From the office to the beach, it’s time for fashion’s summer transition
From the office to the beach, it’s time for fashion’s summer transition
As the mercury rises, so does the modern man’s need for a wardrobe that’s both stylish and sensible. This year’s summer classics come reimagined with a modern twist, where typically ho-hum styles are elevated with bold new designs.
The gentlemen’s style is being defined by a blend of flair and practicality, keeping you looking and staying cool in the relentless heat.
Sun’s Out, Guns Out
The classic white tank top is no stranger to the male wardrobe. With sizes and fits that sleekly envelope males of all shapes and sizes, its versatility has made it a staple base layer for every outfit. Rather than being just a support role within your fashion ensemble, the tank top is breaking out the mould as a stand-alone piece.
Although Prada hasn’t strayed too far from the classic look, they’ve somehow streamlined the white cotton look to be more form-fitting than ever. Subtle in its details, proportions are well-tailored for the modern gentleman such as yourself to exude a casual “model-off-duty” look.
Featured in the SS24 Show, Louis Vuitton opted for a slightly less subtle take on the tank with their micro-print sleeveless dark brown tailored waistcoat that can be worn standalone or as a complete suit. Zara on the other hand, flips the tank top script and ditches cotton for knit with their sleeveless pullover that’s accentuated with rips along a ribbed hem if you’re trying to pull off a more relaxed look.
Grandpacore
You might not be a silver fox (yet), but it definitely isn’t a bad idea to start dressing like one. Vintage hasn’t arguably ever left the fashion scene and with the surging craze for grandpacore, it’s time to figure out where grandpa gets the sauce for his new old-school crochets.
Ideal for layering, Massimo Dutti’s knit v-neck vest screams old-school while remaining comfortable and breathable in the summer heat. Its neutral palette pairs well with a variety of other vintage outfits like Loewe’s jacket in shearling. Crafted in lightweight, semi-curly lambskin, this cognac outer is the perfect complement for a layered grandpacore style.
Complete the look with a pair of casual and classic Levi’s Men’s 501 — the first-ever jean shorts that even grandpa has surely rocked numerous times over the years.
Weekend Warriors
For all the hustlers out here working on the weekends — or maybe you just like wearing your Sunday best all day every day. Workwear is getting an update, going shorter, a bit more relaxed yet still looking timeless. Starting with a classic white polo from Dior embellished with the CD Icon embroidery and mother-of-pearl buttons.
From there you can take it two ways. Effortless swag with Louis Vuitton’s stunning khaki camouflage wool jacket, featuring an allover Damoflage jacquard with integrated “Marque L.Vuitton déposée” signatures — or the more traditional double-breasted wool jacket from Valentino, complete with its own VLogo Signature embroidery. Either way, it’s the weekend, so relax, you’re looking good regardless!
Flower Power
Floral prints are in full bloom this season and no dapper man’s wardrobe is ready for the summer without at least one complete outfit. From muted greenery to contrasting blooms, flower power is making its mark in a big way this year.
Those with a penchant for green are in luck. Dolce & Gabbana has launched its Banano collection, featuring a Banana-Tree-Print silk shirt that brings the beauty of nature to the tropical metropolis of Singapore everywhere you go. In a similar vein, Valentino borrows green as the base layer for its white flower portrait print for a look that’s more casual. If you’re looking for a relaxed look that’s softer on the eyes, Zara has you covered with its relaxed fit floral print that can be worn over a shirt or tank top.
Time-keeping Bracelets
Is your daily time-keeping bracelet keeping up with the times? While some watch styles are indeed timeless, the trend towards sleek and slim resumes this season. These days, the ladies are beating the gents at their own game when it comes to wrist bling — with modern iterations and styles becoming tinier by the generation.
Taking a page from the old adage: if you can’t beat em’, join em’ — the PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER, while traditionally a feminine watch is making its rounds on male wrists. Diminutive yet iconic, this contemporary model is both watch and jewel, perfect for smaller wrists. If you prefer curves over edges, the Tissot PRX is a versatile automatic movement that won’t break the bank — it even comes with the add-on option of leather straps.
Tudor’s Black Bay 58 is another beautifully refined option, 2mm smaller than previous Black Bay models, reaffirming the staying power of smaller watch cases. Its vintage vibe is a major appeal for its popularity and those looking for a leather strap option would do well with the Black Bay 58 925 in its complementing taupe bezel and dial.
Crossbody Drip
Pockets are convenient and functional — until they’re filled up. For the fits that tend towards fashion over function, crossbody bags are a quick fix that also accentuates your pocketless style. Tuck all your valuables and non-essentials into a crossbody and you’re ready to go.
For those with the sunniest of dispositions, the moulded sling crossbody bag from LOEWE brings big beach energy in its contrasting lemon zest with calfskin details and a boldly embossed anagram on the front side. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Armani Exchange crossbody in black or the Bottega Veneta Cassette for more storage and a more subtle yet highly unique look.
Gentlemen, it’s time to dapper up your summer outfit game. As the sun-kissed days stretch out before us, ION Orchard beckons with a dazzling array of menswear collections and choices that excite even the pickiest of dressers. From basics to far-out, fashion-forward designs — ION Orchard’s library of style possibilities has every and any fit you’re looking for. Whether you’re lounging by the rooftop pool or basking in the great outdoors, the palm-lined avenues await the unfolding of your summer fashion narrative.