Carl Magazine

Bältet spelar en betydande roll i den väldressade mannens garderob – inte bara för passformens skull, utan också som en subtil stilmarkör. Det är lätt att se det som något man ”behöver” av rent praktiska skäl. Men rätt bälte kan faktiskt rama in silhuetten, skapa balans i en outfit eller till och spela en diskret men avgörande roll för din personliga stil. 

Här är fyra perspektiv att ha med sig när du använder bältet som en medveten del av din stil – från funktion till form. 

Bind ihop din outfit med färg och material 

Att matcha bältet med skorna är en tumregel som ofta fungerar bra – bruna skor ihop med ett brunt bälte i liknande nyans, svart med svart och så vidare. Det är en minnesregel som man alltid kan luta sig tillbaka mot. 

Men det handlar inte bara om färg. Materialet är minst lika viktigt. Om du bär skinnskor är det snyggast med ett bälte i slätt skinn och ger också en mer dressad känsla. Bär du mockaskor? Gå gärna på ett bälte i mocka också – det ger en helhet som känns genomtänkt utan att bli övertydlig.

Sätt din personliga prägel 

Bältet är också ett perfekt tillfälle att visa din stilidentitet. Gillar du western-inspirerade spännen, flätade strukturer eller subtila färgdetaljer? Det finns gott om alternativ som kan ge outfiten karaktär utan att ta över. Hemligheten ligger i balansen – våga välja något som sticker ut, men se till att det finns harmoni i övriga plagg. Ett färgglatt bälte fungerar utmärkt, så länge du fångar upp tonen i till exempel skorna. 

Bryt av eller rama in 

Det är enkelt att ta det säkra före det osäkra – svart bälte till svarta plagg, brunt bälte till blått eller grönt. Och det är snyggt. Men ibland kan det vara intressant att gå emot den förväntade kombinationen. Testa till exempel svart bälte till en blå outfit – det skapar en tydligare kontrast och en skarpare siluett. 

För ton-i-ton-outfits fungerar bältet som ett sätt att addera form. Tänk vita jeans med vit skjorta – addera ett brunt eller svart bälte, och du har plötsligt en definierad midja och en mer kontrastskapande look. Väljer du bruna plagg kan det vara smart att låta bältet sticka ut – välj en ljusare ton, ett flätat material eller till och med svart för att undvika att bältet "försvinner" i helheten. 

Funktionellt – men aldrig utan stil 

Rent krasst skulle man kunna säga att ett bälte är ett bälte, det finns till av funktionella skäl när byxorna inte sitter helt som de ska. Den gamla regeln säger att om byxorna inte kan sitta uppe utan ett bälte, så är de för stora och du behöver sy in byxorna eller gå ner en storlek. Men ibland sitter byxorna nästan perfekt, men behövs bara justeras i passformen. Då fyller bältet en funktion, och det blir ett sätt att få plagget att sitta ännu bättre. 

Att använda bälte är också ett smart knep för att kunna bära plagg som vanligen har en lite ledigare silhuett – som byxor du köpt vintage, second hand eller ett par byxor du gillar men som inte riktigt är skräddade efter dig. Med rätt bälte kan du bära dem ändå, och fortfarande se välklädd ut. 

Espadrilles from Castañer

Leather Sandals from Myrqvist

Slip-ons

Classic Navy Linen Shorts with Front Pleats

In this look, we’ve chosen a pair of shorts made from a luxurious linen blend with front pleats in classic navy – a colour that always signals style and timelessness. The braided leather belt and crisp pleats add a sophisticated touch, making the outfit just as fitting for the city as for the coast. Style with a polo shirt and a sleek watch for a casually elegant look.

Light Cotton Shorts with a Relaxed Fit Styled in Earth Tones

Here we present two versions of light, cream-coloured shorts. The first is styled with a light blue linen shirt and a scarf around the neck – perfect for warm summer days with a hint of the Mediterranean. The second is paired with a thin beige sweater, creating a minimalist yet exclusive vibe. The relaxed fit combined with front pleats creates a comfortable, contemporary balance. Ideal for a seaside lunch or a summer evening on the Riviera.

