Style tips from the Italian riviera for the Singapore sun

Italian men are known for their flamboyant style. The artful balance of careful coordination with a nonchalant grace is characteristic of the Italian style and we spent the last two weeks observing the style Italiano on the Riviera.

Observations ? Considering the warm and sunny weather of Singapore, men’s clothing style in Singapore can easily translate the key elements of the Riviera style into their casual and smart casual wardrobe.

Here are a few ways to do it:

1. Ditch the loose, baggy polo ts that you have been loving so much for their ease and comfort. Polo ts are great but now its time to get the ones that fit you well. Do away with the ones that have sleeves ending at the elbow ! The Polo ts that look smart are the ones that are in great quality cotton, with short sleeves, the ones that end in the middle of the upper arm. Anything longer than that is too old (unless of course you are going for that look).

2. Nothing describes the Riviera style more than the Breton stripes. A classic item that has been sported by the likes of Picasso, James Dean and Jean-Paul Gautier, make this wardrobe staple a part of your collection.

3. Needless to say, fabric is important. Shirts in good quality cotton are a great way to dress up and keep cool. Look for shirts that fit well and create a lean silhouette. Baggy shirts are not going to keep you anymore cooler and definitely don’t help in enhancing your style. Sleeves rolled up casually, just above or below the elbow, adds to the impression of effortless style.

4. Trousers or shorts in cotton and linen work well too. For both, go for cuts that taper slightly at the bottom, giving an illusion of slimness. It’s all about the silhouette. Avoid cargo shorts. Shorts without side pockets, zippers or buttons is the way to go and knee-length is good.

5. Shoes are important and we can’t stress this enough, as most wardrobe’s we see on a regular basis have not more than 2-3 pairs and that too, only suited best for work wear. The same styles don’t work for casual wear, look for shoes that are a bit sporty but suited for smart casual wear.

Finally, it’s the careful coordination of the accents that the Italian style is all about. Use accessories like sunglasses, a sporty watch with a casual strap in colours other than black. Pocket squares have been our recommendations for dressing it up with a little colour. And don’t be afraid to try colours, if bold colours are not within your comfort zone, go for pastels that really do make the entire ensemble stylish and very summery.

Here are some pictures to help you update your casual wardrobe for sunny Singapore.

Enjoy the read and good luck with the wardrobe update.