Style Guides ·Apr 22, 2025

Men’s Summer Staples: Essential Blazers, Chinos, and Shirts for a Stylish Season

Introduction

Staying stylish in summer can be a tricky task; the key to nailing an effortless summer look is to choose the right pieces that keep you comfortable, cool and sharp. With warmer days, your wardrobe needs versatile essentials that work for a myriad of occasions. Selecting the right key pieces makes dressing easier, from casual outings to formal events. The buzz around smart casual dressing is growing as more men look to blend comfort with style.

Why Summer Staples Matter

Building a collection of versatile summer staples is essential. Warmer weather requires more breathable, lightweight fabrics that prevent sweat and overheating. At the same time, you want your clothes to look stylish and smart. Think blazers, chinos, and shirts are your go-to picks - they fit multiple settings easily. Whether you’re going for a casual brunch or an outdoor meeting, these staples adapt to the scene.

Essential Men’s Summer Blazers

Choosing the Right Fabric and Fit

The secret to summer blazers? Lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and elastane blends. These materials are perfect for long summer days as they wick away heat and breathe better than heavier fabrics like wool and corduroy. When picking a summer blazer, opt for a slim tailored fit; this fit will suit the majority of body shapes and will keep you looking sharp without feeling too tight. Our HM5 Double Breasted Stone Blazer is the ideal choice for work or play. Style it with smart chinos and striped shirt for the office, and dark jeans and button-up polo for a weekend brunch date.

Styling Tips for Summer Blazers

Blazers are the equivalent of women's dresses, super versatile and easy to wear. For a relaxed summer look, style your blazer with a crisp t-shirt or polo shirt. Add accessories like a pocket square or stylish sunglasses to elevate your style. Don’t forget, rolling up sleeves can create a relaxed vibe. A lightweight blazer instantly upgrades your summer look

Key Blazer Styles for Men

Elastane Blend Blazer: Perfect for daytime events. It’s flexible and looks effortlessly stylish.
Unstructured Cotton Blazer: Breathable and perfect for casual looks
Patterned or Coloured Blazers: Pastel hues are perfect for summer events and occasions.

A man wearing glasses in a slim fit marcdarcy HM5 - Sky Blue Tailored Blazer and a white dress shirt, looks down with one hand in his pocket against a plain background. The blazer features textured fabric, buttoned cuffs, and a lapel pin.

A person wearing Marc Darcys GRANT Stone Pinstripe Blazer and a dark blue shirt stands with hands in pockets. The formalwear features a small lapel pin, paired with a brown belt, complementing the outfit as the person gazes thoughtfully to the left.

A man wearing the Marc Darcy FINLEY Moss Green Tailored Blazer, paired with a white shirt and glasses, glances down with his left hand in his pocket against a plain white background.

Must-Have Men’s Chinos for Summer

Fabric and Colour Choices

Chinos are a staple in any man's wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to dress trousers for the office or a weekend staple, chinos are a great choice for a myriad of looks. Our Enzo Chinos are made with added elastane to allow for more ease of movement. When it comes to colours, beige and navy stay classic. Pastels and brighter shades are perfect for summer’s lively vibe. Think soft pinks, mint greens, or pastel blues—these hues brighten your outfit instantly.

Styling Chinos for Different Occasions

Casual days: Pair with a simple t-shirt and white trainers. Add a bomber jacket or a utility jacket.
Dressed-up looks: Combine chinos with a smart blazer and crisp shirt.
Day to night: Switch a t-shirt to a smart shirt and add some suede loafers to complete the look.

Someone wearing marcdarcys ENZO Black Chinos, known for their comfortable stretch fit, pairs them with brown leather shoes featuring detailed stitching and a dark green shirt against a beige background.

A person in marcdarcys ENZO Mid Grey Chinos and a dark navy shirt stands against a beige backdrop. The chinos feature a non-iron fabric, button closure, and side pockets. The look is complemented by dark green loafers, showing just their lower body.

Essential Summer Shirts for Men

Fabric and Design Options

Summer shirts should be light and airy, look for shirts made with linen, cotton and bamboo blends. For the office, stick to simple long-sleeved shirts. Our Arthur Penny Collar Shirt offers something a little different to your normal dress shirt and is made with a cotton mix, ensuring you stay comfortable all day. For weekend looks, play with prints, patterns, and solid colours to keep your look fresh.

How to Maintain Summer Shirts

When it comes to caring for your shirts, there are a few simple tips that make caring for your shirts easier. Firstly, wash your shirts in cold water to prevent shrinking and fading. If you’re shirt is particularly dirty or has some stains, you can wash it in a gentle cycle at 30 degrees. Avoid overdrying and instead opt to hang shirts to air dry. Iron or steam them carefully and store them properly to extend their life. With proper care, you can extend the lifespan of your shirts and ensure they stay looking new for longer.

A man with a beard and dark hair stands against a plain white background, dressed in Peaky Blinders style. He wears the ARTHUR - Plain White Penny Collar Shirt by Marc Darcy, paired with dark pinstripe pants. He looks at the camera with his hands clasped in front of him.

A bearded man wears a Marc Darcy CHARLIE white Oxford shirt with tan buttons and plaid trousers, accessorized with a brown belt—all set against a plain white background.

Incorporating Accessories and Footwear

Accessories elevate a look and help to create a cohesive overall look. Smart sunglasses and simple watches are the main summer accessories. Hats like baseball caps or straw fedoras offer sun protection. When it comes to accessories, balance is key; opt for a few simple accessories to keep the look polished.

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