logo
British blokes have forgotten how to dress for the sun – follow these tips for a more stylish summer look

British blokes have forgotten how to dress for the sun – follow these tips for a more stylish summer look

The Irish Sun8 hours ago

REMEMBER when we used to laugh at German blokes on holiday?
You could spot them a mile off, with their mullets, vests, questionable moustaches, beer bellies and skimpy swimwear.
12
Follow David Beckham and his neutral bomber jacket, white T-shirt and pleated linen trousers
Credit: The Mega Agency
12
Leave the short-shorts to Paul Mescal — because even he doesn't look good in them
Credit: Getty
12
Michael B Jordan in an animal print shirt with cool tonal trousers and leather shoes
Credit: Getty
Well, now they are laughing at us because while they discovered style, we stole their look and made it worse by adding football shirts and Crocs.
Germans now cut a dash with their stylish minimalism.
The French embody effortless chic.
The Italians and Spanish dress with cool Latin style.
READ MORE ON MEN'S FASHION
We, meanwhile, have become the poorly dressed man of Europe.
British men have forgotten how to dress for the sun and stock our summer wardrobes with football shirts, muscle tees, bucket hats, skinny jeans, ¾-length trackies and oversized sunglasses. Our identity crisis is a national disgrace.
On Spanish beaches our kids don't bury us in the sand because it's fun. They bury us because they're embarrassed by us, like cats burying their mess.
Not so long ago, summer used to be a stress-free affair for men of my age — I'm 55.
Most read in Fabulous
On beaches we disappeared into the background, unnoticeable behind expanding midriffs and cloaks of matted body hair.
We sat behind windbreaks, vests on, knotted hankies on head, trousers rolled up, reading the Racing Post.
I'm a men's fashion expert - these style mistakes are ruining your look and could even damage expensive items
No one expected anything of us. Women fretted about swimwear while we were allowed to gracefully surrender into middle-age spread.
We only had two beach role models,
But today more is expected of us. Blame social media if you want. The world has moved on.
Men are expected to care more about how they dress. But in the UK it seems we didn't get the memo and while Europeans got more stylish, British blokes spun off at a tangent, like a divergent timeline in Marvel's Loki series. But you can do better.
Some men try to break the mould, but get led astray trying to emulate celebrity role models.
12
Timothée Chalamet in cargo-shorts-socks-and-sandals ensemble
Credit: BackGrid
12
Ryan Gosling makes it look easy with plain shirts and chinos
Credit: Getty
12
Brad Pitt in his garish tie-dye tracksuit while out in New York City
Credit: Getty
Timothée Chalamet can get away with his cargo-shorts-socks-and-sandals ensemble because he's Timothée Chalamet — but you are not.
Leave the short-shorts to Paul Mescal — because even he doesn't look good in them.
