Our 8 essential summer style pieces – and where to buy them
Gentleman’s Journal head to Bicester Village to seek out the best deals to help you beat the heat this summer
Words: Jonathan Wells
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With the sun blazing away in the sky as it is, there’s only so much strolling back and forth up Bond Street and past the boutiques of Mayfair that we can handle. It’s stuffy in the city, but with the weather so warm we’ve needed to brave the sweltering streets to adapt our wardrobe for summer. It’s a relentless, roasting problem.
But there is an answer to this problem. Bicester Village, a luxury shopping destination just one hour outside of London, is a haven of more than 160 boutiques and shops. They’re cool, not cramped and they each offer exceptional savings on world-famous brands. Paired with the on-site cafes and restaurants, it makes for a perfect shopping destination.
And, if you need any further convincing to jump on a train at London’s Marylebone station, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best bargains to be had at Bicester Village this summer.
For the man jetting off: Orlebar Brown Sunshine Bulldog Swim Shorts
There are few swimwear brands that hold the appeal of Orlebar Brown. Cut slim to your leg, and cast in bright, bold colours, they are the perfect swim shorts to make a statement on the beach or by the pool – or, in this weather, even at your local lido. In a characteristically balmy shade, known as sunshine, these are less than half price at Bicester Village.
For the adventurer: Ray Ban wood clubmaster sunglasses from David Clulow
If there’s anything that can up the cool factor of your outfit, it’s a pair of sunglasses. These, from Ray-Ban & David Clulow, particularly emanate that brand of alpha-male, macho energy we’re all going for. And they could be yours for just £200. Now who wouldn’t pay that to give their social standing a jump-start?
For those lazy days: Reiss Brown Lounge Blazer
We all like to lounge, but a gentleman never ascribes to the tatty t-shirt and jogger shorts look. Instead, we relax by relaxing our tailoring, and this jacket by Reiss is the perfect way to eschew tight, uncomfortable cuts without sacrificing your style. It’s an ideal summer jacket and, at Bicester Village, you can find it with almost £100 off its original price.
For the man in the office this summer: Hackett Linen Knitted Tie
There aren’t many of us who haven’t managed to escape the office even once this summer, but a heatwave can make the hours clock-watching drag on even more. At least if you’re dressed appropriately, the heat won’t beat you down – and that’s where Hackett come in. This linen tie is formal, light enough to wear during summer, and less than £50 at Bicester Village.
For the forward planner: Belstaff Speedmaster Jacket
Although it may not feel like it, Autumn is well and truly on its way. We’re barreling through August, will soon hit September and before you know it, the jacket season will be upon us. And that means it’s time to equip yourself.
No-one knows the British outdoors quite like Belstaff, and no-one makes leather jackets like the Staffordshire-based brand, either. Similarly, no-one discounts them quite like Bicester Village, where this sumptuous leather jacket is going for under a third of its original price.
For everyday style: Paul Smith Dark Navy Suede Levon Trainers
There’s not much Paul Smith can’t do. The man is a wizard of men’s fashion – and he’s earned the stripes to prove it. And, while his signature striped patterning doesn’t appear anywhere on these navy suede trainers, they remain a brilliant, and incredibly versatile addition to your wardrobe.
For the keen cyclist: Rapha City Packable Jacket
Believe it or not, the city too will cool off in a couple of months. And, when it does, those of us who cycle to work every day will have to shrug something over our shirt to ensure our teeth aren’t chattering by the time we’re locking up our bikes. Rapha, thankfully, have come to the rescue with their City Packable Jacket – and Bicester Village, even more thankfully, are offering it for a mere £65.
For the big spender: Paul Smith Men’s Billfold Wallet
It’s true that, during summer, we’re more likely to carry our card holders than big bulky wallets. With slim cut pockets to fill rather than coat pockets it’s not the season for billfolds, but we can’t resist this Paul Smith special. Characteristically colourful, Bicester Village have shaved a third off the original price of £120 meaning that your wallet won’t be slimming down any time soon…
Looking to put the finishing touch to your new outfit? These are the best all-black watches you can buy right now…
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