THE JOURNAL
Variety is the spice of life, vive la difference. We support mixing things up with our figurative wardrobe at MR PORTER, especially in these contemporary times when, thankfully, dressing is more about adventure and expression rather than conforming to any preconceived rules. But there are caveats. Mostly when it is hot. If you are red-faced and sweating buckets at a summer wedding beneath your wool suit, it defeats the object of that admittedly lovely suit, and clothing in general – which is to bring you and others joy (after the primary purpose of covering your flesh, of course).
And so, in these summer months, we must learn to love linen. In a big way. Hence why below we are showing you how to dress head to toe in the stuff. You can still express yourself and colour outside the lines of course – the bold colours and prints attest to that – but in terms of material? These looks are strictly all linen everything. Same same, then (but different).
01.
The Mr P. garment-dyed shirt
A shade of pistachio ice cream – or is it mint choc chip? Either way, this breezy linen shirt from our private label Mr P. is just the thing for summer. Complement it with a jacket in a darker tone like this moss-coloured one from Hartford and finish it all off with these white shorts from Polo Ralph Lauren, which will work to lift the green tones in the rest of the outfit.
Wear it with
02.
The Thom Sweeney linen bomber jacket
Super Bomberman is a stone-cold classic multiplayer game and a mid-1990s Nintendo essential. But it is also what passersby will find themselves saying every time you pull on this piece. The classic flight jacket in a breezy linen fabric, it will go with anything, but why not a striped tee and white, smart trousers?
Wear it with
03.
The Frescobol Carioca camp-collar printed shirt
This leafy print camp-collared shirt by Rio de Janeiro-native beachwear label Frescobol Carioca, made from an airy linen, is the perfect layer for a day at the beach, or summer in the city. Style with a creamy linen T-shirt, such as this one by NN07, a breezy pair of Hartford linen khaki shorts and maybe some Birkenstocks or sneakers.
Wear it with
04.
The Corridor floral-print shirt
Wearing two items of clothing made from very summer-appropriate material? So far so practical. But there is nothing sensible or straightforward about wearing a matching set adorned with butterflies, or investing in pieces crafted by artisans in a small workshop in Madras, India, which is what you’re getting here. Coming back to the practicalities, though, don’t forget to wrap up at night – and that’s where the Donegal cardigan comes into play.
Wear it with
05.
The Folk unstructured linen-blend blazer
Appearing somewhat polished in the heat can be tricky. On especially balmy days, there’s nothing less appealing than sliding into suit, no matter how exquisitely tailored. Instead, for your next swish summer do, try this camel-coloured blazer by our good friends at Folk. Its unstructured fit lends it a nonchalance that feels fitting for the season, while the breathable linen-cotton combo will ensure you’re not reduced to a sweaty, frazzled mess before the festivities even begin.