Summer Staycation Essentials: Our Top Picks for (Paddling) Poolside Relaxing | April 2020
Shannon Firby on Thu, Apr 16, 20
It may be awhile before we start thinking about our summer holiday, and for some of us, the possibility of jetting off might be less and less. However, there’s no reason we can’t start preparing for the warmer weather, even if it means that we’ll only be venturing as far as our back garden for a few hours lounging by the paddling pool. Indeed, the warmer weather we’ve been having in recent weeks has certainly got us thinking about the summer here at EQVVS, and we wanted to get you in the mood for some sunshine by taking a look at some of the latest arrivals to our summer shop. Because even if you’re not going to get the chance to live it up on holiday this year, there’s no reason why you can’t look stylish catching some rays in the garden…
Most lads will break out the shorts as soon as we get the tiniest glimmer of sunshine, so having a few pairs that are comfy and stylish is a must. For those who rarely step out of their beloved jeans, a nice inbetween are these Slim Fit Denim Shorts by Emporio Armani. A pair of denim shorts are a must for every bloke’s summer wardrobe, and these combine the classic denim look with a sleek silhouette. Combine with your favourite slim fit tee to complete the look!
For occasions when it’s a little bit too toasty for denim, we love these Brooklyn Cotton Twill Shorts by Tommy Hilfiger. We know the preppy look is going to be big for SS20, and these fit the bill perfectly. Perfect for a back garden BBQ, choose from this fresh and summery Frosted Rose, or go for the more understated Desert Sky.
For those who like to keep things a bit more casual, the classic cargo shorts are always a good choice. We know the utility trend is big this year, and it’s a great option for your summer wardrobe - we especially love these Boss Casual Cargo Shorts, which are highly versatile and practical. With plenty of pockets, they’re perfect for carrying your sunglasses and all your other summer essentials.
Okay, given the current situation, it’s unlikely any of us will be lounging by a huge hotel pool any time soon. However, there’s nothing stopping us from getting the paddling pool out in the back garden and kicking back in the sun with a beer or two. Of course in those situations, you’ll be needing a stylish pair of swim shorts. These Shore Swim Shorts from Barbour’s Lifestyle range are one of our top picks - the contrasting blue shades are perfect for channelling those summer vibes without being too extravagant. Alternatively, if you’d rather make a statement (who cares that you’re on a sun lounger on your own patio?), these Side Logo Swim Shorts from DSquared are for you. We love the vibrant pink and yellow on these, which are sure to make you stand out this summer - because if you can’t go bold with your swim shorts, when can you? Or, for something a little more low key (but still with a quirky twist), why not go for these Marshall Paisley Swim Shorts by Pretty Green? The iconic paisley print that the brand is best known for is bright and refreshing, making them a great choice for summer.
So, you’ve got the shorts for your back garden BBQ, you just need a stylish summer shirt to match. Stand out in front of your neighbours over the fence with the help of this Arvid Flowers Shirt by Nudie Jeans. The Hawaiian shirt has most definitely been heavily debated over the years, and whether you like it or not, they’ve become more of a summer staple in recent ones. We just love this bold floral design which is perfect for summer, and we especially love how this shirt’s crafted from environmentally friendly TENCELL Lyocell fibres, making it a good option for those who are a little more eco-conscious. Keep the bottom half simple though with plain colours to avoid clashing!
If you’re looking at smartening up, perhaps for a summer date night - which have become all the more popular in the last few months - you can’t go wrong with a button down shirt and smart shorts combo. We especially love this Long Sleeve Sport Shirt by Ralph Lauren, which ticks all the boxes. This vibrant Pioneer Red is one of our favourite shades and is sure to make you stand out. This luxurious number is finished off with the iconic Ralph Lauren pony logo, and will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Plus, when the time does come for us to pack up and jump on a plane, you’ll have a stylish shirt to wear for a night on the town.
If you’re looking for something that’s a nice balance between smart and casual, this Classic Shoreditch Print Short Sleeve Shirt from Superdry is one of our top picks. The blue paisley print is perfect for summer and will keep you feeling and looking stylish, even if it’s just lounging in the garden with a few beers.
Of course, if it’s just a light dip in the paddling pool you won’t be wanting to go overboard with a designer shirt, in which case you can’t go wrong with a classic tee. One of our favourites is this Custom Slim Fit Tee by Ralph Lauren, which is a top summer staple. Available in a variety of different colour ways, you can pair it with your favourite swim shorts or even your favourite jeans on the days when the weather’s a little cooler. For those who prefer something a bit more colourful, we’re loving this Carhartt Scotty Pocket T-Shirt. The allover stripe design is perfect for creating a casual look this summer but you can still pair it with jeans for a more autumn ensemble later in the year. Alternatively, this Mix & Match Tee from the Boss Bodywear collection is a more understated piece for creating a casual summer look, and is available in a selection of different colours.
Finally, just because you may not be venturing further than your back garden this summer, there’s no reason why you can’t get your accessories game on point. Every summer outfit needs a stylish pair of sliders to finish the look, as well as keep you feeling cool and comfortable. These Emporio Armani Logo Sliders are one of our favourites, boasting the iconic logo with an extra splash of colour thanks to the vibrant red stripes. Or, you could go for these Contrasting Logo Match Sliders from HUGO, which keep things simple with a basic contrast design that’s still enough to make you stand out.
Of course, just because you’re not getting a healthy dose of holliday sun, you’ll still need to take measures to keep safe this summer. That means sunscreen, plenty of water, and a hat to protect your head. A classic cap is a great option, particularly if you’re moving about a lot, and is also handy when it comes to keeping the sun out of your eyes. This Curved Logo Cap from the Boss Bodywear collection is simple yet stylish, and comes with an adjustable back for optimum comfort.
Just because we may not get a chance to jump on a plane to an exotic location this summer, there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy that summer sunshine. As the weather starts to heat up, make sure your garden is equipped with all those essentials - think paddling pool, sun loungers, BBQ essentials and of course, make sure the fridge is stocked with a few beers! Combined with your new stylish summer wardrobe essentials, you’ll be all set to embrace those staycation vibes.
Written by Amy Jackson - 12th April 2020
