Warm weather is approaching and it is time to ponder upon what you?ll wear during the balmy days of spring and summer. As nice as they may be, this is the time to cast off your fine suits and don a more cheerful wardrobe. However, a challenge accompanies this change as you seek to either discretely cover up or boldly show off your body.
Let?s discuss where to find the clothes that have the style, fit and quality to help you strike the right balance, no matter what your goals. This spring is all about bold, colourful fabrics so do not be afraid to build a wardrobe that contrasts with your more conservative workweek wear. These designers will keep you in fashion:
Shirts:Bottega Veneta is known best for its leather goods, but this season they will be a sleeper hit for shirts. Their pin-striped fabrics are particularly appealing. You?ll also do well with Zegna Sport?s spring collection, which has improved dramatically in recent years. Finally, seek out Color Plus, an Indian brand whose linen quality meets or exceeds Zegna.
Trousers:This is perhaps the most overlooked spring and summer item in a gentleman?s wardrobe. Don?t just wear a pair of winter slacks with your great new warm weather shirts you?ve purchased. Seek out trousers by Paul Smith, whose British take on casual style is inimitable, despite many attempts. Zegna Sport and Loro Piana also do well with trousers that are more classic and, well, Italian. For something special, seek out Etro for their straight leg cotton twills.
Ties and Accessories:Etro should also be your choice for colourful ties that show you are as bright as a summer day. You might also compliment your wardrobe with a classic checked silk tie or a lightweight striped cotton scarf?either of these will make you truly stand out.
Shoes: Your wife probably has (or covets) a pair of shoes by Christian Louboutin. Why? The heels, of course, but also the bold colours. Follow her lead (on the colours, that is) and emphasise shoes featuring whites, blues, and coloured checks. Avoid the grey, black and bland. For sneakers, a pair of white Converse represent the best classic sneakers that fit a variety of outfits and are great value. Stepping up in formality, you should have, at least, one pair of loafers. Try something from Tod?s or Gucci that have a splash of colour. Finally, every man should have a pair of suede Derby shoes for more casual wear.
T-Shirts:Here is where most summer fashion faux pas occur. Even if it is for casual family time or an outing with friends, there is no reason to wear a t-shirt advertising your last visit to Disney World. Get a proper one from Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana or Polo by Ralph Lauren.
Spring is the season of rebirth. I?ve lost some weight and that has given me both the necessity and motivation to reinvent my wardrobe. But the real reason is to make sure I have the bold colours that are appropriate for a joyous and bold season of work and travel. Those colours are also appropriate for next week?s discussion of one of the world?s most exciting destinations: Cuba. That is a country, many of us feel, ready to burst onto the world travel stage with the intensity of a new summer day.
Deepak Ohri is CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts. He can be reached at deepak@lebua.com