THE JOURNAL

The MR PORTER Buyers, Editors and Stylists select the most arresting examples from our shelves.
In the MR PORTER office, we’re feeling blue. No, not in that way – hold the Prozac for now. This sensation we are experiencing is simply a strong desire to invest in a certain spring colour. You might argue that this is an affliction all the same – a consumerist kind of illness. If so, we have not found a cure at present.
The cause is simple: the place is awash with the stuff. Indigo denim shirts, royal blue macs, navy polo shirts – the spring collections are big on blue, and it is one of our own Trends. But, why?
Apart from the obvious associations with spring freshness, blue is synonymous with denim and workwear (see Junya Watanabe) – two other key themes we are happily wearing this season. Statistically, it is most people’s favourite colour, which always helps. And it has been revered for quite some time. The ancient Egyptians were fans; they used the blue semi-precious stone lapis lazuli to colour jewellery, and believed it had life-giving power. (We think similarly when wearing a blue shirt to hide a hangover.) And, statistically, mostly blue images on Instagram receive significantly more interaction than images dominated by other colours. So, that’s settled then. Why ever not blue?

“Colour affects your mood and those around you. When the sky is grey and drizzly, as it often is during April’s showers, people get a bit grumpy. So brighten up everyone’s day – mainly yours – by splashing out on a cheery mac. This vivid hue of blue puts me in mind of the French Riviera, la dolce vita and the photographs of Mr Slim Aarons. It’ll make the red stripes of this Margaret Howell T-shirt pop and bring out the blue detailing on these new Common Projects sneakers – which aren’t quite so practical for wearing in the rain, but who cares?”

“A zip polo in duck-egg blue. This is the kind of thing that you might have expected to see on Richie Cunningham in Happy Days. Only, if he’d worn it as Lanvin now does it, he’d have been much cooler than The Fonz. Even without the motorbike. There are a few 1950s-inspired polos and shirts this season, but I particularly like the way this one contrasts an almost too-lurid retro blue with a very industrial leaden grey. It’s homely but futuristic at the same time – not necessarily a look I’ve particularly aspired to in the past, but now I’ve seen it, I’m keen.”

“Sunspel does the simple things very well, and I see this Henley as a wardrobe workhorse. Classic, comfortable and versatile, it’s also… blue – much like this sweater I have my eye on. In a punchy azure hue, it instantly puts me in mind of sunshine and, therefore, my impending holiday. This jacket from Arc’teryx Veilance is sharply cut, technically advanced and lightweight enough to stuff in a bag – so I won’t be caught out when it pours.”

“It’s that time of year again when the weather can change at any second, so I’m on the look out for a clever piece to see me through the transition period. This nifty windbreaker has all the functionality to keep the rain at bay and is a pleasing royal blue. I’ll be pairing the jacket with an easy pair of navy chinos and spring-fresh sneakers. I call it the look of optimism.”

“I already have this in black, so can vouch first-hand for how good a piece it is. Known for its hardwearing and waterproof outerwear, Arc’teryx Veilance also makes these unbelievable lightweight, super breathable shell jackets. Roll it up into a ball, put it in your bag and then throw it on whenever. It’s so versatile, but I’d pair it with a blue Oxford shirt and some lightweight shorts for an easy, smart, summer-in-the-city look.”

“The clocks went forward last weekend, and that can mean only one thing: another great British summer is just around the corner. I’d best be thinking about getting a coat, then. This marvellous field jacket from White Mountaineering should do: it looks as if it was made for hunkering down against the elements on a Cornish beach. Just add a Breton tee, navy shorts and a pair of beaten-up deck shoes and you’re good to go.”

“The cotton piqué makes this navy blue Sebastian soft to the touch, while the collar gives it a slightly retro look. The button detail on the arm cuff is a nice point of difference from some of the more ubiquitous brands you’ll see at the 19th hole. Toss in a pair of Winchester trousers from my friends at Freemans Sporting Club, some Edward Green suede loafers and then all you need is some ginger beer and Gosling’s Rum for the perfect summer sartorial cocktail.”

“Made exclusively for Junya Watanabe by French heritage brand Hervier, this jacket is an interesting way to wear indigo. It uses patches of different shades, textures and weights of cotton and has black leather panels to emphasise the ‘work’ element. These dark green chinos, which are easy round the waist but tapered slim through the leg, and a pair of classic tennis sneakers will provide the perfect accompaniment.”