How to stay stylish on the beach
The trouble with summer is that it can make people lazy. The heat slows us down, wears us out and as a result, often voids us of any style credibility. When the sun comes out, so to does an array of style sins that should be banished for eternity, and this is no more notable than when on or around the beach. Here’s how to stay stylish on everyone’s favourite summer destination.
THE TOPS, , One of the aforementioned style sins we are talking about are vests. For some reason or another these have become acceptable in the summer, yet there’s nothing more unrefined and that’s before we start talking about tan lines. A quality polo shirt should be the garment of choice for the modern gentleman and as they’re available in a range of breathable fabrics, there really is no excuse not to wear one. This season saw a number of towelling examples on offer, so you can just throw one on after a dip in the sea and be dry in no time.
Orlebar Brown Terry Towelling Petrol Polo Shirt, £95 from Orlebar Brown
THE BOTTOMS, , Don’t neglect your swim shorts. Baggy board shorts might have been cool in your youth, but they’re simply not acceptable any more. A surge in the popularity of tailored swim shorts has seen a number of brands produce pieces that are smart enough to be worn away from the beach and this is what you should be aiming for.
Orlebar Brown Bulldog Sky Swim Shorts, £135 from Orlebar Brown
THE SHOES, , Yes, you read right. Shoes. Flip flops have no place in the gentleman’s wardrobe and as such should be avoided at all costs. Instead, go for a pair of espadrilles, which offer all of the comfort and easy slip-on nature of their evil cousins, but without any of the added tasteless vulgarity.
Toms Classic University Espadrilles, £36.99 from Selfridges
THE SUNGLASSES, , Sunglasses are an accessory that can go very wrong. Rather than trying to make a statement, purchase a classic style that has transcended time periods and outlasted fleeting trends.
Cutler and Cross 1032 Brown, £310 from Liberty
THE HAT, , Headwear is important on the beach for obvious reasons. Instead of hiding from the sun in a baseball cap, try a Panama hat for size. They have been the summer choice of countless style icons over the decades and are currently experiencing a resurgence within the menswear world, so you can’t go far wrong.
Lock & Co Wide Brim Panama, £235 from Lock & Co Hatters
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