And despite what the fashion mags tell you, bold matching tops and trousers do not look good on men over 25.
Just look at Brad Pitt in his garish tie-dye tracksuit while out in New York City earlier this month. If a Hollywood superstar can't pull it off, you definitely can't.
There are celebrity outliers, however.
Take some pointers from Ryan Gosling, who makes it look easy with plain shirts and chinos, or David Beckham and his neutral bomber jacket, white T-shirt, pleated linen trousers and white trainers, or slightly more daring, Michael B Jordan in an animal print shirt with cool tonal trousers and leather shoes.
Now we are re-establishing better relations with our continental brethren, it's time to smarten up our act — and the good news is, it's not hard.
How do I know? Because I did it.
I too was once like you, a hopeless summer fashion victim.
I wore cargo shorts,
12
The Sun's Nick is all set for summer
Credit: Supplied
On one holiday to the South of
swimming
pool
where board shorts were banned.
I didn't realise and was frog-marched from the pool by lifeguards who made me purchase tight trunks from a vending machine.
Walking back into the pool in my tiny new Lycra swimwear was like the walk of shame in Game Of Thrones.
Today a 5-inch inseam is as daring as I get (which is good style advice for any man).
My fashion salvation happened after I met a younger, stylish woman, who is now my wife. Stephanie, 45, knocked me into shape and taught me how to dress.
It didn't take a lot of effort and I even get compliments occasionally from my 23-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son.
So, as you head off for your hols, take a few tips from me. Ditch the football shirts, no one in Mykonos cares about
Ditch anything with big logos on it. Wear leather sandals or espadrilles. Choose linen or seersucker short-sleeved shirts.
You can't go wrong with a polo shirt and tailored shorts in neutral palettes. Replace your battered baseball cap with a Panama hat.
Treat yourself to some understated sunglasses.
Bodies should get some attention too. Before 2006, we could get away with a hairy dad bod, but then the
film
Casino Royale hit the big screen, and when Daniel Craig emerged from the sea like God chiselled from marble he ruined it for all of us.
Now we're expected to look presentable in swimwear. So, get your back waxed, manscape your chest hair. Have a fake tan, but don't go mad. Ask for a light one.
Get your eyebrows shaped and tinted. It's not unusual any more and makes a big difference, I promise. No one is going to think any less of you.
Maybe swap a pint for a glass of rosé occasionally, or a mojito.
Just a few small tweaks and the new stylish you will fit right in on beaches from the Costas to the Greek islands.
Make the UK cool again, just don't mention Brexit.
WHAT TO BUY NOW
12
Panama, £10, Tu at Sainsbury's
Credit: supplied
12
Sunglasses, £5, Peacocks
Credit: supplied
12
Shirt, £14, Primark
Credit: supplied
12
Shorts, £15, Matalan
Credit: Matalan
12
Sandals, £30, Marks & Spencer
Credit: supplied

