You might consider formal attire and blistering summer heat mortal enemies. But with the right spin and a little bit of strategy, they can make the strangest, and sharpest, bedfellows. Even when the mercury is at its highest and nothing sounds better than knee-freeing shorts and an unbuttoned cabana shirt, there are plenty of opportunities to bust out the good stuff – and not just for the inevitable beach wedding. Think lush suits, silk shirts, airy, lightweight sweaters (they exist) and not a tattered sandal in sight, all perfect for those rare yet refreshing cool nights when the humidity breaks and the potential for a good time is boundless.

Summer is the ideal season for throwing out the rule book, letting loose and looking good while living your best life and putting those days off to use. So, whether you’re celebrating your friends getting hitched in Miami Beach or cooling your heels at a cocktail bar on the Amalfi Coast, try these effortlessly luxe looks for an unforgettable summer.

By the way, if you’re noticing that our models look like they’re having fun on set, it’s because they were. Being friends with your good-looking colleagues is particularly useful when you’re choosing your best men for your wedding, as O’Shea, pictured in the brown suit above right, did. These gents know how to celebrate because they have practised celebrating together. So, if you’re in the market for some style and party inspiration, look no further.

We know you’d rather be wearing as few clothes as legally permissible at this time of year, but there’s something to be said for a man who turns it up when everyone else is dressing down. When it comes to suits, there’s never been a better time to wear one. The options are endless, from fabrics to colours to cuts. You can channel the Rat Pack’s halcyon days on the Strip with classic silhouettes and neutral hues, or you can dress for your own Met Gala with eye-catching earthy shades of moss and tobacco in textures you don’t often see in summer. So, shake things up, try some combos you’ve never considered and get ready to outdress everyone else in the room.

Nothing polishes off an outfit like a few expertly chosen pieces of jewellery. A heavy-duty watch can get a bit sweaty, so approach your accessories with some economy in terms of sizing. There is no reason to skimp on the flash. Suzanne Kalan makes fine bracelets that are delicate, but eye-catching. “Less is more” has never been more true, but you’ll be amazed with what “less” can do sometimes.

If there’s one thing to ditch this season, it’s the tie. Not only is a tie incredibly stifling, it can come across as uptight, rigid and the very antithesis of a vibe. There are unverified reports that the state of Hawaii has outlawed them altogether (have you ever seen anyone wearing a tie in Hawaii?). As you’re working through your new seasonal line-up, take this opportunity to keep that collar unbuttoned, even if you’re wearing a tuxedo shirt, and let your snazzy new suit rotation do the talking.

Whatever formalwear path you choose to take this summer, the cardinal rule remains the same: find a good tailor. If you’re sporting a suit made from linen, seersucker, cotton, velvet, corduroy, or something that hasn’t even been invented yet, it must fit to a tee, especially if you are the one tying the knot. This is something you should always leave to an expert. What’s more, a trusty tailor will give you the confidence to take some style risks.

Speaking of strong foundations, allow these perfectly tailored trousers and timeless, versatile dress shoes – these ones are from Church’s – to serve as a reminder of how crucial it is to nail the basics. Smart, casual essentials such as these are your go-to for transition from office mode to holiday mode in a single step. You may be tempted to ditch the socks, but we recommend you stick with them. Opt for a breathable fabric and you’re good to go.

Formalwear has always acted as an armour of sorts, built to take on the rigours of social battle at galas, fundraisers, banquets and weddings. Not any more. Comfort and personal expression are now king, ending the reign of rigid standards and bland conformity. Tailoring is enjoying an exciting renaissance and there is no shortage of ways to reinvent and reimagine what it means to suit up. Ditch your regular, predictable palette. Break the mould by introducing elements of utilitarian workwear into your dressier ensembles. Wear a velvet tuxedo jacket in midnight blue over a black turtleneck in August. Whatever fancy threads you decide to wear this summer, do so with unabashed confidence. And if you can’t stand the heat, jump into the nearest pool.