How To Style Out Your Summer Vacation

As the summer sun beckons, our collective style priorities shift from work to play, not least summer holidays, which require quite a different approach to the off-duty looks you pull together for most weekends in the UK. Resortwear has become an entire fashion genre of its own in recent years, but it's really just another name for a laid-back summer collection that has one eye on the beach or the swimming pool. But summer vacations are not all horizontal lounging. In many instances, holidaying in Europe might require a packing a bag that can tick off poolside chic, relaxed tailoring for smart restaurants; elevated casualwear for exploring the town; and smart contemporary kit for nights out. The new Oliver Spencer Summer 23 collection does exactly that, thanks to an eclectic array of both classic and contemporary silhouettes cut in a variety of lightweight natural fibres. So here's how to go about packing the key garments to cover all scenarios...

By the Pool or at the Beach

Even though you might intend to remain horizontal for the best part of a day, that doesn't mean you can give your wardrobe the time off. Whether poolside or at the beach, you still need to look the part. A great yet simple way to do this is with our short and shirt sets which we've constructed in a variety of fabrics, including linen and terry towelling. The fact they match provides a sense of smart uniformity, while the short-sleeve shirts and Cuban collars guarantee a laid-back aesthetic. If you need to quickly transition to something smarter, you can swap out the shorts for a pair or cropped chinos and sandals and you're good to go.

Cuban Short Sleeve Jersey Shirt Haywood Yellow

Weston Jersey Shorts Haywood Yellow

Reproduction Of Found US Military Trainer Natural

The City Vibe

Ducking into the local town or city requires an elegant yet comfortable ensemble that's not going to make you wilt as you traipse behind your girlfriend while feigning interest as she asks your opinion on yet another white lace summer dress that she'll never wear. Choose lightweight cotton or linen trousers in a neutral colour that you can add a casual roll-up to, paired with a textural short-sleeved shirt or a pastel-coloured polo. Organic cotton tees are non-negotiable, especially a classic white version, which can be dressed up or down in any manner of situations. A jacket is probably overkill unless you're undertaking an Italian-style early-evening passeggiata, in which case a lightweight cropped blouson is just the ticket. Footwear needs to be comfortable so think about wearing some lo-fi kicks or loafers that you can style out with chinos or tailored shorts.

Havana Short Sleeve Shirt Penswick Beige

Fishtail Trousers Oakes Brown

Solovair x Oliver Spencer Tan Suede Loafer

Dining Out

Heading out for dinner while on summer vacation could mean any number of scenarios, from the simple rustic local Greek taverna to an eye-wateringly expensive beach bar in Ibiza, or a sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurant in one of Europe's leading foodie cities. Either way, it pays to look refined, otherwise the maitre'd will scurry you away to the tables he typically reserves for 'the English'. Linen suits or separates are the order of the day, worn with a camp collar shirt  and suede loafers or smart sandals. Think of this relaxed tailored aesthetic existing on a slide that you can dial down by mixing it up with separates, or dial up with a full suit look. Additional accessories such as some well-placed jewellery can make all the difference too so don't neglect the details. 

Theobald Jacket Bove Navy

Fishtail Trousers Bove Navy

Conduit T-Shirt Hawley Pink

The Casual Lunch

As easy as it might seem, the casual vacation lunch is often where a lot of people slip up by bowling in too casually. Maybe they sling a shirt over their swim shorts, slide a pair of sandals on and hope for the best. Must. Try. Harder. Shorts can be perfectly fine, but swap out the polyester swimmers for a tailored style with pleats and cut in a linen or organic cotton fabric. You can pair these with just about every piece of summer footwear known to man, from loafers and boat shoes to sandals, espadrilles and sneakers. On top, a traditional linen shirt is a great option. If you feel like a classic spread collar is too much, go for a grandad collar instead. The sleeves can be nonchalantly rolled-up if the restaurant is laid-back, but if it's smarter than you'd expected, the shirt construction holds its own.

Hawthorn Polo Shirt Braemar Blue

Pleated Shorts Clement Chambray Blue

Paraboot Pacific Tan Leather

A Word on the Non-negotiables

The aforementioned quality tees are always good value when packing for your summer getaway. The white tee, humble though it may be, can actually be worn with literally everything so it pays to pack a couple. Striped tees a la Breton tops are also a great way to add a timeless pattern to your options. Textural polos and short-sleeve shirts are the gifts that keep on giving on holiday, and much like the tee, can be worn with everything from swim shorts to tailoring.