Summer style demands a lot of prep. We dust off old favourites. We bin the old not-so-favourites. We even up our gym visits, keen to turn a beanbag belly into pure swipe right material.
At least it doesn't demand a lot of cash, though. As our finances fall into the summer holiday black hole, it should come as a relief that strong, standout looks are affordable. Less layers, less shopping and all that.
So, paying due attention to both your style credentials and your bank account, we've curated three killer summer looks for less than £200.
1 | The Mild Afternoon
Thanks to a big Chinese hoax called global warming, the degrees Celsius will be something of a rollercoaster this summer. Makes sense, then, to have multiple, easily-stowed layers.
For chilly moments, opt for a T-shirt underneath an Oxford shirt and a denim jacket. But when it's time to actually chill, simply remove each layer as you deem appropriate and retire it to a backpack - a piece made all the more essential by the inevitable tins in transit. Nobody should be wheeling a carrier bag around.
Ankle-length trousers will give your pins some much-needed breeze, and again, focus on lightweight fabrics.
Total: £194.38
Light Grey Denim Jacket, £45 by River Island; Pure Cotton Plain Oxford Shirt, £19.50 by M&S; Broken In T-Shirt, £30 by J. Crew at Mr Porter; Relaxed Ankle Length Trousers, £34.90 by Uniqlo; Nylon Navy Backpack, £19.99 by Stradivarius at ASOS; 2750 Trainers, £44.99 by Superga at Selfridges.
2 | The Rising Temperature
Ah, the Great British sunshine, that mythical beast that comes but three days a year to fry our skin and minds in equal measure.
Take advantage of the imminent heatwave by showing as much flesh as possible without getting a court summons. An open polo is a practical way to stay cool, yet still offers the structure and details of something a little sharper. Downstairs, ensure a neutral shade short finishes below the upper thigh, but a few inches above the knee.
The glorious weather won't last forever, though. No matter how thick your beer jacket, a sweatshirt will warm you on the cool walk home.
Total: £197.89
Berckley Open Collar Striped Polo, £65 by Reiss; Garment Dyed Cotton Twill Shorts, £65 by Mr P. at Mr Porter; Long Sleeved Sweatshirt, £19.90 by Uniqlo; All Star Canvas Hi-Tops, £47.99 by Converse at Selfridges.
3 | The Searing Poolside
If your summer involves water (which is likely), you'll need a poolside look beyond Benidorm beer baron, but one that isn't quite Russian oligarch on Capri.
A narrow sweet spot, sure, but it's one easily clinched with the Cuban collared shirt. Opt for a softer print in shades that'll work with the stuff already in your wardrobe: blues, greys, neutrals and greens. Anchor with a plain pair of swim shorts in a colour that'll complement your burgeoning, godly Adonis tan.
Don't forget the footwear, either. While a pair of slides will prevent a fungal infection from suspicious looking tiles, they're also a sharper alternative to surf bro flip flops. Then, simply finish the look with a subtle bit of Sexy Beast bling - come on, you are on holiday after all.
Total: £173.49
Fuyugi Hawaiian Shirt, £85 by AllSaints; Adilette Sliders, £24.99 by Adidas at Selfridges; Traveller Mid-Length Swim Shorts, £55 by Ralph Lauren at Mr Porter; Silver Chain Necklace, £8.50 by Topman.
