Key Pieces for Your S/S 2022 Wardrobe

There are a few things in life that Stevie is truly passionate about – Crystal Palace F.C., Guinness and clothes. We’ve shared in these obsessions with him; chatting transfer targets and match day tactics over trims and sinking more than the occasional jar of the black stuff at the local after a shift. 

However, his one specialism which we have benefitted from above all else is his knowledge of clobber. He’s been working in premium menswear for many a year – from Japanese denim to relaxed tailoring to personal shopping. He’s shared with us his wisdom on many a fashion conundrum.

Therefore, it seemed obvious that he should be the man to ask about what key items we should be looking to add to our wardrobes for this Spring and Summer season. These are his top picks, with examples from his current employer; London favourite Oliver Spencer.

The Warm Weather Overshirt

“Overshirts are a year round staple for me. I just think they’re so flexible and underrated, you can layer them over a tee, sweat or hoodie or under a warmer jacket or overcoat. It looks considered without being too formal or try-hard” says Stevie.

“They’re generally thought of as more of an Autumn or Winter thing, and in this instance I’d opt for a corduroy or rigid canvas. However, lighter versions are perfect for cooler Spring mornings or for throwing on as the sun comes down and the temperature drops in Summer evenings. Plus, let’s be honest, Summer in London is as likely to be grey and drizzly as Sunny and sticky!”

“For the warmer seasons, I’d go for something like a ripstop cotton, poplin or maybe even linen. It’s also easier to go for something textured or patterned this time of year as there tends to be less going on with the rest of the outfit. In Winter you could be working with knitwear, tweeds and alike whereas in Summer it’s more likely to be a plain tee and shorts or chino’s.”

Relaxed Tailoring

“Guys generally struggle with smart casual, it’s just a fact.”

“For many it’s a case of suit for the office or a wedding, jeans and a hoodie for anything else. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that if it works. However, it doesn’t have to be that black and white.”

“An unstructured two piece suit is one of the smartest additions anyone can make to their wardrobe. They’re flexible enough to be worn as separates and can be dressed up or down. You could say, wear the blazer with a tee and dark denim or drawstring trousers to dinner or wear the full outfit with a grandad collar shirt as a more interesting alternative for a wedding evening invite.”

“They also tend to be available in a really cool selection of fabrics such as seersucker, linen or organic cotton. Just be warned, don’t go for a textured or patterned suit AND shirt, it’s got to be one or the other.” 

The Premium Sweat Pants

“Fashions are taking inspiration from a wider variety of sources than ever before – the streets, the terraces, the skatepark, the countryside, the list goes on.”

“I guess this could be as a result of the World being a strange place over the past couple of years, with everyone having different experiences and looking for different things.”

“One thing that most of us can agree on is that we’ve spent more time indoors than we would usually have done. A benefit of this is that we’ve spent more time in comfy, casual gear and many don’t seem keen to drop this totally as things re-open and moving about becomes more straightforward.”

“However, if you’re going to wear tracksuits and joggers out and about then getting your hands on better quality, more flattering ones seems like a good plan. That way, you can still look like you care but retain the comfort levels. It’s why sportswear brands like Nike are offering premium ranges and high end streetwear such as Fear of God, Needles and Vetements can offer loungewear for the prices that they do.” 

The Resort Shirt

“If, like last year, the British Summer doesn’t deliver then bring the Mediterranean to you.”

“Once seen most commonly on mahogany coloured, beer bellied tourists in Benidorm, resort shirts have been becoming more and more popular to a wider audience for a couple of years now, and they’re not going anywhere soon.”

“Because they’re specifically made for hot days, they’re the perfect summer item. The material tends to be lightweight, the fit relaxed and the colours varied. And they’re made to layer over a plain t-shirt, so any sweat marks are more easily hidden. It’s a no-brainer to have a couple in your rotation.”

So there you have it, Stevie’s recommendations to keep you looking fresh this season. Now all we need is a Pimm’s, some factor 50 and; of course; some bloody sunshine.