Summer is here, and with 59% of UK residents planning trips in the next three months, it’s time to start thinking about your holiday wardrobe.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or exploring the city, achieving the preppy look will make you stand out in style. M&S Menswear Insider, Rob Manning, shares his expert tips on the must-have menswear items to pack this season, ensuring you’re both fashionable and versatile.
Swimwear Shorts: The Foundation of Preppy Style
With 60.5k searches for ‘preppy’ last month, it’s evident that this look is one of the biggest menswear trends of the summer. And when it comes to achieving the preppy style, swimwear shorts are an excellent starting point. Rob Manning highlights the significance of this classic British style, which combines professional attire with smart-casual and leisure wear, creating the perfect summer look.
Now, let’s dive into Rob’s recommendations for tapping into the preppy trend using swimwear, with a focus on four different styles.
Colour Block – Versatile Essentials for City Breaks
With 135k searches for ‘city breaks’ in the UK last month alone, it’s clear that this type of holiday is a popular choice. To accommodate the need for light packing, versatile clothing pieces are essential. Rob advises opting for block colours instead of bold and busy prints for your swimming trunks on a city break. This approach allows for greater versatility, making it easier to style a single colour with other items.
The preppy look is often built around navy and pastel colours, as they can be easily mixed and matched with plain shirts like white linen. By choosing block colours, you can create multiple outfits from just a few simple items, ideal for those with limited baggage allowance.
Stripes – Playful and Sleek for a Stylish Summer
Summer is the perfect time to inject some fun into your outfits. Rob recommends incorporating patterned swimming trunks or shorts into your preppy wardrobe. Stripes, especially in neutral or pastel shades, are an excellent choice for a preppy finish. To elevate this look beyond the beach, consider adding accessories like a gold watch, a simple bracelet, and a stylish baseball cap. This ensemble effortlessly transitions from a day at the beach to a night out, making it the perfect all-day outfit.
Prints – Contemporary and Bold
While the preppy look traditionally features muted colours and navy, you can give it a contemporary twist by experimenting with prints, patterns, or brighter colours. Step outside of your comfort zone and try swimwear or shorts in lighter blues or captivating prints. To embrace the preppy trend fully, pair these statement pieces with a striped polo shirt and comfortable leather sandals.
Smart Casual – Timeless Elegance for Countryside Getaways
When planning a countryside getaway, embrace classic pieces like button-downs, chinos, loafers, and tennis attire. Begin building your preppy ensemble with a pair of versatile swim shorts, as they can double up as regular shorts. Stick to darker or neutral shades with a seersucker finish for a more refined look.
For navy tones, pair your swim shorts with a crisp white linen shirt and accentuate the outfit with gold accessories for a playful yet smart casual finish. Alternatively, combine pastel and striped swim shorts with a simple oxford shirt and comfortable loafers to achieve a timeless preppy look.
In conclusion, mastering the preppy look this summer is within your reach. By following Rob Manning’s expert tips and incorporating the right swimwear pieces into your wardrobe, you can effortlessly stand out with a stylish and versatile ensemble. So, pack your bags, hit the beach, or explore the city while looking your best in the preppy style. Remember, confidence is key, and with the right outfit, you’ll be turning heads wherever your summer adventures take you.