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

All the Lions hype can be a bit nauseating, but the global game needs a competitive series
All the Lions hype can be a bit nauseating, but the global game needs a competitive series

Extra.ie​

timean hour ago

  • Extra.ie​

All the Lions hype can be a bit nauseating, but the global game needs a competitive series

It's easy to be cynical about the British and Irish Lions. The whole concept gets hyped up more than a Christopher Nolan movie. You'll hear plenty about 'immortality',' legends' and 'legacy' in the coming weeks. All of it playing out against a background of an epic orchestral soundtrack which belongs in something like Gladiator or Oppenheimer. It can all veer into hysteric at times. And some of the grandiose statements about the Lions can jar a bit, too. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland Yes, it's a long tradition but, make no mistake, this is a brand as well. It's a business venture which is worth a lot of coin. Why else did Warren Gatland's squad depart for South Africa without their famed 'Red Army' in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2021? It's worth stating that summer series is officially known as the Qatar Airways men's Lions tour of Australia. There are twice as many fans heading for Oz this time around compared to the last tour 12 years ago. Yes, the Lions is a time-honoured tradition but it's also a corporate beast. Again, it's easy to scrutinise up the Lions in the professional era and roll the eyes. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan However, this latest campaign feels a bit different already. It's early days, but we've sensed a slight chance in the vibe around the Lions. There is clearly a buzz in the camp and you could sense that all week from the players and coaches – including Johnny Sexton – who were sent out to speak to the sizeable media presence which has descended on the capital. There is the sense that the Andy Farrell is hoping to bring a bit of old-school back to the Lions. There have been some positive developments on that front. Earlier this week, the Lions media team released the 'Ultimate Test' on Youtube, a behind-the-scenes series which will be released weekly throughout the six-week tour of Australia. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire In terms of raw insight and genuine fly-on-the-wall access, it was hugely encouraging. It was miles away from the bland and ill-fated two-season Six Nations offering on Netflix. If this is a sign of things to come, we could be potentially see the best Lions documentary since the iconic 1997 series chronically the series win in South Africa. A bit of drama and jeopardy would be most welcome on that front. The hosts need to hold up their end of their bargain. The Wallabies – and their Super Rugby sides – were being written off as cannon fodder for most of this current Lions cycle, especially when Eddie Jones was sacked after a disastrous 10-month reign. Joe Schmidt arrived at the 11th hour and the former Leinster and Ireland boss has galvanised the entire operation. The likes of Queensland, the Waratahs and ACT Brumbies have upped their game. Australia are not the near the same class as the Springboks or All Blacks at the moment. But they have more then enough talent to make this series interesting. Everyone involved in the professional game in Australia is acutely aware that this Lions tour is a glorious opportunity to recapture past glories. Rugby union has fallen away behind the likes of AFL and rugby league in the public consciousness. The Aussies are a sport-obsessed nation but rugby union has fallen on hard times. If they can mount a competitive case, or win the series outright, it would have a huge effect on the health of the game across the country. There is also the small matter of a home World Cup in 2027. The Wallabies need to strike while the iron is hot this summer. In truth, every single stakeholder in the game needs this Lions tour to be a success. The professional game is a delicate ecosystem at the moment. Rugby is the sporting equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef at the moment. Professional clubs across the globe are going bust. Big unions such as Wales are struggling to make ends meet. For all the chat about rugby expanding to new markets, breakaway competition and World club competitions, it is paramount that the key nations remains strong. Rugby needs a strong Australian team. There are high hopes that Schmidt's troops can match this potent Lions squad across three compelling weekends. In Joseph-Aukuso Suaali, the 21-year-old rugby league convert who has taken the game by storm, the Wallabies have an attacking weapon which can blow this whole series wide open. Schmidt, as his way, will have every base covered. The Kiwi will have a plan. Again, it all bodes well for a gripping spectacle once this tour gets going. For now, it's about getting the show on the road at Aviva Stadium this evening. This is an early opportunity for this matchday squad to lay down some early selection markers. The sizeable Leinster contingent who only arrived into camp on Monday will already be playing catch-up and Farrell welcomed this development earlier this week. The Lions boss wants every single player to feel the pressure. No doubt, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose – amongst other Leinster frontliners – will get their chance to impress against Western Force, Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs in the coming weeks. Right now, this English-heavy selection have a great opportunity to stake a claim for Test spots. Ellis Genge, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith could all be set for bit tours. Porter, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are all supposedly ahead in the pecking order but things can change quickly on a Lions tour. A compelling performance against a youthful and fired-up Pumas side will generate plenty of momentum ahead of the long-haul flight to Perth this weekend. No doubt, plenty of big names will be awkwardly shuffling in their seats if the Lions put on a bit of a show in Dublin. Then again, a repeat of the shaky showing against the same opposition back in 2005 – when a late Jonny Wilkinson penalty secured a late draw – will send alarm bells throughout the squad. That dour performance in Cardiff 20 years ago was a grim omen of what was to come in New Zealand. No pressure tonight, lads. The hype machine is cranking up and once Sky Sports began to flex their broadcasting muscles, Lions-mania will be in full flow. It can all be a nauseating but it's best not to fight it. The Lions, at its core, is a bit of fun. An old-school summer tour against a formidable fore on foreign land. And series wines are nothing to be sniffed at. It's worth remembering that the tourists have been victorious on just two occasions since the game went pro: 1997 and 2013 are the sole triumphs since the amateur days concluded 30 years ago. This could be the most enjoyable and captivating tour in a long time. What's not to like about that?

