Off-duty looks for men this summer take their cue from two summer staples -a crisp linen shirt (preferably in white) and a pair of beige chinos. Worn with a pair of sandals or trainers, this is the sort of failsafe uniform men of all ages can enjoy.
Sure, it might seem a little tame for those who prefer to stand out in bold colours, but it's a fresh combination that will see plenty of mileage throughout the warmer months and can transform with the swift addition of a relaxed blazer for casual evening events.
Take, for example, the cornflower blue, deconstructed blazer from Gubb & Mackie (#6). Available in tan, navy and khaki, it's the perfect throw-on piece, requiring little maintenance. The menswear retailer opened up its flagship store in June and has continued to build on the growing sector of menswear that perfectly toes the line between smart and casual. The addition of complementary imports such as Melbourne-based men's accessories brand Christian Kimber and last week's arrival of premium Japanese denim brand orSlow has helped solidify its presence in the local menswear market as the purveyors of the tidy casual dress code that's resonating with a growing number of men who prefer their clothes to work overtime.
The team behind upmarket streetwear brand I Love Ugly have also enjoyed success, with their distinctive brand of sportswear-meets-off-the-rack tailoring finding success and a loyal following of millennials and mature customers alike in New Zealand, Sydney and Los Angeles, where the brand has opened up its own stores.
