Fashion: Lighten up

Photos / Greg Bowker

Don’t sweat the small stuff in a light colour palette that evokes a sense of calm.

Off-duty looks for men this summer take their cue from two summer staples -a crisp linen shirt (preferably in white) and a pair of beige chinos. Worn with a pair of sandals or trainers, this is the sort of failsafe uniform men of all ages can enjoy.

Sure, it might seem a little tame for those who prefer to stand out in bold colours, but it's a fresh combination that will see plenty of mileage throughout the warmer months and can transform with the swift addition of a relaxed blazer for casual evening events.

Take, for example, the cornflower blue, deconstructed blazer from Gubb & Mackie (#6). Available in tan, navy and khaki, it's the perfect throw-on piece, requiring little maintenance. The menswear retailer opened up its flagship store in June and has continued to build on the growing sector of menswear that perfectly toes the line between smart and casual. The addition of complementary imports such as Melbourne-based men's accessories brand Christian Kimber and last week's arrival of premium Japanese denim brand orSlow has helped solidify its presence in the local menswear market as the purveyors of the tidy casual dress code that's resonating with a growing number of men who prefer their clothes to work overtime.

The team behind upmarket streetwear brand I Love Ugly have also enjoyed success, with their distinctive brand of sportswear-meets-off-the-rack tailoring finding success and a loyal following of millennials and mature customers alike in New Zealand, Sydney and Los Angeles, where the brand has opened up its own stores.

The light-coloured offerings run the gamut from grey to beige, including some lightweight knitwear for those cool summer evenings (the knitted hoodies are a great post-surf throw-on item) teamed with a pair of sturdy boots that will see you through to next season.

Tips for keeping light colours bright:

• Always read wash-care instructions on garment labels.

• Separate fabrics i.e. light fabrics from heavier fabrics such as denim.

• Separate light colours from dark colours.

• Linens require a gentler setting and warm-hot water for light coloured items, especially if very dirty. Hand washing/soaking in warm water is also ideal.

• To keep white colours bright, add a little bleach but use with caution. Not all bleaches are the same. Consider using non-toxic, biodegradable bleach that's kinder to your clothes and safer for the environment.

Main image: From left-right

1. Commoners T-shirt $69 and cap $69. Zambesi trench coat $695. Topman denim cut-off shorts $80. Deuce leather sneaker, $189.90, from Merchant.
2. I Love Ugly hooded sweatshirt $219 and boots $320. Workshop slim-fit raw selvedge denim $298.
3. Crane Brothers cotton suit $1995 and shirt, $295. Deuce leather sneaker, $189.90, from Merchant. Christian Kimber pocket square, $125, from Gubb & Mackie.
4. Topman short-sleeved shirt $85. Gubb & Mackie pleated shorts $195. Giancarlo Moretti sandals $139.90 from Merchant. Versace aviator sunglasses, $470, from Sunglass Hut.
5. Harman Grubisa dress $310. Le Specs sunglasses $139. Zelda Murray ceramic disc earrings, $440, from Penny Sage. Mi Piaci heels $250.
6. Gubb & Mackie unstructured jacket $395, linen shirt $195 and trousers, $295. Christian Kimber trainers $495, from Gubb & Mackie.

Stockists

• Commoners
• Harman Grubisa (09) 963 6129
• I Love Ugly (09) 377 7022
• Le Specs 0508 EYEWEAR
• Merchant
• Mi Piaci
• Penny Sage
• Gubb & Mackie (09) 302 1949
• Sunglass Hut
• Topman 0508 867 7467
• Workshop (09) 524 6844
• Zambesi (09) 303 1701

For more fashion go to viva.co.nz.