From sunglasses to fragrance to fashion – here is how to prepare for summer …
Main Image; @cowieadam
SUBTLE SHADES
No need to go crazy, or even too interesting, when it comes to sunglasses. A subtle update on a classic style will keep you looking current. In for summer are chunkier versions of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and aviators, like the tobacco-hued Lansdowne style (in main image €200) by Taylor Morris; www.taylormorriseyewear.com. Square frames look great with smart tailoring; subtle see-through frames are flattering on most skin tones and all-black D-frames never go out of style.
Green squareframe sunglasses, €79, at Cos, 6-8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.
Tortoiseshell D-Frame sunglasses, €69.95, at Massimo Dutti, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16.
SMART POLOS
A knitted polo shirt is a must-have for summer, in fine merino wool, a silk mix or ribbed cotton and linen. A good fabric (butter-soft to handle), a slimmish fit and button or zipper fastenings are key. Check out affordable options by Cos and Arket or go designer with Gucci and Barena. Image; Ecru Marco ribbed linen/cotton mix polo shirt, Barena, €290; www.mrporter.com.
MODERN CORDUROY
Everybody loves a good comeback story! No longer reserved for geography teachers, style lovers are making room for super-lightweight new wave cotton corduroys. Style yours with lace-up boots or sneakers. Look at Marks & Spencer, Levi’s and Nudie Jeans. Head-to-toe cord a bridge too far? Try a corduroy shirt unbuttoned over a white or stripey tee. Image; St John by Drake’s corduroy chore suit; www.drakes.com.
Pistachio cotton corduroy shirt, Reiss, €170, at Arnotts.
IF YOU BUY ONE THING
Summer is an opportunity to undertake a ruthless closet clearout and to upgrade the most-loved – therefore the most-worn – items in your wardrobe. Linen jackets tend to last a couple of summers at most, much longer and they take on a tired look. A sort of modern man’s summer uniform, an unlined linen jacket with patch pockets has a casual and relaxed feel; as work and off-duty wardrobe lines are increasingly blurred, it looks appropriate for most meetings and after-work dinners. One of the nicest ways to wear is tone on tone: a navy jacket looks great paired with a navy tee or knit. Image; Linen unlined blazers, €550 each; www.hackett.com.
Denim blue Finn patch pocket linen blazer, €349, at Magee 1866, South Anne Street, Dublin 2.
A SINGLE SCENT
You want to wear something striking yet subtle, sophisticated and original? Meet Énbarr, Cloon Keen’s seductively leathery oud and geranium scent, with twists of saffron, fennel and thyme. It’s currently up for an international award, and for good reason; this gender-fluid eau de parfum ensures you’re the best-smelling person in the room. €170. www.cloonkeen.com.
HAIR UPDATE
It could be time to grow your hair out, if you can … long or textured choppy layers are in this this summer, as are messy quiffs. Big hair, basically. Lay off the scissors, and upgrade condition with simple effective haircare, such as the affordable Aveeno Scalp-Soothing range.
MAN – ICURE
Neaten your nails. Treat yourself to pro tools, from buffers to cuticle balms; the most chic and practical are by Official Navy Professional; www.navyprofessional.com. Image; Bery; basic clippers, €40.89; www.navyprofessional.com.