At last - Brits look cool (when it's hot)

By Dylan Jones Editor, GQ magazine

IT wasn't so long ago that British men were the worst dressed in Europe; hell, they were probably the worst dressed men in the western world. Possibly because our climate determines that we spend eight months of the year in virtual darkness, whenever the sun decided to shine, the British male would loosen his tie, roll up his shirt sleeves and, er, that was about it.

And while it's still possible to see the Great British Office Worker proudly exposing his lobster flesh and workmanlike tattoos at lunchtime during the summer, we are finally beginning to dress like our Continental brothers.

We now understand that it's fundamentally important to have a summer wardrobe, rather than just a winter one with a fresh pair of trainers. We know that we have to have lightweight suits, casual trousers, short-sleeved shirts, tailored shorts, expensive beach shoes - the lot. Some of us are even starting to look a little Italian.

The guys in these pictures - all photographed on the London streets this week - look a damn sight better than they would have done a few years ago.

They've chosen very good T-shirts and the right sort of short- sleeved shirts for this season (floral, patterned, a little Polynesian), plus they're experimenting with different trouser lengths. Their footwear could be improved, but at least they're moving in the right direction.

SO, what should we be wearing this summer?

What gets the GQ seal of approval? Well, the list is long, but particular, and if you're in any doubt about what to buy, read on. If you're looking for lightweight or "cool wool" suits, you need to go to Richard James, Paul Smith, Gieves and Hawkes or Comme des Garons, while Hackett and Boss do some great summer jackets.

Short-sleeved shirts can be got from Diesel, Armani and Comme des Garons, while long-sleeved shirts should be found at Interno 8, Etro, Moschino and Richard James.

Short-sleeved T-shirts must be bought from Paul Smith, Yohji Yamamoto or Topman, although the vogue this summer is for long- sleeved T-shirts, and these can be bought just about anywhere.

You should ditch the trainers this year and buy a pair of Birkenstocks, some JP Tod's driving slippers or a pair of Oliver Sweeney loafers, while your jeans must be Levi's or Diesel.

You could spend a lot of money in Diesel this season (whose flagship store is in Covent Garden), as it's also the place to go for sunglasses; either there or the Cutler and Gross vintage shop on Knightsbridge Green.

As for chinos or light-coloured trousers, the best places to try are Nautica, Ralph Lauren, Comme des Garons (again, they've had a very strong collection this season) and Gant - don't let the fact that Jeremy Clarkson shops there put you off.

If you want a sturdy summer watch, one that's going to withstand waveboarding as well as clubbing, then you can't go wrong with a Tag Heuer.

You could probably get all of the above in a well-organised day's shopping.

Alternatively, you could just wander around Selfridges for a couple of hours; I'm sure you'd be equally successful. If you want a pair of new shorts, you'll find them there too.

One thing you should add to your list, by the way, is some sort of Pakamac or foldable raincoat. If you're planning a trip to Wimbledon, then buy one in Muji or Paul Smith.

This summer you should have no excuse not to look fashionable, as the sales now start earlier and earlier (the Comme des Garons sale, for instance, is on right now), so it's possible to pick up an entire summer wardrobe for a fraction of what it should usually cost.

The only drawback to this new trend is doing last-minute shopping before you go on holiday in August and finding that you can only buy overcoats and snow boots. If you want a pair of Gucci swimming trunks - which I imagine you do - then buy them now.

Otherwise you'll be going on holiday in a three-piece suit and a trench coat.

CAPTIONS

Jonas, 18, visiting London, wears Fred Perry top, trousers from H&M and sun-visor bought from a market in Sweden Aurelio, 30, barman, wears Esprit top, trousers from Topman and Adidas trainers Shoji, 29, in publishing, wears Henrik Vibskov top; Christopher Nemeth jeans and shoes by Vans Steven, 22, care worker, wears trousers and top from Next Dylan Wilde, 24, fashion designer, wears Jungle trousers and hat, Paul Smith belt Nelson, 24, chef, wears top from market at Gay Pride, Levi's, hat bought in Italy and shoes bought in Portugal James, 25, unemployed, wears shorts from H&M and Skechers shoes Ayal, 29, teacher, wears J Crew shorts and top by Quiksilver Emmanuel, 29, translator, carries Gola bag and wears Martin Magiela top, Muji trousers and shoes from Replay Cutler Cook, 22, student, wears belt from CK Bradley and top bought in Bali

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