With the dregs of summery weather still hanging tough in the Southern Hemisphere, and the throngs of spring knocking on the door of it’s Northern counterpart. Dressing for warmer days is hitting its annual global convergence. So, because of this, I thought what better time to delve into my favourite shirts and tees to slip on, when the weather outside is scorching.
Androgynous/unisex clothing is continually gaining traction in a more and more mainstream fashion. For men in particular, this means that dressing for hotter weather is becoming more fun and free. In the past the default male summer outfit was always shorts and a t-shirt, or perhaps for the more seasoned holiday-maker amongst you, a cuban collared vacation shirt. When there is an inability to layer extensively, an outfit for the heat is usually a basic composition of two pieces: a top and a bottom. With bottoms for men still largely dominated by trousers and shorts, although skirts provide an alternative choice to shorts (hold that thought). The top half of a warm-wether outfit is where we find our gaze landing today.
The two outfit routes I’m going to highlight, are the two that I’ve been having the most fun with over the summer and provide options for both day and night wear.
Firstly, for daywear. A baby, or cropped ringer tee is a simple way to play with the silhouette of your outfit that is fun and functional. Stereotypically a style that’s been reserved solely for womenswear, but now we’re finding them available in a full unisex size range. These tighter, cropped tees are perfect for those with a skinnier frame. Paired with a baggier short or trouser, your outfit will feel just as comfortable as the classic shorts and t-shirt combo you know and love. Keep your eye out for pastel colours. They are perfect for adding a soft colour hue to a simple outfit. Brands like Perks and Mini are playing with fun graphics and prints that are accessible for all genders. Furthermore, if you simply size up brands designed for women, such as Braindead’s womenswear line, you can access many other labels that are producing groovy baby tees.
For nightwear we are continuing the theme of cropped silhouettes. Boxy collared shirts are a perfect way to dress up for an evening out when the temperatures are simply refusing to drop. Even if it’s as simple as a traditional poplin shirt with a boxier fit. This wider silhouette is an even bigger improvement on the stale t-shirt. Additionally, we’re seeing designers and brands playing with material like crocheted wool, bouclé, terry towelling and sheer fabrics. All of which adds a layer of texture to your wardrobe. Even opting for neutral shades when it comes to a colour palette, often just going for a left field material and cut choice is statement enough. Designers like Bode, Wales Bonner and Jacquemus are producing stunning boxy shirts that will take you straight from the beach to the bistro.
Exploring femininity through cropped cuts and more revealing materials is leading to a playfulness emerging in mainstream menswear, that in the past seemed all so elusive and taboo.
