I’d like to think that the modern day gent has moved beyond the generalisation that shirts are only appropriate for formal events and the office, but I’m sure there are a few who still believe this is so. The truth is shirts are one of the most versatile pieces of a man’s wardrobe, and can be adapted for any such environment from business meetings to a pint at the pub. It’s versatile because there are so many different styles now available. It’s not 1824, dress shirts aren’t the only option hanging in the wardrobe, we have a whole array of varieties to play with now. During the winter we may favour the thicker flannel and woven woollen to protect us from the cold, but during the summer it’s all about lightweight cottons and linen for that riviera look. This Spring/ Summer there are four key styles that should be adopted in preparation for the warmer weather…Lets take a walk through them.
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BOTANICAL
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of flower power. It’s not emasculating you, it’s actually pretty much the norm for this time of year. When I say floral I don’t necessarily mean hawaiian print shirts, it could be anything from minute delicate flowers to smudged watercolours; flowers are flowers. Those big bold hawaiian prints are actually becoming ridiculously cool and have been embraced by many designers – you should no longer fear for looking like an overtly keen tourist. But if you’re not quite ready to go bold, a nice micro-print shirt is the ideal starting point for the floral novice. Whether it’s a neatly tailored piece or casual cotton for the weekend, botanical prints are officially an essential. For something a little more unusual look to Paul Smith…
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From left to right – Diesel, YMC, Paul Smith PS
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FOR FORMALITY
It’s pretty much a given. A smart shirt is something that ALL men, no matter whether or not you wear one everyday or just for weddings, funerals and christenings, should have hanging in their wardrobe. A little fun fact for you all, shirts were originally worn as an undergarment… So except for the fact that we no longer keep our underwear and shirts in the same drawer, the general design hasn’t changed much over the years. A shirt provides an opportunity to bring character to a plain suit or add a little colour to an otherwise bland ensemble, so it’s important to think about what you want from the dress shirt. For this season there’s a whole array of bold colours, innovative prints and intricate designs that will definitely spruce up your uniform.
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From left to right – Antony Morato, Paul Smith Ps, Vivienne Westwood
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CREATURE FEATURE
You need something else to go alongside your bit of flower power, but the questions is what? The thing is nowadays there’s a whole crazy mix of different motifs and patterns available each season, some years focusing on a few in particular (remember camo circa 2012?) and this year the illustrative animals/birds and figures are being favoured. It’s nothing exotic that’s tickled these designer’s fancy, wholesome and recognisable creatures are being delicately brought to life on fine cotton shirts, bringing a sense of light hearted-ness to our summer wardrobes.Plus they’re really fun to stare at…Paul Smith has done a lovely shirt which comes in both long sleeve and short, that features tiny little painted figures spaced out over the plain cotton – it’s a great shirt to spice up your work uniform!
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From left to right – Barbour, William Fox & Sons, Vivienne Westwood
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SHORT STUFF
You can totally disregard any current affiliations you may have with short sleeved shirts and 90s IT techies, the time has passed for associating this style with the fashion challenged man. It’s actually turning around to being one of the key looks of the season. When you think about it, it’s actually the perfect piece for the warmer months with it’s lightweight material and shorter sleeves providing a more comfortable choice, both in the office and on holiday. I do get this lovely sense of holiday nostalgia from short sleeved shirts, something that reminds me of well dressed Europeans walking along the riviera oozing style and sophistication. Jealous? Perhaps so, but it’s a great look for when the predicted heat wave hits or you pack up your suitcase for a sunnier climate this summer.
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From left to right – Paul & Shark, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren Polo