How Oasis said they'd never split up in classic Sun interview… and why iconic rock singer refused to speak to Liam
How Oasis said they'd never split up in classic Sun interview… and why iconic rock singer refused to speak to Liam

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

How Oasis said they'd never split up in classic Sun interview… and why iconic rock singer refused to speak to Liam

'I DIDN'T join Oasis to split up,' said Liam Gallagher. 'I joined the band because I like being in a band and I like to make music. Advertisement 4 It's just two weeks until the Oasis reunion tour kicks off in Cardiff Credit: Getty 4 The Sun spoke to Oasis in 2006 three years before the band split Credit: AFP 'If the tunes are f***ing good and we all look half-decent, then people will want to buy the records. "I still love everything about it.' These were the forthright frontman's words when he spoke to me for a 2006 SFTW His love for the band was unmistakable, and every time I've interviewed him since that same passion for keeping the group alive has come through loud and clear. Advertisement read more on oasis 'This is what I like doing and it never gets boring,' he said back then. 'So, who knows, man? "All those bands that split up after a couple of records, well, they can suck my d**k! 'I love singing our kid's songs and I love doing the gigs. I like the way our band's perceived and we've got the best fans in the world. Advertisement Most read in Music "So why would you not like it?' Now, with just Inside Noel & Liam Gallagher's first Oasis show in 16 years at surprise venue where they enraged neighbour 'As bad as things get in Oasis, there's always this sibling thing that draws us back together — or my mam gets involved,' Noel added in the same 2006 interview, three years before that fateful brawl in Paris in 2009 that led to Asked by a reader how close they had ever come to breaking up, Advertisement "We just needed a couple of days off instead of going into another country. "I don't think it's ever come close really. 'We've had some serious arguments but as you get older you think, nah, f***. Ask Noel.' While Liam downplayed any threat of a split, Noel recalled things differently: 'The real low point was Barcelona for the Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants tour. Advertisement "In that period, we were all drinking a lot and 'With Oasis we started off right at the very top at a place that took U2 a decade to get to. So, it was bound to drop. 'We were party people. We weren't the most professional and we didn't give a f***. 'And Liam sees things very differently from the rest of us. Advertisement "He needs to go to anger management classes and get some manners.' 'GET SOME MANNERS' Always a brilliant storyteller, Noel's interviews never failed to entertain. 'I remember when we shot our first Rolling Stone cover in America and the photographer was an ahole,' he said. 'After 40 minutes Liam and I said, 'We are done now, see ya'. And he said solemnly, 'I have you for eight more hours'. Advertisement 'There was no way we were staying for eight hours. We were off to buy drugs. 'It was f***ing brilliant but I've also had a couple of nights out with 'He and Liam are similar and those two do not get on at all. 'So, I'm in LA and I've got John on one side and Liam on the other. Advertisement "John wouldn't refer to Liam in person either. "He'd say, 'Ask your singer if he wears make-up?'. 'And I'd turn to Liam and go, 'Liam, do you wear make-up?'. He'd then go, 'F*** off, you prick'. 'And so I'd turn back to John and say, 'He told you to f*** off'. Advertisement "To which John would say, 'Go on northerner, ask your singer, is he a f***ing hard man?'. It's a top day out at an Oasis gig, whether you're on the stage or in the crowd, so why would you want to cut that stuff short? Liam Gallagher 'I'm like, 'Liam are you a hard man?'. "And it would carry on back and forth. It was probably one of the best nights out I've ever had!'. Another time, at Advertisement "One of them bald, and two f***ing brothers always arguing. You'd never say they were going to change the world. 'And that's what I mean. You can't focus group that — it just explodes out of nowhere.' Solo careers had always been on the cards for the Gallaghers. In the quiz special, one reader asked: 'Is it true Noel wants to make a solo album but never seems to have time? Would Liam let him?' Advertisement Noel replied: 'I'll do one eventually, as life's too short and none of us is getting any younger. "I'd like to make one while I still look good and before I look like Phil Collins, which, eventually, I will. It's nothing to do with Liam.' Meanwhile, Liam answered: 'I've got the songs, I could do four solo albums.' 'QUALITY CONTROL' He was right about that. Advertisement By 2024, Liam had released four records, all chart toppers, including And his solo career saw him establish himself as one of Britain's last true rock'n'roll frontmen. But the singer has always insisted that his focus was on entertaining and playing live. He told me: 'People like the f***ing s**t that comes out of my mouth. Advertisement "And I've not changed much, have I? 'I'm the same person as I was when I was 20. "I dress the same, my haircut is pretty much the same. "I'm still pretty cool. Advertisement "And I enjoy being on the stage more because that is where it is at. 'Sitting in the studio all day is great but I've got to see people's reactions. "It's a top day out at an Oasis gig, whether you're on the stage or in the crowd, so why would you want to cut that stuff short?' Noel, meanwhile, saw things differently, focusing more on control and clarity. Advertisement When I interviewed him for his second "There is more quality control with what I do now I'm solo. 