Summer Wardrobe Essentials & Styling Tips for Men and Women

As the temperatures rise and the days continue to get longer, there’s nothing like a wardrobe refresh to take on the summer in style. The Academy Brand summer collection has arrived, featuring timeless pieces crafted for comfort, breathability, and effortless style. Whether you're looking for lightweight linen shirts, versatile shorts, or easy-to-layer pieces, the collection has the essentials to keep you cool and stylish all season long. Discover our top picks for summer and how best to style them for that perfect summer outfit.

Academy Brand’s Summer Collection

When it comes to summer dressing, less is often more, and the best place to start is with the materials. Our summer collection centres on classic cotton and lightweight linens, ideal for shirts, easy-to-wear shorts, and versatile sets. Each piece is designed with quality and comfort in mind, making it easy to transition from beach days to city nights. With a colour palette that leans into neutrals, pastels, and versatile tones, these pieces are designed to pair seamlessly and give you fresh outfit options to last all summer long.

Essential Summer Pairings for Men and Women

Achieving a great summer look doesn’t mean overpacking your wardrobe. With a few essential pieces, you have the building blocks to create many timeless looks. Here are some of our top picks and styling suggestions:

For Men

Lightweight Pants

Pants are summer wardrobe must-haves. They offer a touch more formality than shorts without being heavy, making them ideal for work, weekend outings, or evenings out. Explore Academy Brand's selection of lightweight pants in various colours and fits, like the Riviera Linen Pant or the Academy Beach Pant.

Linen Shirts and Shorts

Channel effortless summer vibes with a linen shirt and shorts combination. The breathable fabric keeps you cool, while the relaxed silhouette offers a laid-back vibe—Academy Brand's Mick Short Sleeve Shirt and Jeff Linen Shorts pair perfectly for a casual yet stylish look.

Basic Tees and Polos

A few well-fitting tees and polos are true summer essentials. Opt for understated colours and soft pastels to give you many pairing options. The essential Roth Tee is a wardrobe staple, while the Jonny Knit Polo leans into this season's preppy look.

For Women

Linen Tops and Shorts Sets

Linen is a dream fabric for hot weather; lightweight, breathable, and naturally cooling. Our linen sets, like the Hampton Linen Shirt & Short Set or the Riviera Linen Top & Short Set, are two of our favourites for making outfit coordination a breeze. These sets are perfect for throwing on for errands, picnics in the park, or a stroll along the beach.

Essential Tees and Tanks

No summer wardrobe is complete without a few basic tees and tanks. Academy Brand offers high-quality essentials in a variety of cuts and colours. The Essential Rib Tank is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, while the Jimmy Boyfriend Tee offers a relaxed fit that's perfect for everyday wear. These pieces can be worn with lightweight trousers, high-waisted shorts, sandals, or heels for a more polished look.

Breezy Dresses

Flowy dresses have been a summer classic for decades, and they’re not going anywhere soon. They're effortless, comfortable, and perfect for everything from a day at the beach to a casual dinner. We’ve added a modern twist to provide a range of flattering silhouettes and breathable fabrics to keep you cool. Consider the Garcia Slip Dress for a timeless look or the Essential Linen Dress for effortless flair.

Build Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe

The Academy Brand summer collection is designed to make creating a capsule wardrobe easy—whether you’re spending the summer at home or away. From casual tees and versatile shorts to polished linen shirts, each piece is designed to be mixed, matched, and layered. Our timeless silhouettes and fabrics mean that these summer favourites will stay on trend, too, ready for next summer.

Explore our men's and women’s collections and find the perfect addition to refresh your wardrobe.