For gentlemen in the warmer weather, head to toe:
1. If you want to get ahead, get a hat. A good hat is elegant and gives practical protection from the sun. The Panama hat is a deserved classic, being lightweight and stylish. A good one will also roll for storage and transport. For a more casual look, a broad-brimmed canvas hat does the job (think cricket umpires). Stick to light solid colours. Avoid slogans, badges and logos. You're not playing sport. (Unless you are, in which case none of this applies.) Also avoid caps, especially baseball caps. Anything "zany" (unusual shapes or colour schemes). Going bare-headed in the street is unwise but don't wear the thing indoors.
2. A fine shirt is the cornerstone of any outfit. In warmer weather the shirt is even more prominent as its likely to be worn uncovered, so this is the time to invest in some good lightweight shirts for summer rather than slacken off into casual or "sporting" styles. Keep it light. No-one ever got turned away for wearing white. Avoid effeminate colours (pink and pastels).
A shirt is meant to fit. It's not a smock. If you're an unusual size, get one made to measure. Nothing looks worse than an extra half inch in the collar or on the sleeves.
Avoid short sleeves unless you're a pilot or a security guard. You probably wouldn't want to be mistaken for either.
Lightweight cotton, linen and silk/linen mixes are suitable for summer.
The collar should be open if the occasion is informal, or buttoned with a tie if not. If a tie is worn, do it properly - either properly tied around your closed collar or not at all. Avoid the slovenly look of a slackened tie and open collar.
Do I really need to say "tuck it in"? Probably.
There is never a good reason to wear a t-shirt. Vests are underwear.
To be continued...