'I want to enjoy this because it's a moment in my life that I will never get back. Now I'm older and not f***ing high all the time, I've made a conscious decision to enjoy and remember it Noel Gallagher "With Definitely Maybe, I didn't know what the f*** was going on. Advertisement 'Now I'm older and not f***ing high all the time, I've made a conscious decision to enjoy and remember it. "But it's different now. 'I work better when I am in charge. I think my records prove that. 'I wasted a lot of time with Oasis splitting up, so I just want to put my voice on as many records as I can before I die.' Advertisement Still, moving on was something Liam also proved he could handle and success was never taken for granted. In a 2022 chat for third album C'Mon You Know, he told me: 'I'm definitely still pinching myself. "I thought I'd gone down the s**tter man.' Humbler than in his Oasis days, Liam was also strikingly down to earth. Advertisement I'll never forget how welcoming he was backstage at Alexandra Palace after the premiere of his film, And how he joked about football with my then-teenage son at an after-party following his Union Chapel gig for Shelter in 2018. More mellow, yes. But in our 2017 chat, Liam wanted to make it clear to his critics that he had not grown up. Advertisement 'F*** growing up, mate, I'm growing down.' 4 Liam says he loves Twitter and will never grow up Credit: Getty 4 Noel found success outside of Oasis with his band High Flying Birds Credit: Getty Liam has always said it like it is and Advertisement He said: 'I f***ing love Twitter. I f***ing love it. I know people go, 'Oh, you need to grow up'. 'Well, you go and put your f***ing pipe on with your slippers and your hot cocoa and get to bed. 'I am going the other way. F that growing-up business.' Yet away from the chaos and comedy, it is his children that Liam credits for calming him down as he got older. Advertisement On the eve of his 2022 solo gigs at Knebworth, he said: 'When you're young you've got a bag of chips on your shoulder. "As you get older you cool it down a bit. 'My kids are great. " Advertisement "Molly was living with us for a bit and now she's moved in with her fella. 'NOSTALGIA TRIP' 'Gene and Lennon are both talented musicians. They love music and they're into it.' The demand for Oasis's long-awaited reunion — and the fact that the shows won't be televised — makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. And it's far from just a nostalgia trip. Advertisement In our pre-Knebworth chat, Liam spoke about the new generation of fans who had got into Oasis through his solo work. He added: 'I've been lucky and there's people who were there the first time for Oasis. 'People who are my age and have kids now who they've brought up on the music and want to hear the tunes. 'I could have Sylvester Stallone on stage and Advertisement "It's about ME and the fans. "The reason I'm doing Knebworth again is because of the fans. That's what the people want and I'm respecting them. 'I'm absolutely buzzing for Knebworth, it's going to be Biblical. "Hopefully we can deliver a good gig and have a good weekend.' Advertisement But selecting a setlist for the forthcoming shows might see the brothers back to arguing over which songs to play — just as they did when they clashed over the track listing Noel chose for Oasis's 2006 greatest hits album Stop The Clocks. Back then, Liam said: 'I think he's missed a few. I'd have put on Rockin' Chair, D'You Know What I Mean?. 'I would have put some stuff off Be Here Now. 'If he didn't like the record that much, he shouldn't have put the fing record out in the first place. Advertisement 'I don't know what's up with him but it's a top record, man, and I'm proud of it — it's just a little bit long.' We've never shared a bed — and if I was looking for someone to take me to bed, it wouldn't be Liam! Noel Gallagher Noel retorted: 'D'You Know What I Mean?' was on it right up to the day before it was mastered. 'But it's just too long. It upset the flow of the album. 'When we recorded Be Here Now I thought it was the greatest thing ever, but the novelty of that record wore off pretty soon. Advertisement 'It was a great period. The money had just come in from Morning Glory, so we had become very, very wealthy overnight. "Sony had given us a private jet, I was given a Rolls-Royce — but unfortunately, the music suffered. 'I don't know why Liam is saying that, because when it comes to playing them live, he won't sing them!' And then there was Acquiesce — a song that was a mystery to Liam. Advertisement He said: 'The title did confuse me. It still confuses me — I haven't got a clue what it means. "I've never asked Noel what it means either. "The less I have to talk to him, the better.' Noel, typically unfiltered, replied: 'Liam still doesn't know what it means. Advertisement "People have this misconception that the song is about me and Liam, which annoys me to f***. 'The lyrics in the second verse are, 'To sing my soul to sleep, and take me back to bed'. It's absolutely not about me and our kid. 'We've never shared a bed — and if I was looking for someone to take me to bed, it wouldn't be Liam!' It's the kind of blunt humour fans have come to expect from Noel — and it doesn't stop there. Advertisement Asked what's not allowed on his tour rider these days? 'Nothing. Thunderbirds are go when I am on tour.' He pauses for a second. 'Hang on. Actually, there is one thing I've banned.' Advertisement 'What?' I ask. 'Liam,' he grinned before breaking into another laugh. Some things never change. And for Oasis fans, that's exactly the point. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club. Advertisement

