THE JOURNAL
When you think of looking good and keeping cool in the heat, linen is one of the first things that comes to mind. But there’s another summer fabric par excellence – silk – that doesn’t get the same credit. Just as lightweight and naturally breathable, it’s relaxed enough to be associated with the laid-back spirit of summertime, but it also has a glam, smart edge to it that has the power to make every outfit feel instantly more put-together.
Luxury designers such as Gabriela Hearst and Brioni have captured that mood for a few seasons now, introducing silk shirts and tailoring as part of their collections. Craft-centric brands such as Karu Research have also been experimenting with the natural fibre, using traditional weaving techniques to create block-dyed, hand-made pieces that are worthy of an art gallery.
With that in mind, we’ve picked three silk pieces and put them at the heart of three very different, but equally stylish, outfits that will take you from the office to a night out on the town – and even to the odd late-summer wedding.
01.
The after-dark shirt
A shirt is likely the first item of clothing that comes to mind when you think of silk, and when we think of silk shirts our minds immediately turn to Ms Gabriela Hearst. The designer’s manifesto for her menswear line came in the form of an article written by her late mother-in-law, the journalist Ms Austine McDonnell Hearst, circa 1950: “Men should aim for nonchalance, individuality, without novelty.” The flowing silhouette of this shirt sums it up rather nicely.
In keeping with the brand’s refined, understated ethos, we’ve paired the shirt with a TOM FORD suede jacket and a pair of Nili Lotan tapered trousers for a combo that’s guaranteed to take you through the night in style. Meanwhile, Gucci’s polished leather loafers – finished with the house’s interlocking logo in lieu of classic penny slots – keep the outfit grounded.
As for accessories, we’ve kept them simple and colour-coordinated with an understated belt by SAINT LAURENT, a messenger bag from Valentino and a couple of pieces of jewellery to round off the fit.
02.
The crafty jacket
Karu Research’s jacket is the kind of layer that you can throw on pretty much anything – the depth of the quilting and the lively colours of the traditional _ajrakh _block print will add a touch of personality to almost any outfit.
The rest of the look should complement the jacket, rather than clash with it; we’ve opted for Balenciaga’s faded denim shorts, a monochrome Gallery Dept. T-shirt and Birkenstock’s coveted Tokyo clogs (with socks, obviously).
Add a focal point to the look with éliou’s pearl necklace, and if you’re dressing for a stroll in the park or an al fresco barbecue, sun-proof the whole thing with LOEWE’s tortoiseshell sunglasses and Isabel Marant’s baseball cap.
03.
The double-breasted suit
Struggling to find a good back-to-work outfit to refresh your nine-to-five rotation? You’re not alone. We’ve saved the best for last and put together an office-ready look that’s sure to turn you into the best-dressed man in the boardroom.
The hero of the piece is Brioni’s silky suit – the air-force blue colourway makes a welcome alternative to classic navy or grey styles. To complement it, we’ve chosen a reliable base layer – one of The Elder Statesman’s famously cosy cashmere sweaters – and John Lobb’s Derby shoes, which round it off nicely while providing long-lasting comfort thanks to their flexible rubber soles.
Add a touch of panache with accessories, such as Le Gramme’s simple band ring, a classic Cartier Tank Française watch and a Berluti signature leather pouch, and keep the palette consistent with Mr P.’s belt and Dior Eyewear shades.