Words & Style by John Pocock
Warm weather dressing for the city doesn’t have to mean style sacrifice. If you’re a man over 40, navigating that fine line between polished and overly trend-chasing can be a daily challenge. But the trick? Invest in great shirts—and know how to wear them.
Here are four looks I’ve been wearing on rotation—each rooted in premium pieces that keep you cool in the heat while holding their own in creative or smart office settings.
Look 1: Relaxed But Sharp
Shirt: Reiss | Cap: Burberry | Trousers: Maison Margiela | Shoes: Bottega Veneta
A crisp camp-collar shirt is your best friend when the heat hits. This one from Reiss has a light structure that sits nicely without clinging, especially when worn open-necked. Paired with tailored Margiela trousers and minimalist slip-ons from Bottega Veneta, it’s equal parts fashion-forward and grown-up. The Burberry cap adds a graphic edge that keeps the vibe without veering into costume.
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Look 2: Casual Friday, Upgraded
Polo T-shirt: Sandro | Cap: Ralph Lauren | Trousers: Sandro | Trainers: Casablanca x New Balance
The humble polo gets a serious glow-up in this pairing. Crisp and clean, this Sandro number fits neatly without shouting. The soft neutral tones keep it classic, while the Casablanca x New Balance trainers inject just enough heat to say “I know what I’m doing.” It’s an ideal look for dress-down days in more relaxed office cultures—or weekend gallery runs.
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Look 3: Slim and Italian
Shirt: Sandro | Jeans: Vintage Helmut Lang | Shoes: Mr P.
This one’s for the purists. A khaki overshirt worn open or buttoned up recalls classic Italian menswear. The white Helmut Lang jeans are from the 90s—a reminder that while wide cuts dominate right now, slim jeans will always look great if you wear them right. They’re still central to the Hedi boy aesthetic and, if you want proof that it works on the older man, look no further than @alessandrosquarzi on Instagram. He’s a masterclass in grown-up swagger.
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Look 4: The Office-Ready Minimalist
Shirt: COS | Trousers: Helmut Lang | Sneakers: Common Projects
This is pure quiet luxury. A clean white short-sleeve shirt from COS meets relaxed tailored trousers and the evergreen Common Projects Achilles Low. Ideal for more formal summer meetings when you want polish without overheating.
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Arket Relaxed Poplin Shirt £57