Our style experts answer your most pressing sartorial issues.

Summer is, fairly palpably, here. And don’t we know it. And don’t you know it. The sunny season dominates this week’s questions, with one of you asking us about an affordable summer suit option, and another man wondering about a casual yet smart look for an office in the heat. For those of you not in the throes of such weather, we were also tasked with packing the perfect “dopp kit”. That’s wash bag or grooming kit to our non-US readers. Find out what we had to say on all of these matters, below.

**Essentials for a dopp kit? ** From reeceburnettofficial, via Instagram

Time was, Mr Reece Burnett (official), when a grooming bag or wash bag (the terms for “dopp kit” here in the UK) could be filled with a cheap aftershave, a razor and some Brylcreem. But, for better or worse, today’s man is much more aware of his appearance, and, as such, requires many more accoutrements to sustain it. A modern dopp kit can include all manner of lotions and potions – more embalming agents than an Egyptian king. But there are some things, if you are being frugal, that are must-haves. First up? A decent cleanser. Try this by Grown Alchemist. Then – a moisturiser, preferably with SPF, like this one by LAB Series. You’ll need a good tub of stuff to keep your hair the way you like it. This pomade from Patricks ought to do the trick. And a shampoo by Bumble And bumble to wash it out with. This exfoliating bar will do very well for cleaning your body. Throw in a good razor (the lather from the soap will do for shaving foam), toothbrush and toothpaste – and you’re good to go.

**What is a good *affordable* option for a suit for a wedding this summer that I won’t just wear once but also isn’t your standard 9-5 office wear?

From 4sctrpathfinder ,via Instagram**

That’s a toughie there, Mr Kieran Watkins. The reason is, in essence, you are after three distinct things: you need it to be appropriate for your pal’s summer nuptials, you want your colleagues to not raise their brows at the sight of it, and judging by your use of those asterisks, you really, really want it to not be too dear.

Now let’s attend to the first necessity – if it is a summer wedding then you need to opt for a seersucker or cotton-poplin blend if you don’t want to look like a boiled ham. Wool is a no-no here. Now to the second of your conditions: you want it to be appropriate for work. Well, this almost plays into your first request too, because a blue suit will look pleasing at the wedding but will also serve you for many years to come in the office. Few colours oblige so well in the summer as blue. Now to the most important thing: it ought not be heart-breakingly pricey. Well, you can relax because we know just what you need. Hugo Boss’s navy nobis slim-fit cotton-poplin suit (and a nice pocket square from Paul Smith).

**What can I wear for the office that will look summer casual and smart? ** From tunayoney, via Instagram

Cracking the “smart casual” thing is tricky at the best of times, and doesn’t get any easier when you throw the summertime dilemma of wearing something sharp enough for the office that will also look the part on a sweltering city street. Still, we think the key lies, as if often does, in keeping things simple. With that in mind, start with a camp-collar shirt. Although the style most notably comes in vivid Versace-esque cocktail prints, there are a few – see these from Officine Generale and NN07 – that come in plain colours that will look smart enough to take to the office, but still retain the carefree and casual élan that good summer dressing demands. Darker colours on top will look best in the summer with some light beige chinos, or if you’d like to take the smartness up a notch, some proper suit trousers in cotton, like these from Paul Smith. For your feet, nothing will finish a smart summer look off better than a pair of backless horsebit Gucci loafers. When the sun’s out, don’t forget a pair of shades – Ray-Ban’s timeless Clubmasters will always see you right. And, when it goes in (or the air-con in the office is turned up a bit too high), throw on an unstructured blazer or overshirt, such as this one from Folk.

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