If you’re already dreaming about your mid-year escape, we get it. Whether it’s sun-soaked Amalfi, a Kyoto city break, or a long weekend in Bangkok, summer holidays call for a different kind of wardrobe. We are talking about one that’s effortless, comfortable, and still says you’ve got taste.
Dressing well on holiday isn’t about packing your full wardrobe or sticking to stiff formalwear. It’s about picking the right pieces that work with the heat, not against it. Especially if you’re leaving from Singapore, where we know humidity is no stranger.
Fabrics That Breathe (And Still Look Sharp)
Stick with light, airy options like linen, cotton poplin, and tropical-weight wool. They keep you cool, resist wrinkling better than you’d think, and give you that relaxed-yet-considered silhouette. A camp-collar shirt in soft linen paired with tailored drawstring trousers? That’s vacation-ready without feeling sloppy.
Image credit: casatlantic.com and theimpression.com
Q Style tip: Want to elevate a daytime look? Toss on an unstructured blazer in cotton-linen that’s lightweight has no padding and no lining. It brings polish to your outfit but still lets you move, breathe, and sip your Aperol Spritz in peace.
Colour Play: Neutrals, Earth Tones, and a Pop of Print
Summer’s leaning into sun-faded tones. Think terracotta, sage, dusty blue, and off-white. These shades are easy to mix and flatter most skin tones. Perfect for travel snaps or alfresco lunches. Want to stand out? Add a statement piece like a printed resort shirt, or a patterned short-sleeve knit.
Image credit: monoicstudios.com and Pinterest
Q Style tip: Balance is key. If your shirt is bold, keep the trousers classic. If you’re wearing coloured shorts, pair them with a crisp white tee or a muted linen shirt. Let one item do the talking.
The New Tailoring: Relaxed, Not Sloppy
We’re seeing a shift in tailoring this season, think comfort meets intention. Unlined jackets, wider-leg trousers, and soft shoulders are making their mark. This is a smarter way to do casual. And yes, shorts are in. Tailored ones. Pair them with a matching jacket or a knitted polo for a look that’s more Riviera than resort buffet. Ideal for a rooftop bar in Bangkok or a museum stroll in Madrid.
Image credit: GQ España , Satoria Lab, Fashionably Male, @mustafakacar
Q Style tip: If you're packing a matching set (tailored shorts + jacket), you’ve already won half your holiday wardrobe. Break them apart or wear them together to opt for zero fuss and maximum mileage.
Sport-Inspired, Style-Approved
The athletic influence is strong this season. We’re seeing drawstring trousers in premium fabrics, jackets with subtle stretch, and silhouettes that feel relaxed without looking lazy. These are pieces that move with you. Whether you’re running through the airport or catching up over lunch in the city, they offer flexibility without compromising your style.
Image credit: Lui Italia, inf.news, castalantic, Pinterest
Q Style tip: Pair tailored drawstring trousers with a crisp button-down or knit polo to balance sport and sophistication. Stick to neutral tones or muted colours to keep the look refined. Style with clean sneakers or loafers to keep things sharp from the ground up.
Smart Footwear, Sorted for Summer
When it comes to summer holidays, your shoes need to keep up. Walking through cobbled streets one minute, stepping into a sunset dinner the next. That’s where the right pair makes all the difference. Sneakers are no longer just for off days. These days, they’re showing up under relaxed suits and drawstring trousers, adding just the right amount of ease to an otherwise sharp look. Think low-profile, clean-lined styles in leather. No loud logos, no fuss.
Planning to kick back by the pool or explore coastal towns? A pair of leather sandals will do the job, but go for something refined. You want them to say “laidback elegance,” not “forgot my flip-flops.”
And don’t overlook loafers. A well-made pair in suede or supple leather is the way to move this season. Easy to slip on, polished without being stiff, and great for warm evenings out.
Image credit: Lookastic, Pinterest, Timothée Paris, Tod's, Jacques Soloviere Paris
Q Style Tip: Stick to light, versatile shades like white, sand, olive, or even a soft chocolate brown. A smart sneaker and a good pair of loafers will cover almost every outfit you pack, keeping your luggage light and your looks sharp from morning markets to evening cocktails.
Plan Ahead, Pack Smart
The key to holiday dressing is intention. Don’t leave your wardrobe planning to the night before your flight. Think about the places you’ll be, the activities lined up, and the version of yourself you’d like to bring along.
If you're unsure where to start, come by Q MENSWEAR showroom. Our designers will help you plan a few versatile, bespoke pieces that easily transition effortlessly from Singapore’s streets to your next summer destination.