British blokes have forgotten how to dress for the sun – follow these tips for a more stylish summer look
British blokes have forgotten how to dress for the sun – follow these tips for a more stylish summer look

The Irish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

British blokes have forgotten how to dress for the sun – follow these tips for a more stylish summer look

REMEMBER when we used to laugh at German blokes on holiday? You could spot them a mile off, with their mullets, vests, questionable moustaches, beer bellies and skimpy swimwear. 12 Follow David Beckham and his neutral bomber jacket, white T-shirt and pleated linen trousers Credit: The Mega Agency 12 Leave the short-shorts to Paul Mescal — because even he doesn't look good in them Credit: Getty 12 Michael B Jordan in an animal print shirt with cool tonal trousers and leather shoes Credit: Getty Well, now they are laughing at us because while they discovered style, we stole their look and made it worse by adding football shirts and Crocs. Germans now cut a dash with their stylish minimalism. The French embody effortless chic. The Italians and Spanish dress with cool Latin style. READ MORE ON MEN'S FASHION We, meanwhile, have become the poorly dressed man of Europe. British men have forgotten how to dress for the sun and stock our summer wardrobes with football shirts, muscle tees, bucket hats, skinny jeans, ¾-length trackies and oversized sunglasses. Our identity crisis is a national disgrace. On Spanish beaches our kids don't bury us in the sand because it's fun. They bury us because they're embarrassed by us, like cats burying their mess. Not so long ago, summer used to be a stress-free affair for men of my age — I'm 55. Most read in Fabulous On beaches we disappeared into the background, unnoticeable behind expanding midriffs and cloaks of matted body hair. We sat behind windbreaks, vests on, knotted hankies on head, trousers rolled up, reading the Racing Post. I'm a men's fashion expert - these style mistakes are ruining your look and could even damage expensive items No one expected anything of us. Women fretted about swimwear while we were allowed to gracefully surrender into middle-age spread. We only had two beach role models, But today more is expected of us. Blame social media if you want. The world has moved on. Men are expected to care more about how they dress. But in the UK it seems we didn't get the memo and while Europeans got more stylish, British blokes spun off at a tangent, like a divergent timeline in Marvel's Loki series. But you can do better. Some men try to break the mould, but get led astray trying to emulate celebrity role models. 12 Timothée Chalamet in cargo-shorts-socks-and-sandals ensemble Credit: BackGrid 12 Ryan Gosling makes it look easy with plain shirts and chinos Credit: Getty 12 Brad Pitt in his garish tie-dye tracksuit while out in New York City Credit: Getty Timothée Chalamet can get away with his cargo-shorts-socks-and-sandals ensemble because he's Timothée Chalamet — but you are not. Leave the short-shorts to Paul Mescal — because even he doesn't look good in them. And despite what the fashion mags tell you, bold matching tops and trousers do not look good on men over 25. Just look at Brad Pitt in his garish tie-dye tracksuit while out in New York City earlier this month. If a Hollywood superstar can't pull it off, you definitely can't. There are celebrity outliers, however. Take some pointers from Ryan Gosling, who makes it look easy with plain shirts and chinos, or David Beckham and his neutral bomber jacket, white T-shirt, pleated linen trousers and white trainers, or slightly more daring, Michael B Jordan in an animal print shirt with cool tonal trousers and leather shoes. Now we are re-establishing better relations with our continental brethren, it's time to smarten up our act — and the good news is, it's not hard. How do I know? Because I did it. I too was once like you, a hopeless summer fashion victim. I wore cargo shorts, 12 The Sun's Nick is all set for summer Credit: Supplied On one holiday to the South of swimming pool where board shorts were banned. I didn't realise and was frog-marched from the pool by lifeguards who made me purchase tight trunks from a vending machine. Walking back into the pool in my tiny new Lycra swimwear was like the walk of shame in Game Of Thrones. Today a 5-inch inseam is as daring as I get (which is good style advice for any man). My fashion salvation happened after I met a younger, stylish woman, who is now my wife. Stephanie, 45, knocked me into shape and taught me how to dress. It didn't take a lot of effort and I even get compliments occasionally from my 23-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son. So, as you head off for your hols, take a few tips from me. Ditch the football shirts, no one in Mykonos cares about Ditch anything with big logos on it. Wear leather sandals or espadrilles. Choose linen or seersucker short-sleeved shirts. You can't go wrong with a polo shirt and tailored shorts in neutral palettes. Replace your battered baseball cap with a Panama hat. Treat yourself to some understated sunglasses. Bodies should get some attention too. Before 2006, we could get away with a hairy dad bod, but then the film Casino Royale hit the big screen, and when Daniel Craig emerged from the sea like God chiselled from marble he ruined it for all of us. Now we're expected to look presentable in swimwear. So, get your back waxed, manscape your chest hair. Have a fake tan, but don't go mad. Ask for a light one. Get your eyebrows shaped and tinted. It's not unusual any more and makes a big difference, I promise. No one is going to think any less of you. Maybe swap a pint for a glass of rosé occasionally, or a mojito. Just a few small tweaks and the new stylish you will fit right in on beaches from the Costas to the Greek islands. Make the UK cool again, just don't mention Brexit. WHAT TO BUY NOW 12 Panama, £10, Tu at Sainsbury's Credit: supplied 12 Sunglasses, £5, Peacocks Credit: supplied 12 Shirt, £14, Primark Credit: supplied 12 Shorts, £15, Matalan Credit: Matalan 12 Sandals, £30, Marks & Spencer Credit: supplied

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store