The Holiday Style Survival Guide: for the guys

July is upon us and that means one thing: holidays. Let’s face it, most men would be quite happy to hit the beach in flip flops, ratty cargo shorts, an old tee and a Tesco carrier bag for whatever meagre essentials they choose to carry and jeans and a football shirt for everything else when on holiday. It’s the summer of 2012 folks and that just isn’t cutting it any more.

It’s time to up your (or your man’s) game for summer and because we are nice like that, we here at The Upcoming have done all the hard work for you and compiled our Holiday Style Survival Guide for guys with everything you need for a week in the sun, and it is deceptively simple! 

The Shoe

Let’s start from the bottom on up, beginning with the feet because this is always where first impressions are made. Flip flops, whilst acceptable beachwear, are not the only option and as often we tend to be going from beach to bar, to lunch in town etc., you should consider something that will cover up your feet which we all know, are not always so pretty. The H by Hudson Inca leather espadrille needs to be the only shoe you pack in your suitcase this year. Soft and comfortable slip-ons with crushable backs and air holes to ensure breathability, this shoe is highly stylish and very versatile, working not just for daywear but also for your night time carousing. These espadrilles are guaranteed to win you points be it with the person you have your eye on for a summer fling, the maitre’d at that top beachside restaurant, or the guardian of the velvet ropes at the hippest nightclubs.

The OutfitFor swimwear, Topman offer great retro styles in block colours and this season’s shorter cut for a meagre £22. Speedo’s are for pro swimmers and board shorts are for teenagers. Done. 

Add to this a pair or two of Superdry chino shorts, which are tailored and slim cut, making them easy transition pieces that can be paired with the T-shirt or tank of your choice during the day and then be switched up come evening time for a lightweight white shirt or dark polo shirt. We recommend anything from The Kooples and The Kooples Sport. Whilst hopefully you won’t need any additional layers, there is always the chance that wherever you are holidaying, it may get cooler in the evening and there is unfortunately no escaping the fact that you will need this upon your return to the UK. Ditch the hoody and for warmth pack a V-neck knit sweater from John Smedley or Sandro’s stylish nylon bomber jacket which is lightweight and folds down well taking up little extra suitcase space. 

The Bag

All Saints Cane tote (currently on sale!) is perfect for your every holiday need. A man bag that is rugged yet stylish in appearance with a roomy canvas body and leather handles it is again, versatile enough to carry you from day to night. Throw in sunscreen, the higher the factor the better, L’Oreal Men Expert Carbon protect 4 in 1 Anti-Perspirant (it’s a wonder product) and any other essentials you need to carry. The ShadesLast but not least, we come to that other most noticeable and all important aspect of a man’s holiday wardrobe; the sunglasses. Ray Ban’s whilst stylish and cool, have had their run, everybody is wearing them, so consider other options. Style wise, avoid a faux pas and go with a classic aviator style which will suit most all face shapes. We recommend Marc by Marc Jacobs 239/S, a sleek and sporty aviator. Whilst we are at the top, it’s worth mentioning that a pre-trip trip to the barber for a trim or shorter and more manageable style should always be considered. 

So guys (and gals), there you have it, your quick and easy guide to holiday style, courtesy of us. You’re Welcome. Enjoy your holidays, and please don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Ian Michael Turner