playfulness to your traditional pieces. The key is looking good – and appropriate – when beating the heat, and have confidence in centuries of Italian tradition with that effortless ‘sprezzatura’.
The double-breasted jacket is a foundation in the modern male wardrobe. This season, it’s distinctly more youthful, thanks to a new slim and long shape. In a neutral stone hue, bringing a lightness in colour, this double-breasted jacket from Brunello Cucinelli will add a more casual touch to such a traditional piece. It’s tailored from breathable linen, wool and silkblend and cut with sharp peak lapels. Best worn with casual trousers and loafers for easy-going sophistication.
Officine Generale is known for mixing tailoring and workwear with particular skill – thanks to Mr Pierre Mahéo, who insists on using the finest fabrics such as Japanese selvedge Oxford cloths for his Parisian label. This Japanese cotton-jersey T-shirt is exceptionally wearable, with its versatile marl-grey fabric that has a subtle, irregularly striped effect.
Incotex’s chinos should be a mainstay in your wardrobe. Their impeccably cut trousers, crafted with exquisite attention to detail, have a comfortable notched waist and are finished with a hidden coin pocket. They are extremely versatile and can be worn for work and more casually on the weekend with simple sweatshirt and sneakers.
A pair of espadrilles is a perfect finishing touch to this look. Whilst these rope-soled shoes have always been welcome at the beach, they also bring a simple, classic aesthetic to your overall look. In particular, these exclusively designed suede espadrilles from Mulo allow a stylishly smooth transition from day to evening.
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This article was published in The Produktkulturmagazin issue Q2 2016. Picture credit © Mr Porter
