Although winter is slowly turning to spring, the poor-performing British weather is suggesting otherwise. And with the Easter break in sight, as well as the hard-rolling, high-stress workdays of the year’s first quarter coming to an end, the chances are that you’ll want to decompress by escaping these shores and seeking finer climes elsewhere, whether that’s for a weekend or two.
For an idea of where to visit, we give you some pointers here; for some advice on how to switch off and relax, consider the steps here; and, once the out-of-office email is ready to be fired off and all you need to do is pack for your sojourn, consider the style essentials below…
Firm Foundations
When it comes to a wardrobe on-the-go, space is, of course, limited – so pieces that only work with certain ensembles should be avoided (in other words: bold, brash and often fast-fashion looks) in favour of versatile, flexible items that you can easily mix and match and fall back on in myriad scenarios.
In practice, this means opting for a spine of fairly unembellished items whose pared-back aesthetic maximises wearability and anchors everything in place. The polo, that ultimate sartorial piece that brings to mind tennis on the lawn, afternoons by the coast, and weekends on the water, makes for a fine blank canvas – Niccolò P.’s option is made using fine Egyptian Mako cotton in a breathable piqué knit (ideal for hotter climes), and its shade of mid-grey is neither too light nor too dark, allowing it to hit a sweet spot that can pair with items that sit at various points on the colour spectrum.
To wear below, the Wold Rugby Short, by Aubin, features an elasticated waist and a cotton twill construction with a laundered look, which gives off an easygoing, relaxed feel that’s ideal for off-duty lounging. Then, tie things up with this pair of frippery-free, artisan-made sneakers, courtesy of North-89; based on classic tennis footwear, it’s done out in sleek lines and a memory foam insole for pure comfort.
Dive In
Despite the grey clouds above, it’s slowly creeping up to that time of year when you’ll be spending languorous days either under a parasol and besides the lap pool, or next to sea waves. So, if you’re heading to Madeira, the blue waters of Sardinia or any other destinations of equal allure, you’ll need a fine pair of shorts that’ll have you making a splash either when practising your backstrokes or when sipping on fine libations at the post-sunset bar. (Or, if you’re staying within these shores and are heading to a spa retreat, such an item will also be handy when faced with the steam room.)
For a bit of pattern, Apnée Swimwear’s Oursins option is created with a marine-inspired design – but the neutral shades of blue, white and dark green keep everything on the right side of statement. (We’re also huge fans of the fact it’s made with 100% recycled plastic taken from the Mediterranean Sea.)
If, however, you’re leaning towards something more neutral, try Ripa Ripa’s offering, which reworks the classic drawstring short but is cut with a tailored fit; is made from brushed fabric that dries rapidly and has a lustrous cotton-feel; and features a rich-blue hue that brings to mind the glint of the Amalfi. Inspired by the nature of the Med coast, Love Brand & Co’s trunks have an organic, almost adventurous feel thanks to their earthy, olive-toned palette.
Finishing Touches
For years at GJ, we’ve been rhapsodising about the virtues of minimal-fuss dressing – but, that doesn’t mean we’re unaware of the power that a finely crafted accessory can have in elevating an ensemble, the way in which a herb or spice can add zip and vibrancy to a dish.
Again, when it comes to this area, we’d encourage you to take a timeless approach, which is to say evergreen products whose colours and silhouettes will remain unaffected by seasonal trends and fads. Take these Fraser sunglasses, by Oscar Deen, for example – the slightly oversized frames evoke 1960s Italian bifocals, but the universally appealing mix of gentle lines, a softened central-brow detail, and dark-brown tone creates an aesthetic that can blend into most modern-day settings.
If still feeling like your minimalist holiday wardrobe is limiting your sartorial chops, a subtle hit of a fine material can inject a touch of texture and a premium finish – this Awling belt, which is made from full-grain leather and a brass roller, will play off well with a pair of dark chinos. Then there’s Bennett Winch’s always trusty holdall that you can take from city to coast – because how else will you be carting around all the above essentials?
Want more style? For the transitional season, look to Luca Faloni’s easy, breezy springwear edit…
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