And just like that, the Spring Racing Carnival is over for another year. Gone are the glamorous (and not so glamorous) images of a day at the races – where fashion meets sophistication, bubbly and the occasional bet.
But men, that doesn’t mean you now have the right to slip into something less classy and hit the pub in a singlet and thongs. The precedent has been set and we want to see you decked out in stylish endeavours well into the summer months.
But a tailored suit and tie with a pop of colour are easy to organise for the Melbourne Cup. The real question is, what do you wear next to keep looking schmick as the sun heats up and the long nights out begin?
Don’t sweat it, as an experienced men’s stylist I’ve got your style sorted. Giddy-up to retailers offering you these items and you’ll have backed a winner guaranteed.
Here are the latest men’s summer fashion must-haves:
Linen: It’s the perfect men’s shirt for summer. Linen is made from fibres of the flax plant and when in fabric-form it’s a quick-drying and absorbent material. It’s versatile and breathable, that’s a win-win.
Jungle printed short sleeve linen from Calibre – $239.00
Smithson linen yarn dyed shirt from SABA – $135.20
Short sleeve shirts: Summer demands you to be bright and fun. What better way to do so than in a short sleeve shirt. If you purchase a printed version, you’ll be cool and vibrant. While plain shirts still look stylish.
My tips:
Wilde print shirt (Cuban fit) from M.J. Bale – $129.95
Sid short sleeve shirt from Marcs – $99.95
Caps and hats: Caps and hats provide protection from the harsh Australian sun. Fortunately, they can also be a fashion statement. Shade yourself from the rays wearing a cap or fedora.
My tips:
Goorin ‘stud’ trucker style baseball cap from Grand Hatters – $49.50
Camilo grade 3 bronze coloured Panama fedora from Grand Hatters – $225.00
Denim jacket: Yeah, I get it. We’re heading into summer why do you need a jacket, right? Well, it still gets cool during summer and denim is the ideal jacket to have handy.
My tip:
Jacquard trucker jacket from Levi’s – $229.95
Footwear: Gone are the dressy race day staples and in with relaxed-class. Leather sandals and loafers will see you pounding the streets in comfort and style.
My tips:
Arizona suede leather from Birkenstock – $159.00
Alberto mushroom loafers from Aquila – $299.00
With a little bit of effort, the Spring Racing Carnival doesn’t have to be the only time of year men look stylish and dress to impress. With summer fast approaching, your fashion choices need to offer comfort and feel relaxed, yet look smart.
Unlike many horses on the home straight, don’t let your form slide and lose touch with current and emerging fashion trends. The options above will have you turning heads, and not just at fashions on the field.