As the world continues its slow journey to a vague sense of normality, we in the UK are celebrating the fact that we can now return to the beloved pub – a symbol of hope, stability and comfort like little else in British society. So, while 4 July might be an important date in the US calendar, for Britain it is perhaps even more significant this year. It is our very own Independence Day, a day we can once again drink seven pints of lager in a dark, badly carpeted room and talk utter nonsense to our friends.

As happy as we are for this government-sanctioned return to the boozer, there are a few obstacles to consider. Apart from figuring out how to socially distance after you’ve had a few, what on earth do you wear? We haven’t dressed for social occasions in months – have we forgotten how to do it? To investigate and help jog our memory, we chose some things we might like to slip on before heading down to the Dog And Duck this week. Cheers!

How long has it been? Like a hermit groggily edging towards civilisation because he has realised that he can no longer survive alone, I find that I’m more reluctant to leave the house than I expected. What I will wear when I make my first public appearance since lockdown started is not the first thing on my mind. My social anxiety has been gagging to leave the house even more than I have, so will no doubt make a show. Plus, that whole thing of not hugging friends and kind of awkwardly dancing around each other while we smile-grimace because we’ve forgotten how to “be” around other people means that before I decide on what clothes I’m wearing, I’ll probably need to Google “normal human interactions” first. Still, dressing well is a great ice-breaker, not to mention a clever way to instil a bit of confidence again. Also, no one can touch you! Which is why this resplendently fresh-looking shirt from Equipment will be safe, as it won’t be in beer-spilling/ash-tapping distance of any fellow pub-goers. I’m not sure what I’ll wear it with yet, but I’ve a feeling it’ll look just as good with shorts as it will with smart trousers, and can be dressed up or down with sneakers or shoes. See? I’m feeling like myself again already.

The maxim “all dressed up with nowhere to go” could apply to most of my sartorial choices over the first half of this year. And while sunglasses in particular did help mask the effects of the erratic sleeping pattern that comes with sharing my home (cum office) with two small children, I did look like a bit of a berk pratting about the house in a pair of them. But no longer. Finally, the sun is out, the beer gardens are open and I can legitimately slap on a new pair of shades – an exclusive set from Cutler and Gross, no less. Just maybe no one will notice me slumped into the comfy seating, taking a cheeky nap.

Now that we’re able to return to sipping the golden stuff in (or outside) our local public house, I will certainly be doing so with my pins out. Like most of the nation, I’ve spent the past three months carefully crafting my calves with daily runs, so it’s their time to shine. I’m thinking something simple – drawstring shorts from Pasadena Leisure Club. I’ll pair them with an oversized Fear of God tee and add these fantastic tortoiseshell shades from Brioni. This is me, shedding my cosy WFH uniform one step at a time. Shoes optional.

I am so looking forward to going to the pub. For months, I’ve been looking longingly through the windows of my favourite seafront juicer in the Cornish village where I’ve been holed up during lockdown, dreaming of the simple pleasure of ordering a thirst-quenching San Miguel shandy (four fingers of lemonade, please) or a fruity local pale ale. Pubs reopening means being able to reconnect with friends over a pint or three, which is a cause for celebration. I’ll be marking the moment with a statement camp-collar shirt that, I hope, shows off my Cornish tan. The palm fronds and boxy fit on this Paul Smith shirt work for me. And as I’ll be scheduling a few pub visits to make up for lost time, I’ll also add this retro twill shirt by Campala, which, I’ll inform my drinking companions, has been cut in Japan, as well as this loose-fit, patterned linen shirt from Mr P. Did I mention, mine’s a San Miguel shandy or a local pale ale? Cheers.

I’m a bit of a sneaker fiend – only budget and the size of my London flat prevent me from amassing a collection to rival that of a Premier League footballer or hip-hop mogul. I’m going to find it hard to resist the urge to show off on my first trip back to the pub, but I’m also a realist: the British pub is no place for box-fresh, toothpaste-white kicks. So, this distressed pair from Italian brand Golden Goose ticks all the boxes. I love the suede star and tan leather trim for the retro flair, and the pre-scuffed rubber soles mean I won’t be worried if they come home a bit worse for wear. Much like myself.