We know that summer means a string of social events – but what we don’t always know is what to wear to them. As the days warm up, your calendar starts to fill. And suddenly, almost inexplicably, the schedule is looking a little busy. Wedding invites still come in thick and fast, but so too do birthdays, summer parties, grand openings, pub afternoons and sporting set pieces. And any of us hoping for a little downtime under the sun might find ourselves disappointed.

However, a busy summer is no bad thing. You just need to get your wardrobe right. With that in mind, we’ve endeavoured to offer outfit assistance to five key summer parties. All you need to do is turn up on time (have you considered a new watch?).

There will be dancing, there will be speeches, there will be a fancy dinner, perhaps even more than one change of outfits. Wearing a suit in scorching heat is never easy. What you need is flowing fabrics and lightweight layers that billow in the breeze. Opt for a full two-piece, or, if the dress code is a little more lenient, just a camp-collar shirt and trousers. Those should be wide enough to allow a little airflow to your legs, and long enough to just kiss a pair of great leather loafers. Fun accessories are allowed here – J. Mueser makes a brilliant leopard print tie, else De Petrillo’s colourful pocket squares offer a bright point of difference.

The Great British summer’s sporting calendar is one to be envied, but beyond the drama, it offers us punters the chance to get dressed up. If you’ve managed to find your way into a box at Wimbledon, for example, you need to look the part. First, in true classic sporting style, a blazer – beige works well in the heat, particularly if it’s De Petrillo’s unstructured linen style. If you opt for matching trousers, colourful shirt or club tie can add a touch visual interest to the look. Tennis whites – in summer, no brainer – can also be a good shout. Linen trousers and a polo shirt are as suited as it gets (particularly if it’s from Polo Ralph Lauren’s Wimbledon collection). Round it all off with a pair of penny loafers.

You know the deal: trays of champagne at the door, canapés wafting through the crowd, the occasional off-duty celeb and everyone on their coolest behaviour. You need a look that says you belong in the art crowd, but aren’t governed by it. Drake’s makes a mesh-knit polo that smart enough to wear over suit trousers that show you haven’t tried your absolute hardest. Kardo’s softly embroidered blazer in terracotta feels right at home, too. Sunglasses are a necessity. As for the footwear, the shoes du jour are the ones made to never touch the ground.

Famously tricky to dress for, the office summer party represents a sartorial tightrope, but one that can certainly be navigated with a little consideration. First off: no ties (unless requested) and stiff collared shirts should probably be avoided, too. A blazer you could do, but it would need to be very informal. Best off opting for a low-key shirt over a vest or tank top. Something by Drake’s or TOM FORD would be ideal: interesting and easy-going, but not outlandish. Pair it with lightweight tailored trousers and easy wearing loafers or soft deck shoes. Finish the look with a sleek bag and a great watch – when the boss is on the invite list, it’s best not to arrive fashionably late.

A weekend in the country (estate) offers the opportunity to go full preppy, so take inspiration from the likes of Saltburn, Brideshead Revisited and all those 1990s Polo Ralph Lauren campaigns. You may as well start with Polo Ralph Lauren itself, with a classic button-down collar linen shirt. Then, get your hands on a pair of wide-leg pleated trousers – collegiate enough with horsebit loafers – or shorts. For dinner, a twill jacket from Brunello Cucinelli over pleated trousers and loafers will do.