As the city heats up, I find knowing what to wear can get more difficult. We all want to look stylish whilst staying comfortable in the summer heat, however picking out an outfit suitable for work and leisure, with the perfect balance of comfort and style, doesn’t come easy to everyone.

Dressing well in the heat isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling good and staying cool, allowing you to enjoy the season without compromising on your look.

I wanted to share a few of my need-to-know tips, to help you get through the summer without any wardrobe mishaps and so you can make the most of your next visit to Sloane Street.

1. Choose the right fabrics.
When the temperature rises, I will always choose to wear natural fabrics like cotton and linen. They’re breathable and lightweight, helping to keep you cool and dry. Unlike synthetic materials, natural fabrics are ideal for staying comfortable and give an effortlessly stylish appearance. Layer them up for a laid-back resort look, or opt for lightweight structured pieces for a more work-appropriate ensemble.

2. The right footwear is key
People say you can always judge a man by his shoes, and during the summer, it is no different. The right footwear is key to staying cool and looking presentable. You want shoes that are both breathable and stylish. For more formal occasions, opt for suede loafers. Tod’s can always be relied upon to turn out a stylish array of seasonal colours. For those more relaxed moments – weekend lunches and BBQs, and on holiday – go for espadrilles or even a quality pair of leather sandals to keep your feet comfortable and sweat-free. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Hermès Chypre sandals; they’re a modern classic.

Footwear can make or break an outfit, turning a basic look into something effortlessly cool – or jarring and ruining an otherwise well-put-together look. So, ditch the heavy shoes and outdated wide-strap nylon flip-flops and slip into something classically elegant to enjoy summer in style and comfort. On a side note, make sure your feet are pedicured at one of the neighbourhood’s gentlemen’s grooming spots. Nobody wants to be looking at your unruly hoofs all summer long.

3. Lighter is better!
Choosing light-coloured clothes in summer is a game-changer for staying cool. Say goodbye to your heavier, darker pieces and opt for light shades like white, blues, and neutrals. Beyond comfort, light-coloured clothes give off a fresh, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for the season. They’re versatile, easily pairing with different pieces in your wardrobe, and they tend to look cleaner and crisper, which is ideal when you’re aiming for an easygoing yet polished summer look. Whether you’re strolling down Sloane Street or the deck of a yacht, it’s a simple way to beat the heat and elevate your summer fashion game.

4. Elevate your look, even when you’re off duty
Getting your casual weekend attire right is just as important as what you wear in the boardroom. Elevating your off-duty style is about blending comfort with classic pieces—perfect for achieving the famed Talented Mr Ripley aesthetic. Start with the basics: a well-fitted T-shirt or polo in a light, breathable fabric. Swap out your usual baggy shorts for something more tailored that ends mid-thigh or a lightweight pair of trousers to add a bit more sophistication without sacrificing comfort.

I can’t overstate this: footwear really can make or break your look. In addition to the options above, a pair of clean white sneakers will keep you comfortable while stepping up your style game. They effortlessly work with everything from shorts to linen trousers and summer tailoring. 

And accessories are your secret weapon—think a sophisticated timepiece like a Cartier Santos de Cartier, a classic brown leather belt, or a pair of sunglasses with a classic frame like Oliver Peoples’s Gregory Peck style.

5. Layering is your best friend.
Even in the heat, it’s important to layer to add texture and depth to your outfit for an effortlessly sharp look. Whether you’re in London or on the Med, the evenings can get cooler, and stepping into a crisply air-conditioned space can sometimes feel like you’ve walked into a freezer after being in the heat. Layering with lightweight pieces can help you stay comfortable, no matter how the temperature fluctuates. 

Opt for a light jacket or an unstructured linen blazer for cooler evenings or the office, and layer these with a cotton or linen shirt or a breezy tee. Look to Giorgio Armani, the OG of unstructured tailoring, for blazers and head to Rag & Bone for more casual options. 

For a more relaxed look, wear an open shirt over a printed vest or T-shirt. This will inject some personality while adding a point of interest with a mix of textures and layers.

With summer attire, it’s about finding the right balance of practicality and style. Fabric choices and a balanced colour palette are where you can make the biggest impact, injecting moments of refinement among thoughtfully chosen casual garments. 

As you step out onto the eternally stylish Sloane Street, embrace the laid-back vibe but with a touch of structure to carry you through the season’s end in one of London’s most elevated shopping locations.