You probably have your summer mapped out in your head. Better yet, you have a clear idea of what you’ll be wearing. The swim shorts, jazzy shirt and sandals. Maybe a linen suit, for that wedding. Only, we hate to break it to you, but you’re going to have to think beyond your vacation. Unless you’re a man of other means, or you happen to reside in a nation that routinely takes the whole of August off, the majority of the next few months are likely to be spent in much the same way as those that came before: at work.

OK, not just at work. Here’s hoping the clement weather allows for social events outside office hours. But also, you’ll need to factor in the commute – all those sweaty, delayed modes of public transportation. Plus, the overly aggressive air conditioning once you do arrive at your desk. In all, what should be the most carefree of seasons gives us a lot to consider.

The way we figure it, there’s no one better placed to showcase what you should be wearing this summer than the people in our workplace. Not only do they have the insider knowledge, they’re fairly easy for us to round up. So, we took two of the best-dressed – and readily available – men of MR PORTER’s London HQ and asked them to moonlight as models for the day. And rather than report us to HR, they said yes. Here’s what we learnt.

What are the key things you think about when dressing for summer?

With London being so temperamental, weather-wise, it would always be layering ­– T-shirts with an overshirt or cardigan, for example. Sneakers and loafers that you can dress up with chinos or wear with jeans. I like an outfit that’s easy to deconstruct.

Does what you wear change for work?

I tend to wear the same kind of style no matter where I am, although a bit more tailored for work. Smarter trousers, maybe, and elevated basics. Shorts? Nothing above the knee – definitely not in the office.

What was on your mood board for this shoot?

CELINE HOMME, Carhartt WIP and Cherry Los Angeles would be my go-to brands; adidas for sneakers, G.H. Bass for loafers. The stylist had Jeremy Allen White for style inspiration, which I’d like to think sums up my aesthetic.

Did this shoot make you rethink your wardrobe?

I sway to safer tones that easily fit with other pieces – blacks, browns, dark greens, creams. But this made me feel more inclined to experiment with colour where I can. The rugby shirt is nicely balanced for different seasons. And I’m a fan of statement knitwear.

What’s on your Wish List this summer?

There were a green pair of Bottega Veneta sunglasses that didn’t make the edit. And some purple Sambas, which I’ll definitely add to my basket. I keep my wardrobe quite refined and small, so I’d use accessories to beef it out.

What are the key things you think about when dressing for summer?

You can be a bit more experimental, more fun – easy materials like linen, statement pieces like camp collars and co-ords. Add some colour: greens, yellows, whites. It’s an opportunity to dress out, show some skin.

Does what you wear change for work?

It’s still smart-casual, but I like to keep it playful. You’ll never see me in the office in a full suit, but maybe an open-neck shirt. I’ll wear shorts if it’s baking. I might carry a light jacket or a sweater over my shoulders.

What was on your mood board for this shoot?

I wanted to try an American preppy look, but with a Japanese influence – wearing colours, but with black as the baseline. Brands like JW Anderson, A.P.C. and Mr P. And fashion-forward guys, like A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton and Tyler, the Creator.

Did this shoot make you rethink your wardrobe?

It made me want to do something more interesting with my footwear. I usually wear a chunky sneaker, but there are a lot of other options, like sandals and mules. It was good to try on the IWC watch, rings and bracelet. I don’t usually accessorise heavily.

What’s on your Wish List this summer?

I’d like to dabble in chino shorts with penny loafers. Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses and Sunspel for staples. The AGOLDE rugby shirt was my favourite piece that I wore – I might invest in one.