There’s a lot going on with GQ staffers. The Premier League is about to kick off, holidays are commencing, Taylor Swift is still touring. And where there’s fun summer events, there’s fun menswear to be had: this is what the team is buying this week.
Adam Cheung, Style Writer
“I’m turning 30 this year. It’s a big boy age, and I want to treat myself to a big boy bag. But it has to meet all the requirements: big enough for a MacBook, black and with silver accents. Luckily, Dries Van Noten just dropped a new messenger bag that ticks all the right boxes (and then some).”
Mahalia Chang, Style Editor
“I’d like to wear more ties in my day-to-day life, but for me, they need to have a slight grandpa-ish quality to them. An old-school print, a slightly wider make, maybe a goofy colour. This one by Etro brings the volume and some retro paisley to tick the boxes. This, with a button-up and a cap? Oh, baby.”
Angelo Mitakos, Fashion Editor
“I love vintage-inspired shoes, and the silhouette of these Dries Van Noten trainers is simple, meaning they look great worn with a tailored trouser or alternatively, paired with socks and shorts.”
Zinya Salfiti, Research Associate
“In an era of charms on everything, everywhere — keychains, bags, nails, you name it — this necklace feels especially relevant. Not just because everyone seems to be wearing Dilara Findikoglu lately (Sabrina Carpenter I see you rocking that red corset dress in the Please, Please, Please music video), or because the Turkish-British designer is undeniably badass. It’s because this necklace, with a Z for me (of course), was gifted to me by a sweet, sweet friend.”
David Taylor, GQ Contributor
“The football season comes around sooner every year, but I’ll be wearing this shirt from Pompeii’s preseason collaboration with Pepsi for the rest of the summer — and most likely on a cold, wet Tuesday night on the five-a-side pitch later in the year, too. I might not have the talent, but I’ll sure have the threads.”
Mike Christensen, Lifestyle Director
“The Financial Times claimed 2024 signalled the return of the budgie smuggler. As a proud and seasoned wearer of budgies all year round, I was like ‘When did they ever leave?’ I wear them to actually swim in (or under board shorts when surfing) but I’d be lying if I said these Brat green swimmers aren’t going to feature more regularly.”
Hannah Enderby, Associate Manager of Audience Development and Social Media
“Produced in extremely limited batches, Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses are proper grails. I think a pair of the Whiskyclone shades in Polaris – which comes with a marble-esque detailing on its interior – are something I will wear for a lifetime.”
Murray Clark, Senior Style Editor
“A New York Yankees cap is probably the only bit of sports merch you can wear without upsetting the actual fans. Which means everyone has one. But everyone doesn’t have the collab with Rowing Blazers, the waspy, preppy, culty label that, somehow, makes the Yankees grail feel even more American.”
Gemma Courage, Acting Visuals Editor
“I have no intention of wading into the short versus long short quarrel, we’re all friends in menswear. The CHE Studios Baller are technically swim shorts, but designed in a way that nobody will notice if you skip the beach-to-hotel-to-bar trip and throw on a shirt or sweater for cocktails.”
Heidi Quill, Senior Commerce Writer/Commerce Menswear Lead
“This year my thoughts, feelings and menswear needs are simple: I want to see some midriff. Abercrombie’s new line of ever-so-slightly cropped T-shirts are an easy fashion win, all the while winking to the ‘90s Fresh Prince of it all. Yes please.”
Josiah Gogarty, GQ contributor
“I’m approaching a sad point in my life: the handles of my main tote bag are fraying to the point that the whole thing needs throwing out. This will lead to a fun, exciting point in my life: choosing a new main tote bag. Leading the contenders is one from Fitzcarraldo Editions, the East London publisher known for their impeccably curated roster. It’s the same shade of ultramarine blue as their chic book covers – get it over your shoulder, and you’ll be marked out as a dedicated footsoldier of book guy summer.”
Mike Cathro, Art Director
“You’ll lose me as soon as you stick diamantes on a watch. I like to keep my timepiece simple and understated. Step in Shore Watches. Bored of my khaki soft strap? Let’s glam it up to a silver and golden steel link bracelet!”
Bea Bosley, Fashion Assistant
“Jorts: they’re everywhere. These grandpa approved long-legged shorts shine when paired with a loafer, a classic tank or a cool, relaxed vacation shirt. Wanting to wear them to the beach? Go for it. Thinking they’d be great for dinner and drinks? Me too.”
Daisy Jones, GQ Contributor
“Finding the perfect white shirt is a delicate balancing act. Lean too smart and slim and you might risk looking like a hotel manager or a contestant on Dragon’s Den. Go too oversized and you risk looking like a child who’s raided their parents wardrobe. So plump for a label like Balmain. Is it on the pricier side? Yes. Will it make you feel ready for anything in this life? Also yes. Just don’t eat spaghetti bolognaise anywhere near it.”