From Dawn to Dusk: My Versatile Wardrobe with Eton Shirts

Packing for a short trip, a wedding, or a weekend in Southern Europe may seem straightforward but can be trickier than longer stays. It's all about getting the most out of each piece while being ready for any situation that comes your way.

Morning to Lunch – A Crisp Classic

It may seem unusual to some, but I tend to dress more elegantly in the morning while on my travel. There is just something about putting on a crisp white shirt, a relaxed blazer, and a pair of pressed trousers after my morning routine and stepping into town. Many associate casual dressings with jeans and t-shirt combo for example, or even sweatpants, I prefer my version of casual, smart casual, personally it gives me a better start to the day. And I think it's always nice to see others who’ve also made an effort, even if they don't have to.

"There is just something about putting on a crisp white shirt, a relaxed blazer, and a pair of pressed trousers after my morning routine and stepping into town."

I’m not referring to a full suit and tie here, but rather an elegant business casual outfit that allows for comfortability to go about my day and maybe enjoy lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in town. In this instance, I have chosen a light, softly constructed blazer in a discreet houndstooth-patterned lightweight wool and silk blend, which combined with light beige linen trousers and Eton's classic white Signature Twill shirt, creates a sober and low contrast look. On my feet, I opted for a pair of dark brown suede loafers with horse bit hardware.

Afternoon - Smart Casual Chic

As the day progresses, I think there's plenty of room for a more relaxed casual outfit, especially when traveling. A utilitarian-style four-pocket overshirt is the ultimate travel garment in many ways, as you can easily fit the essentials—passport, wallet, headphones, and phone—without ruining its look and drape. If you add a more relaxed shirt model with a button-down collar, like Eton’s classic oxford shirt or alternate with the Signature Twill from the morning outfit, just match with a pair of elegant, pressed trousers. Choosing a classic trouser over a pair of jeans also highlights the tailored aspects of the overshirt. For this look, I chose earthy tones of brown, beige, and off-white for the afternoon. They harmonize with each other without overpowering. As always, the right choice of footwear plays a big role in each outfit, and in this case, brown leather loafers contribute to a more formal feel, while in my option, sneakers tend to take down the overall look.

Poolside Casual

Often times, during a short weekend trip, occasions tend to arise where even the most casual category of clothing is necessary, like a visit to the pool or a nearby beach. Personally, in this situation, I prefer to harmonize a relaxed resort shirt with swim shorts or casual trousers. As for footwear, the obvious choice for me would be a relaxed shoe, such as slippers or a pair of espadrilles in suede or canvas. A resort shirt is perfect because you can easily throw it on if you feel like the sun is taking a toll on you or if you need to take a walk to the bar or restaurant to order something. Dressing elegantly is not the same as dressing formally, and for me, style is more about dressing appropriately for different situations.

Evening - Elegant Evening wear

For many, the term eveningwear brings to mind a tuxedo, but there are numerous elegant combinations that work perfectly when the dress code doesn’t call for a tuxedo. I usually prefer working in dark colors such as black or navy blue to this ensemble, possibly adding elements of off-white to create high contrast yet monochromatic feel. This approach is based on the same philosophy that characterizes more formal dress codes like black tie or dark suit, where the high contrast is key between hues and garments.
In this somewhat more relaxed interpretation of Evening Wear, I have chosen a black shirt with a subtle navy blue tonal jacquard pattern, a black blazer in Irish linen which is absolutely perfect for the evening and simultaneously offers a slightly more casual feel with its distinct texture. I chose to break up the look with a pair of pleated and pressed off-white trousers. For footwear, I went for my preferred choice again, a pair of polished horse bit loafers, which, with their classic metal detail, add an eccentric touch to an otherwise quite understated outfit. In this case, the same model, but this time in black calfskin.

"For many, the term eveningwear brings to mind a tuxedo, but there are numerous elegant combinations that work perfectly when the dress code doesn’t call for a tuxedo."