The ESSENTIAL Guide to Poolside Panache
Photo credit: Slim Aarons
You're standing on the precipice of sun-drenched blue skies and chlorine-filled delight; you're at the pool party, and the relief washes over you in an awesome wave as you realise you will elevate the scene to Slim Aarons levels of chic. The pool party is a celebration that demands the courage to balance elegance and swim-ability. After all, if you're not going to plunge, you may as well have been sunbathing on the streets if that's what people do in the absence of a Soho House membership. One can only catastrophise.
But what is it that makes the perfect swimming soiree setup? Let's dive into the elusive pursuit of poolside perfection...
TWINSET SENSATION
The cheat code of pool parties, the co-ord, has regained popularity in more recent years. Avoid the risk of a Love Island sponsorship look and select Ralph Lauren Purple Label's terry towelling co-ord. Crafted in plush, absorbent terry towelling, this luxury loungewear set is as practical as it is stylish. Its earthy khaki hue sets a balanced tone - understated yet undeniably chic. The top can be worn loosely buttoned, exuding an air of carefree sophistication, while the matching shorts ensure a cohesive aesthetic. The beauty of this set lies in its versatility - it seamlessly transitions from pool to party, hitting every beat.
Ralph Lauren Purple Labels Co-Ord whispers relaxed elegance. Photo: Mr Porter
SWIM SHORTS: A TOUCH OF AUDACITY
Below the waistline, we encounter the soul of the poolside aesthetic: swim shorts. Here, Orlebar Brown's 'Bulldog' mid-length swim shorts stand uncontested. The Savile Row of swim shorts with their 17-piece construction fit like you spent far too much money on something you're going to soak. After all, their elevator pitch for years was "not swim shorts, but shorts that you can swim in." What sets them apart are their vibrant, bold patterns – a maximalist's dream and yet, undeniably timeless. These patterns provide the perfect platform to express individuality while retaining an element of sophistication. They're suggestive of your impeccable Kings Road Townhouse, with Basquiat adorning the walls. When selecting your pattern, consider this: the poolside may be your stage for the day, but these shorts will immortalise you in photos taken against house rules for decades to come. Choose wisely and make a statement that transcends time.
GENTLEMEN ALWAYS COVER UP
To transition from pool to party, enlist the help of Frescobol Carioca's 'Antonio' linen shirt. Its soft, Italian linen fabric delivers laid-back refinement. As a rule, while the right swim shorts can take you from pool to Puligny Montrachet, you must fight the urge to reveal your hard-earned pecs at the dinner table. Nipples are never a guest when seated. A block colour shirt, which should add a complimentary ballast to the opportune fun of the shorts, will underline an aura of enigmatic allure. For those of us with Patrick Bateman levels of meticulousness, ensure you carry a travel bottle of Lenor Crease Releaser in your poolside bag, linen shirts have a tendency to find their way into oddly folded situations.
FOOTWEAR: THE FOUNDATION OF SOPHISTICATION
Call it quiet luxury, call it stealth wealth, whatever you call it, the Hermés Chypre sandal steps forward as the epitome of such matters. Crafted from fine calfskin and featuring the brand's iconic 'H' cut-out, these sandals define elegance in simplicity. Their minimalist aesthetic allows them to effortlessly blend into your ensemble, making them the perfect foundation for your poolside look.
Trust Hermés to land your vision of luxury. Photo: Hermés
CROWNING GLORY: SUN GLASSES
The grand finale arrives in the elegant form of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. Timeless in design and universally stylish, they have graced the faces of the world's most stylish men poolside for generations. Whether you're lounging by the infinity pool of a Santorini villa or attending an exclusive rooftop soiree in Manhattan, these sunglasses add an air of unmistakable panache. The tasteful choice of Oliver Peoples ensures you join an esteemed lineage, continuing the tradition of refined poolside fashion for generations to come.
When all’s said and done, navigating the pool party landscape requires more than designer labels. It's a testament to your discerning taste and understanding of the intricate balance between casual elegance and formal sophistication. Approach your ensemble as a canvas, each piece a stroke that contributes to the masterpiece. Conquer the poolside panorama, one impeccable outfit at a time.
