I’m a fashion designer – here are the do’s and don’ts of summer dressing
British fashion designer Jeremy Hackett reveals his do’s and don’ts for summertime dressing. He recently created staff uniforms for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. He’s pictured above at the property
Summer means casting heavy winter coats and jumpers aside in favour of a light and breezy wardrobe.
But what does the optimum summer wardrobe look like? British fashion designer Jeremy Hackett, who co-founded the menswear label Hackett, has the answer.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the sartorial tastemaker, 70, reveals his ultimate do’s and don’ts for summertime dressing, lifting the lid on the garments that are a waste of money – and the ones that are a worthwhile investment.
FABRICS
Choosing the right fabrics is important when it comes to beating the heat. Hackett, who opened his first shop on London’s New King’s Road in 1983, says: ‘Anything in linen is perfect and, although it creases, [this] adds to its charm and gives off a casual understated air.’
He continues: ‘Seersucker is wonderful to wear and is usually made in stripes. A pair of blue and white striped seersucker trousers worn with a navy polo is a classic summer look. There has been a revival in towelling shirts and even relaxed towelling jackets that have a 1950s vibe.’
Though it might surprise some, wool is another material that Hackett recommends wearing. He says: ‘There is a misconception that wool is too hot for summer but there are incredibly fine lightweight woollen fabrics that are not only breathable but crease resistant.’
Hackett says that he’s not a fan of dark brown clothing in the summer months, though admits that ‘it’s odds on that it will be the next big fashion statement’
Hackett admits he thinks it’s a fashion faux pas to wear synthetic football shirts when travelling
Hackett, who landed his first gig working in a clothes shop at 17, says the worst kind of material you can wear in the hotter months is ‘anything synthetic’.
There’s one look in particular that he deems a fashion mistake. He says: ‘I abhor the synthetic football shirt with synthetic shorts or vests I see so often worn at airports when I am travelling.’
WHAT’S A WASTE OF MONEY
What’s the biggest waste of money when it comes to shopping for summer clothes? He says: ‘It is often items that you packed but never wore and remained in your suitcase for the whole of your holiday but seemed like a good idea at the time… perhaps the oversized snazzy but gaudy Hawaiian shirt that you bought online because it was on sale.’
WHAT’S WORTH INVESTING IN
If you have cash to spare, there are a few items that Hackett recommends you invest in for your capsule summer wardrobe.
The first, he reveals, is ‘an unstructured navy blazer that can be thrown over shorts to take you elegantly from the beach to the restaurant’.
Secondly, he recommends putting your money into a linen safari shirt or jacket in khaki or navy.
White cotton trousers are another worthwhile purchase, he reveals, as is a ‘simple cotton sweater for chilly evenings on board your yacht in the South of France or even Southend’.
COLOURS
When it comes to colour palette, Hackett says that ‘the pairing of navy and white can’t be beaten’.
Hackett reveals that stripes are his number one print for summertime, as they’re evocative of the style of Hollywood star Cary Grant
‘A bandana is a retro addition and can always be used to mop your brow when sitting in the midday sun,’ says the designer
And patterns? Hackett reveals that stripes are his number one print for summertime, as they’re evocative of the style of Hollywood star Cary Grant.
He recommends wearing everything from striped polos and striped pullovers to striped trousers and striped swimming shorts, though he adds: ‘I would avoid wearing them all together and keep away from striped deckchairs.’
Certain looks that were once considered sartorial blunders have come back into style, Hackett reveals. He says: ‘Socks and sandals have long been a fashion faux pas but having said that, only the other day fashion editors were declaring that the socks and sandals were now incredibly chic.’
The same goes for wearing shades of brown in the summertime, he reveals, noting: ‘I am not fond of dark brown in the summer but now that I have said that it’s odds on that it will be the next big fashion statement.’
ACCESSORIES
Meanwhile, accessories have a big part to play in nailing a successful summer look.
Hackett reveals: ‘With the sun beating down a hat is essential be it a Panama hat, a straw hat or a baseball cap and if you really wish to look like an Englishman abroad a knotted handkerchief will do the trick.’
He continues: ‘A bandana is a retro addition and can always be used to mop your brow when sitting in the midday sun.’
If you need inspiration for the brands to look out for, Hackett recommends Margaret Howell for ‘classical but not old fashioned’ womenswear. Naturally, he suggests that men head to Hackett for their new summer looks.
Hackett’s brand recently partnered with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, to create staff uniforms for a series of ‘Summer Sessions’ outdoor events the central London hotel is holding on its grounds.
Upcoming events include a wine-themed afternoon spent celebrating English Wine Week and a ‘lobster and chips feast’.