Words By Chloe Laight
With the onslaught of dull days and chilly winds, we’ve spent the past few months wrapped up in dark, muted colors, shrouding ourselves in hues of black and gray. But as we say a warm welcome back to sunnier climes — and the return of mood-boosting serotonin — there’s never been a better time to shake up your closet with print, pattern and color. Enter this summer’s most-loved statement shirts.
A vacation staple, the lightweight, high-impact shirt is one of the season’s hero pieces, revered for its endlessly versatility, and ability to lend itself to every style and taste. Whether you're jet-setting, vacationing or planning on staying put this summer, go bold with our edit of this summer’s truly standout options courtesy of Prada, Casablanca and more.
Luxe meets leisurewear: Casablanca
Striking the balance between comfort and elegance, Charaf Tajer — the French-Moroccan designer behind Casablanca — creates satin separates that epitomize summer dressing. Its latest spring/summer 2023 collection is defined by botanical inspirations and the free flow of nature meeting the structure of man-made design. With its vivid, richly hued pattern and lustrous finish creating an elevated aesthetic, this silk shirt is a standout piece from the seasonal lineup that lends itself to day and dusk dressing. It serves as a playful twist to the classic Hawaiian but with a contemporary, decadent feel. Consider styling with relaxed nude tailoring and Stefan Cooke’s modern monk shoes for a fresh take on timeless vacation dressing.
A new nostalgia: Prada
There’s a playful nature to this summer’s looks, with nostalgic designs evoking childhood memories throughout some of the season’s most-wanted collections. Elements like pastel checks and scalloped edging all nod to this: cue this blue gingham shirt, a hero piece from Prada’s latest offering. The co-creative directors, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, continue to deliver their signature aesthetic this summer — timeless sophistication through a modernist lens — with new destination-ready styles that embrace a youthful energy. With a Cuban collar and boxy fit that promotes ease of movement on humid days, this gingham shirt is also available to shop in an equally wistful red colorway on FARFETCH. Style yours with elevated sportswear for a day in the city or with Bermuda shorts for a refined dinner look.
Made for the summer: Jacquemus
Simon Porte Jacquemus’ move into menswear in 2019 was celebrated, and the designer’s eponymous French brand has gone from strength to strength since. An editor and celebrity favorite — close collaborators of the brand include Central Cee, Vincent Cassel and Dua Lipa, to name a few — Jacquemus’ spring/summer 2023 collection, Le Raphia, was a viral sensation. A myriad of bold illustrations, abstract patterns and sun-soaked graphics, all made cohesive by the label’s signature streamlined fit, defined the men’s looks. In shirting, the orange La Chemise Simon, cast with sun illustrations, is a strong choice when it comes to statement summer separates and promises to see you through the warmer months in style.
The elevated staple: Palm Angels
Palm Angels’ authentic ties to skate culture — the Italian founder Francesco Ragazzi has spent half his life in Los Angeles, getting to know the West Coast skate scene — has given the house its unmistakable hybrid aesthetic. It’s a fusion that sees A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti amongst those sporting the brand. Palm Angels’ spring/summer 2023 collection leans into luxury fabrics for a distinctly elevated take on its typical streetwear vibe (much in keeping with the season’s mood for a new quiet luxury). Tie-dye shirts and signature palm tree prints transport you to Venice Beach, while the fusion of rebellious skate culture and immaculate tailoring make for updated takes on classic pieces — cue the hurricane-print bowling shirt. With a muted graphic design, this style pairs well with shorts by AMBUSH for a laid-back approach to summer dressing.
Ocean dreaming: Marni
Renowned for its swathes of sunshine brights and artfully sketched graphics, Marni’s new Vol.2 collection continues to redefine our closet cornerstones. Complete with bold patterns, offbeat silhouettes and tranquil colorways, each piece has the self-expressive feel that creative director Francesco Risso is loved for. If you’re in search of a hard-working summer style that lends itself to both day and evening dressing on your next getaway, Marni’s painterly printed shirt is a go-to. With a camp collar, short sleeves and silk fabrication, it’s a lightweight piece to wear on repeat this season. When it comes to styling, opt for a head-to-toe look courtesy of the label’s matching shorts, which serve as an understated yet impactful option.
A considered approach: Bode
Mixing sentimental themes with modern tailoring, New York label Bode champions earth-friendly production processes. Back in 2016, Bode launched with a collection of one-of-a-kind garments made entirely from antique fabrics, and since then, it specializes in upcycling these — including Victorian quilts, grain sacks and bed linen — to make each piece truly unique. For its spring/summer 2023 collection, lovingly handcrafted, lightweight creations take center stage. Woven from a cotton-linen blend, this embroidered botanical shirt with broderie eyelets has a vintage feel that works particularly well paired with earthy, nude tones, modernized with sneakers for an old-meets-new approach to styling. Shop this style plus more from the brand’s summer-ready collection on FARFETCH.