8 essential summer accessories

Summer is coming around alarmingly quickly, and if you’re anything like me you’re highly unprepared. It doesn’t seem long ago that we were wrapping up warm in dense overcoats, scarfs and heavyweight knits, but now, as the numerous billboards dotted around the city are telling us, it’s almost time to strip off. Here are 8 essential summer accessories to get you through the warmer months.

SUNGLASSES

There’s no qualms about it; sunglasses are a must-have. These have been designed in partnership with the Gregory Peck estate, inspired by a pair the style icon wore in To Kill a Mockingbird. They’ve also been handcrafted from multiple layers of exclusive acetate which, to you and me, equates to unashamed quality.

Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck Sunglasses, £247 from Sunglasses Shop

PANAMA HAT

There was once a time when a gentleman wouldn’t leave the home without a hat. Whilst those days are long gone, a well-chosen head-piece will transform your look, referencing a golden era of classic style. The finest panama hats are named Montecristis after a town in Ecuador in which they are made. They are constructed with up to 2,500 weaved palm-like leaves per square inch, resulting in hours of work for each expertly skilled weaver – hence the price.

Superfine Montecristi Panama Hat, £975 from Lock & Co

LOW CUT SOCKS

Loafers are a popular choice for summer and rightly so, but if you want to go sockless then a number of problems can arise, namely hygiene. These bad boys may look worryingly feminine on their own, but under a fine pair of leather loafers they’ll go unnoticed, saving you the need to air your shoes out after every wear.

Low Cut Socks, £3.30 from Uniqlo

LINEN POCKET SQUARE

Whilst you may not feel the effects of a linen pocket square like you would a blazer, the soft, textured look is appropriately summer-ready.

Linen Pocket Square, £25 from Reiss

TRAVEL BAG

For many, summer is a time for travel, so investing in a quality leather bag is a must. Perfect for long weekends away, this barrel bag is crafted from a burnished antique leather that looks as though it was aged under the watchful eye of the mediterranean sun. It’s the details where it shines though, and the rugged metal fastenings, slip pockets with magnetic buttons and zipped internal compartment ensure it will remain loyal for years to come.

John Lewis Gladstone Leather Barrel Bag, £189 from John Lewis

WOVEN BELT

For warm summer evenings, a stiff leather belt can appear too formal and rigid. That’s where one like this comes in; something woven, lightweight and with a dash of colour to add a subtle eccentricity to your look.

Anderson’s Striped Woven Belt, £95 from Selfridges

VERSATILE TIMEPIECE

Few watches marry affordability and style as well as the Timex Weekender. Reminiscent of field watches of yesteryear but updated with dressier polished cases, these are easily interchangeable with numerous NATO straps from supple leather (pictured) to striped canvas.

Weekender 40, £59.99 by Timex

LEATHER WALLET

The merits of a quality wallet are plentiful. It’s something you’ll use everyday and really marks you out as a man of taste and refinement.

Made in Italy Leather Wallet, £45 from John Lewis

For more inspiration, see our shop.