Written by Paddy Maddison in Tips & Advice on the 24th June 2016

You’re probably already familiar with the following situation: You’ve touched down on foreign soil earlier in the day and now it’s time for your first evening out of the year where the temperature is above 20 degrees. You sit and ponder what people in hot countries wear when they’re trying to look smart-casual, give up, throw on a T-shirt and the same trainers you’ve been wearing all day (and will continue to wear for the duration of your break) and head for the door.

It doesn’t have to be this way though. We’re not saying you should head out for a romantic meal, sweating like a pig underneath a blazer and a pair of chinos but there are ways you can tweak your holiday wardrobe to give you the option of looking slightly smarter if the evening requires it.

The Shirt 

A good place to start with your evening holiday wardrobe is to invest in a nice light shirt. Linen is always a good bet for its breathability, but just try to avoid colours that will amplify any unfortunate sweat patches, such as grey.

The Polo Shirt 

A good alternative to a shirt is a polo top. It’s a handy garment to have with you on holiday as it can easily be dressed up or down. More or less anything goes when it comes to the colour of your polo and actually, brighter shades can work wonders for complimenting your tan and acting as a focal point for an otherwise simple outfit. It’s difficult to go far wrong with brands such as Lacoste and Fred Perry, but if you want to take things up a notch then have a look at what’s available from Paul Smith's collection or the nice clean designs on offer from Maison Kitsune.

The Shorts 

Denim shorts and swimming shorts are all well and good during the day for wandering around exploring or lounging by the pool, but when it comes to the evening you need to be upping your game a bit. Chino shorts are the only way to go in this department. Go for something that sits just above your knee and is slim but not skinny fitting. Green is a safe bet this season, colour-wise, but beige and navy are always a good choice too. Norse Projects do some of the best chino shorts around in our experience, or for a cheaper option then try ASOS.

The Footwear 

This is probably the trickiest part but it doesn’t have to be. You actually have a few solid options in this department. For a more casual look Converse Chuck Taylor low tops are your best mate and will look fresh with any shirt/shorts combination you should choose to wear. We’d tend to go for an off-white colourway due to its versatility, while still keeping it smart, as white itself can end up looking too ‘trainery’ (we know that’s not a word). If you’re the type of guy who can pull off sandals then a nice set of classic Birkenstocks will look great with a shirt and chino shorts. Last but not least, espadrilles are a great option and while they are undoubtedly a casual shoe you can still get great results by choosing some of the premium options from the likes of Valentino or Acne Studios.

The Watch 

It’s a good idea to leave your best watch at home whilst away on holiday and invest in something with a breathable strap. However, that doesn’t mean that your watch can’t still look smart. There’s been a trend recently for NATO straps, which are basically just canvas. They come in a variety of striking colours and designs and if you pick the right one it can be the perfect addition to your outfit. Daniel Wellington have some nice offerings which won’t break the bank and their sleek face and slim design makes them the perfect choice for the style conscious sun-seeker.

A list of the menswear items required for summer dressing. We give advice on How to Dress for the Evening on Holiday for men.