Black Linen Shorts and Minimalist Styling

A pair of black, slightly longer tailored shorts is paired with a ribbed tank top and a sand-coloured overshirt in a luxurious material blend from Apesi. Here, Danish design meets Italian minimalism. Despite the darker tones, the outfit maintains an airy feel thanks to the materials, making it suitable for late summer evenings as well as more casual occasions.

Tailored shorts are a perfect way to elevate your summer style – without compromising on comfort. Choose quality fabrics, pay attention to the details, and let shorts become a key piece in your seasonal wardrobe.

The history of the polo shirt begins on the tennis courts of the 1920s. French tennis star René Lacoste found the traditional tennis attire of the time – long-sleeved shirts and ties paired with full-length trousers – impractical for the game. So, he took it upon himself to design a new garment that better suited the sport’s demands while maintaining a sense of style.

The result was a short-sleeved cotton shirt made from piqué knit – a breathable, durable fabric that was quickly embraced. With its soft collar, buttoned placket and extended back hem (to keep it tucked in during movement), a design was born that married athletic functionality with unexpected elegance. When Lacoste later adorned the garment with his now-famous crocodile logo – an homage to his nickname – the polo shirt not only had its practical form, but its iconic status as well.

While it's easy to credit René Lacoste entirely with the creation of the polo shirt, the story has more layers. As early as the 19th century, British officers had reported seeing Indian polo players wearing knitted cotton shirts with button-down collars – garments that could be seen as precursors. However, it wasn’t until Lacoste’s innovation that the shirt took on the form and function we recognise today – and crucially, its widespread appeal.

It was in the 1930s that the shirt began to be produced on a larger scale, coinciding with when René established his brand Lacoste. The polo shirt quickly spread; other sports also benefited from this stylish piece more suited to physical activity. It wasn’t long before the polo shirt made the leap from tennis courts to golf courses and leisure clubs, becoming a symbol of relaxed sophistication.

From Sport to Style

The polo shirt has undergone a transformation from sportswear to fashion icon. In the 1950s, British tennis star Fred Perry launched his own version, and across the Atlantic in 1972, Ralph Lauren introduced his interpretation as part of his Polo brand. With an embroidered polo player on the chest and a range of colours, the shirt became a symbol of preppy style and a staple in the American wardrobe.

Style Icons and Cultural Figures

The polo shirt has been worn by countless style icons over the years, which contributed to its elevated status. President John F. Kennedy frequently sported polos during summers in Hyannis Port – a look that came to define the relaxed elegance of the American East Coast. Steve McQueen made the shirt part of his trademark look: simple, self-assured and subtly rebellious. More recently, figures like David Beckham and Daniel Craig (or James Bond, if you prefer) have shown how the polo shirt can be worn both casually and with sophistication – from sun-drenched holidays to more refined occasions.

A Versatile Wardrobe Classic

The polo shirt works best when worn simply. Pair it with light chinos and loafers for a classic summer look, or with jeans and trainers for a more stripped-back everyday style. On warmer days, it’s ideal with linen shorts and moccasins, while in the evening it can easily be dressed up with an unstructured linen blazer. The key lies in contrast and fabric choices: for a relaxed look, the classic piqué mesh works perfectly, as does the contemporary summer favourite, terry cloth. Equally, it’s easy to dress up, opt for versions in merino wool or silk blends.

Colour choice also plays a part. Navy, white and forest green are timeless shades that speak for themselves and suit any occasion. That said, don’t shy away from expressing your personality and style with bolder hues: a yellow, red or purple polo could be just what’s needed to add vibrancy to an otherwise neutral palette.

Thanks to its rich history and ability to adapt to changing fashion trends, the polo shirt remains an indispensable part of the modern man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re at a summer party, on the golf course or enjoying a relaxed dinner, the polo shirt offers the perfect balance of comfort and style.

