With sweltering heat, sizzling grills, and scorching sun, summer makes it hard to be cool unless you’re relaxing on a pool float with an ice-cold drink. It’s especially challenging to stay suave without breaking a sweat during outdoor working lunches and long conference days with even longer nights. Whether you’re hibernating in the A/C or hitting the beach post-work, here are the light, airy accessories and breathable, versatile clothes you need to keep your body temperature down and your style turned up as you go from business to pleasure.
Easily removable, lightweight layers are the key to navigating the back and forth between A/C and outside air—plus nighttime temperature drops. Rely on seasonal fabric friends like cotton and linen, and layer a fitted, printed short-sleeve (like the Patrick James Abstract Print Shirt) or a structured tank (like GANNI’s White Ruffle Tank Top) under a linen blazer. One of our favorites for serving smart-yet-relaxed European seaside style is Brunello Cucinelli’s Double-Breasted Herringbone Linen Suit Jacket. Tailored vests like Banana Republic’s Palma Linen Vest and stretchable trousers like Bonobos’ Italian Stretch Linen Suit Pants both pair equally well with throwing down deals at meetings as they do throwing shapes on the dance floor. A pair of muted Espadrilles like the Edna Espadrille Wedge Sandal also keep feet cool and comfy from boardroom to boardwalk.
To enjoy the rays without the UV exposure, carry a woven trillby hat in bold colors, like the Paul Smith Artist Stripe Hat, and a pair of statement sunglasses with large frames and colorful lenses. The iconic LEMTOSH black with custom made tints (like Purple Nurple) from MOSCOT go well with any occasion.
Of course, no outfit would be complete without a little flourish. A vibrant but basic belt, like Elliot Rhode’s Sunflower Dauphin Satin Prong Belt, adds pop with minimal material, and an aquatic, beach-themed fragrance like Imaginary Authors’ Falling into the Sea will bring sunshine wherever you go.
1 Abstract print shirt, Patrick James: $175 2 LEMTOSH sunglasses, MOSCOT: $370 3 Ruffle tank top, GANNI: $195 4 Linen suit jacket, Brunello Cucinelli: $4,195 5 Palma linen vest, Banana Republic: $250 6 Stretch linen pants, Bonobos: $140 7 Edna espadrille wedge sandal, Veronica Beard: $350 8 Artist stripe raffia hat, Paul Smith: $140 9 Satin prong belt, Elliot Rhodes: $195 10 Falling into the Sea fragrance, Imaginary Authors: $105
