I’m a fashion designer – here are the dos and don’ts of summer clothes
British fashion designer Jeremy Hackett reveals his dos and don’ts for summer clothing. He recently created staff uniforms for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. He is pictured above at the property
Summer means shedding heavy winter coats and sweaters in favor of a light and airy wardrobe.
But what does the optimal summer wardrobe look like? British fashion designer Jeremy Hackett, co-founder of the menswear label Hacketthas the answer.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the 70-year-old sartorial tastemaker reveals his ultimate dos and don’ts for summer wear, weeding out the garments that are a waste of money — and the ones that are a worthwhile investment.
SUBSTANCES
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: ‘Everything in linen is perfect and although it creases, [this] adds to its charm and exudes a casual, understated vibe.”
He continues: ‘Seersucker is lovely to wear and usually comes in stripes. Blue and white striped seersucker pants with a navy blue polo are a classic summer look. There has been a revival in terrycloth shirts and even relaxed terrycloth jackets that have a 1950s vibe.’
While it may surprise some, wool is another material Hackett recommends wearing. He says, “There’s a misconception that wool is too warm for summer, but there are incredibly fine lightweight wool fabrics that are not only breathable but also wrinkle-resistant.”
Hackett says he’s not a fan of dark brown clothing in the summer months, but admits “there’s a good chance it’s going to be the next big fashion statement”
Hackett admits he thinks it’s a fashion mistake to wear synthetic football jerseys while traveling
Hackett, who first worked in a clothing store at age 17, says “anything synthetic” is the worst kind of material to wear in the warmer months.
There’s one look in particular that he considers a fashion flaw. He says, “I detest the synthetic football jersey with synthetic shorts or shirts that I see so often worn at airports when I travel.”
WHAT IS MONEY SPREAD
What is the biggest waste of money when it comes to buying summer clothes? He says, “It’s often items you’ve packed but never worn and stayed in your suitcase all vacation, but seemed like a good idea at the time… maybe the oversized groovy but gaudy Hawaii shirt you bought online?” bought because it’s for sale.’
WHAT IS WORTH INVESTING
If you’ve got cash to spare, there are a few items Hackett recommends investing in for your capsule summer wardrobe.
The first, he reveals, is “an unstructured navy blue blazer that can be thrown over a pair of shorts to take you elegantly from the beach to the restaurant.”
Second, he recommends putting your money into a linen safari shirt or jacket in khaki or navy blue.
White cotton trousers are also worth getting, he reveals, as is a “simple cotton jumper for chilly evenings aboard your yacht in the South of France or even Southend.”
TO COLOUR
When it comes to the color palette, Hackett says that “the combination of navy blue and white is unbeatable.”
Hackett reveals that stripes are his number one summer print, as they are reminiscent of the style of Hollywood star Cary Grant
“A bandana is a retro addition and can always be used to mop your forehead when you’re out in the midday sun,” says the designer
And patterns? Hackett reveals that stripes are his number one print for summer as they are reminiscent of the style of Hollywood star Cary Grant.
He recommends wearing everything from striped polos and striped sweaters to striped pants and striped swim shorts, though he adds, “I wouldn’t wear them all together and stay away from striped lounge chairs.”
Certain looks once considered sartorial blunders are back in fashion, Hackett reveals. He says, “Socks and sandals have long been a fashion faux pas, but that said, fashion editors recently declared that socks and sandals were now incredibly chic.”
The same goes for wearing brown tones in the summer, he reveals, noting, “I’m not a big fan of dark brown in the summer, but now that I’ve said it, chances are it’s going to be the next big fashion statement.”
ACCESSORIES
Meanwhile, accessories play a major role in creating a successful summer look.
Hackett reveals: ‘With the blazing sun, a hat is essential, be it a Panama hat, a straw hat or a baseball cap, and if you really want to look like an Englishman abroad, a knotted handkerchief will do.’
He continues, “A bandana is a retro addition and can always be used to mop your forehead when you’re out in the midday sun.”
If you need some inspiration for the brands to look out for, Hackett recommends Margaret Howell for “classic but not old-fashioned” women’s clothing. Of course, he suggests men head to Hackett for their new summer looks.
The Hackett brand has recently partnered with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Londonto make staff uniforms for a range of ‘Summer Sessions’ outdoor events that the central London hotel hosts on site.
Upcoming events include a wine-themed afternoon in honor of English Wine Week and a ‘lobster and chips feast’.