As soon as the sun comes out, the sunglasses follow. Often seen as a seasonal accessory, sunglasses are in fact much more – they elevate your style, protect your eyes, and, when you choose the right pair, become a lasting investment. Here’s why a pair of well-made sunglasses deserve both your attention and your money.

Protects Your Eye Health

Timeless Design That Enhances Your Style

All-Day Comfort – Sunglasses That Stay in Place

Durable Materials and Craftsmanship for a Longer Lifespan

A well-crafted frame in acetate, titanium, or metal retains its shape better and withstands more wear. The lenses are less prone to scratching, and the frames don’t deform after a few weeks in a jacket pocket. With proper storage and a little care, they’ll last for years – unlike cheaper options that often need replacing after just one season.

A Smart Financial Choice in the Long Run

Investing in quality often means buying fewer, but better, products. This saves both money and the environment over time. Sunglasses are a prime example – choose a pair you truly like and that lasts, instead of buying new ones every spring. When you’ve paid a bit more for a pair you care about, you’re more likely to look after them, making them less likely to be lost or forgotten.

A Confident Statement Without Saying a Word

Sunglasses say something about you – whether you realise it or not. They frame your face and influence the impression you make. Wearing a pair that both suits you and is of high quality is a way to express confidence and good taste.

Investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is not just about style – it’s equally about function, durability, and longevity. It’s an accessory that protects, elevates, and lasts. And perhaps most importantly: a truly great pair will feel just as right today as it will in ten years.

Do you have only one pair of swim shorts? It may be enough for the occasional dip in the deep blue, but to reduce wear and sun bleaching, having another pair to alternate with is a good idea. Whether you spend your vacation in exotic locations surrounded by pools and palm trees or in an archipelago, you want to choose a colour or pattern you feel comfortable wearing.

Follow the Dress Code

Read the dress code carefully. Dress too casually when the code calls for white tie and you'll stand out (in the wrong way); go too formal at a laid-back affair and you risk looking like an earl at a pig roast. If it says "White Tie," "Dark Suit," "Lounge Suit" or "Summer Chic," you're expected to dress accordingly. When the dress code is white tie, full evening dress or black tie, it's even more important to stick to the appropriate level of formality. If you're not used to wearing a suit and tie, seize the opportunity! All men look good in a suit and tie. 

A Brief Guide to Dress Codes:

White Tie: The most formal and strict dress code. This includes tailcoat (penguin-style jacket), suit trousers with satin stripes, a white dress shirt with a stiff front and collar, white waistcoat, white bow tie, and black patent leather shoes.
Black Tie: A formal dress code. A full black tie outfit includes a dinner jacket, white pleated shirt, black patent shoes, a waistcoat or braces, and a black bow tie. And don't forget the cufflinks.
Formal/Dark suit: Navy or dark grey suit, white cutaway shirt and tie, with black leather shoes such as Oxford or Derby styles.
Suit: A slightly more relaxed suit than the formal code, allowing more flexibility in colour.
Smart casual: Not an official dress code but generally implies a more relaxed outfit. A blazer with suit trousers or chinos, paired with black or brown shoes.
Summer Chic: An unofficial dress code that's becoming increasingly popular. A linen blazer and tailored trousers is a great choice, though neither is strictly required. Aim for light, summery colours. Tip: in warm weather, a white shirt is a safer choice than, say, a pale blue one.

Always check with the hosts or the bride and groom if you're unsure what the dress code entails.

Manners and Etiquette 

Maybe you feel out of place at a particularly formal affair, you don't know which cutlery to use first, or who to look at when raising a toast. Don't worry - even though there are etiquette rules, you still have to be yourself, whether it's a Nobel banquet or that aforementioned pig roast. But if you want to adapt to the level of formality, here are some simple guidelines: start with the outermost cutlery, the first toast is made with your dinner partner, make eye contact with fellow diners before sipping, and avoid drinking too much during the meal. Etiquette and manners naturally depend on how formal the occasion is.

