Whether you’re hitting the patio with your buds or heading into the office, dressing well when the weather heats up is all about boiling your outfit down to the bare essentials. However, we know that nailing the less-is-more approach is tough without a little help. That’s why we asked some of Canada’s most influential menswear bloggers from Vancouver to Toronto to tell us their coolest must-haves for the season, plus how to pull them off like a pro.
The Man: Jonathan Cavaliere, Mr. Cavaliere
The pick: Patterned blazers
Why I love it: “Whether it’s a night on the town or just a casual meeting, a patterned blazer is one of the easiest ways to add a pop of colour and character to any look. Choosing a well-fitting jacket in a windowpane check, plaid, or even madras patchwork will give you an edge no matter the setting this spring-summer season.”
How to wear it: “The key to wearing a patterned piece is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Pairing your jacket with solids or finer patterns ensures it can stand alone without clashing with the other elements of your look.”
The Man: Joshua Langston, The Social Life
The pick: Bright brogues
Why I love it: “These particular brogues are in a waterproof rubber material that makes them versatile and very lightweight, perfect for the West Coast’s constantly shifting climate. They also happen to pair Marsala, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, with oxblood for a bold combination.”
How to wear it: “You can use them to add a pop of colour to a black suit, or wear them with cuffed jeans and a denim shirt for a more casual look. Either way, let your shoes do the talking. Sometimes, I will go sockless or, depending on my mood, wear them with printed socks. For a summer statement, consider a pair with a shorts suit.”
The Man: Curtis Drummond, We The Timeless
The pick: Classic chinos
Why I love it: “Nothing screams versatility like a pair of perfectly fitted chinos, because they’re perfect for any occasion you might stumble across. Plus, if they hug your legs right, there will be no room for error.”
How to wear it: “Bare your ankles, roll up your cuffs, throw on some high-top Chuck Taylors and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in a pair of chinos. You really can’t go wrong with wearing a plain white T-shirt up top, but you can just as easily dress up the look by throwing on a polo or Oxford with a blazer.”
The Man: Sharad Mohan, Freshly Educated Men
The pick: Deconstructed jackets
Why I love it: “An unlined deconstructed jacket offers all the benefits of a tailored blazer without the bulk. They are especially great for traveling and ensure that you’ll always look good without breaking a sweat.”
How to wear it: “Wear one of these like you would any other sportcoat—with jeans, chinos, or even shorts. Dress them up with a button-up and some nice leather monk straps, or keep it casual with a short-sleeve floral shirt and a pair of deck shoes.”
The Man: Syed Sohail, The Prep Guy
The pick: Joggers
Why I love it: “The jogger pant has recently become a staple in every man’s wardrobe. They’re comfortable, functional and stylish. For the summer season I am coveting the chino fabric jogger, which is perfect for the warmer weather and can easily be dressed up or down.”
How to wear it: “I like to mix joggers up with a white cotton Oxford shirt and bowtie for a preppy sports-luxe look. However, the pants can also be paired with a light linen T-shirt or a neoprene crewneck for a more minimalistic approach.”
For more style inspiration, follow the fellas on Twitter: @JoshuaDLangston, @FrshlyEduMen, @MrCavaliere, @WetheTimeless, @ThePrepGuy.
Nicholas Mizera is a lover of menswear, craft beer and lifestyle mags. Some know him as The Gentleman Journalist.
