THE JOURNAL

If, like MR PORTER, you live in the northern hemisphere, you’re probably ready to put the grey days of winter behind you and salute the arrival of warmer weather. Summer is, ironically, both the season when we wear the fewest clothes and the one that presents the most problems in terms of what to wear. Sandals or no sandals? How short should shorts be? And so on, which is why we’ve tried to keep our checklist concise this year.
We travelled to the Indian Ocean’s breath-taking beaches to shoot the summer wardrobe of dreams. From BODE’s handmade shirts to must-have accessories, beach-ready essentials and even jewellery, here’s a quick run-through of everything you need to make a splash in the coming months.
01.
Layer up

When the weather gets warmer, your first instinct is often to wear less. But you know full well that, especially on vacation, you’re likely to go from baking hot sun to air-conditioned hotel and back faster than you can say, “One margarita, please”. Packing layers that keep you cool, and stylish, in the heat is the move here. Go for light and airy options, such as this co-ordinating shirt and shorts set from Folk, and round off your look with accessories. Officine Générale’s bucket hat and Maria Black’s smiley face necklace will do.
02.
Make the details count

The finishing touches can make or break an outfit and summer calls for a well-chosen set of accessories. We’d suggest starting with a good beach bag, then thinking about what to put in it. This one, by Marni, is spacious enough to store all your holiday essentials, from a beach towel to a tablet or book and Acne Studios’ bucket hat. A good pair of sunglasses is a must-have, too. Much like your signature scent or grooming routine, shades are personal. Once you’ve found a pair that works, it’s hard to try something new. But we encourage experimentation and, handily, we have plenty to tempt you on MR PORTER, including this pair by Cubitts.
03.
Say “yes” to prints

With the colder days, we hope, behind us, now’s the time to shed some outerwear. Where to start? Say “yes” to adventurous colours, prints and patterns. They aren’t always easy to get right, so we suggest you start with something low-key that works with your existing wardrobe. Looking for inspiration? The current collections from Séfr, SMR Days and BODE, among others, are awash with a vibrant array of prints, from geometric and striped patterns to florals, tie-dyes and abstract motifs. This SMR Days’ shirt is a great example. Wear yours solo or leave it open over a plain tank top.
04.
Choose your fabrics wisely

One way to make dressing up in summer more enjoyable is to choose layers that won’t cling as you breeze through the hottest months of the year. Pick relaxed silhouettes to allow air to flow and choose your fabrics wisely. Cotton is certainly a more heat-appropriate fabric than anything you’d wear in the trans-seasonal months, while linen – known for its natural crinkle and moisture-wicking properties – will keep your body temperature regulated and feel cool to the touch. Italian brand 120% specialises in linen, so why not add its T-shirt to your rotation?