Surviving the Dinner

Wedding dinners tend to be long and often includes speeches, songs, games, and seating arrangements. Maybe you only know the couple, who are usually seated far away from you. If your neighbour at the table is stiff or dull, ask open-ended questions – gems can surface when you least expect it, maybe after a glass of wine or two. Alternate your wine with water, especially if the temperature calls for it. Toast politely and help foster a pleasant atmosphere at the table. In the best-case scenario, the hours will fly by. In the worst case, you'll at least leave with a good story.

Small Talk Strategy

You'll be talking to many people, some lovely, others less so. During the wedding dinner and mingling, it's helpful to have a few go-to conversation topics: how you know the couple, travel, details of the wedding, or something general and light-hearted. Avoid politics, money, and "So, when is it your turn to get married?". Most people love talking about themselves, so ask curious questions or compliment their outfit. Everyone appreciate kind words, and you'll come across as humble and generous.

If You're Giving a Speech

If you're giving a speech – keep it short. Some speakers, whether from nerves or narcissism, tend to ramble on to the point where even the newlyweds mentally check out. Whether you're the bride's father or the groom's best man, be brief but heartfelt. If you're a guest (luckily!) only expected to listen, do so respectfully and sip your wine rather than chatting with your neighbour if the speech drags on.

We're no toastmaster experts, but here are some general speech tips:

Loose the tie

There will be moments during the evening when the bride and groom are drawn into more or less embarassing games – perhaps they'll sit back-to-back, each holding one of the other's shoes, to answer questions like "Who's the bigger night owl?" or "Who made the first move?". Let them have their fun. Let go of your cynicism about what's cringe or not, loosen that tight tie and laugh at the spectacle, if nothing else, for the couple's sake. No need to wear your tie around your forehead – tempting though it may be once the dance floor kicks off.

Weddings are after all a celebration of joy, so keep the wise words "put yourself out there" close to your chest and enjoy the party.

Put the Phone Away

Capturing and documenting the wedding is all well and good –but this headline probably doesn't need much explaining. Make memories in real life, not just through social media.

The Wedding Gift

Sometimes the couple has created a gift list for guests to follow, it's there for a reason. If you're giving money, it can be tricky to know what amount is appropriate. Go with what feels right for you, a rough guide can be the cost of the dinner per head. If in doubt, a gift card to a quality shop, their honeymoon, or a home décor store is usually appreciated.

Have an Exit Plan

If you feel the party is starting to spiral, too much alcohol from the open bar, intense mothers-in-law, or excessive dodgy dancing – identify a safe spot to take a break. If the wedding is indoors, getting some fresh air can do wonders. A chat with another bored guest might just save your evening.

As the night draws to a close, thank the couple and the toastmaster for the evening. If you really need to sneak out, do a so-called Irish goodbye, but don't forget to reach out the next day to say thank you.

A Few Final Tips:

When the sun is high and the days grow longer, few garments feel as natural as a pair of linen trousers. The fabric itself – linen – is a natural fibre with impressive qualities: it breathes, regulates body temperature, and only gets softer over time. But linen trousers are not only practical and comfortable, they also carry a relaxed elegance that makes them suitable for both casual and more dressed-up occasions.

How to Style Linen Trousers

Choose a straight-cut model in light shades like beige, light grey, or olive green for a timeless and easy-to-match piece. Those seeking something more distinctive might opt for a darker hue, or why not a pair with a drawstring for an even more relaxed silhouette. Pair with a linen blazer for a full linen ensemble – a classic choice suitable for weddings and all the season's festivities.

In short, the cut and style support for the linen shirt, while the material's properties contribute to its laid-back appeal. The linen shirt might not be your go-to for an important office meeting, but paired with a lightweight cotton or linen suit, the wrinkles become a detail that adds character to the look.

We view the linen shirt as the perfect piece to elevate the style of a pair of swim shorts, as well as to tone down the formality of a suit, giving it a more relaxed summer feel. When worn with swim shorts, there’s no need to button it up at all; just wear it open like a casual jacket for stylish, comfortable sun protection.

With its classic, timeless charm, the linen shirt is an indispensable item in every summer wardrobe, a perennial favourite that is a staple summer garment.