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INSPIRATION AND ADVICE
GOING TO A SUMMER EVENT? TAKE STYLE CUES FROM PAUL FORMAN
By Lizzie Griffin, 1 July 2026
Summer event season is in full swing, and chances are the phrase 'smart-casual' has appeared somewhere within your stack of invitations. Yes, this dress code may sound confusing at first, but the beauty of smart-casual dressing is that the rules are surprisingly relaxed. Shorts aren't necessarily off the table if they’re tailored, and while a tux might be a little OTT, a light-toned suit is very much fair game.
Picture: Getty
If you're still searching for the perfect formula, look no further than Paul Forman. The Emily in Paris favourite was recently spotted at Wimbledon wearing an outfit that nailed summer-event dressing – and we've been taking notes.
[Left] Paul Forman single-handedly nailing summer-event season with this look.
PREPPY STYLING
Whatever summer event you’re going to – birthday drinks, a sporting tournament or a friend's brand launch – you’ll want to look like you’ve made an effort. While it’s easy to overthink your look, a closer look at Paul’s Wimbledon ensemble shows that he’s got the formula down. Turns out, all you need is a statement jacket.
He leans into classic preppy styling with a white shirt buttoned to the top, a striped tie and high-waisted tailored trousers – all characteristics of the collegiate aesthetic. But rather than playing it safe, he adds an unexpected twist with a casual cropped white jacket featuring contrast stitching. It’s this final layer that transforms the look, striking the perfect balance between ease and elevation.
He leans into classic preppy styling with a white shirt buttoned to the top, a striped tie and high-waisted tailored trousers – all characteristics of the collegiate aesthetic. But rather than playing it safe, he adds an unexpected twist with a casual cropped white jacket featuring contrast stitching. It’s this final layer that transforms the look, striking the perfect balance between ease and elevation.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR NEXT SUMMER EVENT
Picture: ASOS
If you want to take cues from Paul’s look for the next event on your summer calendar, the key is sticking to a tonal colour palette. Shades of white, ecru and beige work effortlessly together, creating a look that feels polished without trying too hard. Keep things sharp by buttoning your shirt (made from natural fibres to keep things breathable, of course) to the top, and pair it with a tie.
For the lower half, opt for high-waisted tailored trousers with a wide leg. When worn with your tucked-in shirt, you'll get a clean structured silhouette that feels both smart and contemporary. Finish with brown leather derby shoes or loafers to maintain that preppy edge. The real hero piece, though, is the jacket. Something in ecru denim – like this Farah style – captures the heritage-inspired feel of Paul's look, while details such as the contrast stitching keep it feeling fresh.
GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN lace up derby shoe in brown leather, £60
02: Farah Archive Montoya co-ord twill denim button through jacket in ecru, £200
03: Bershka Super baggy tailored fit trousers in sand, £39.99
04: Bershka Striped tie in red, £15.99
05: ASOS DESIGN regular fit smart linen blend shirt in white, £30
For the lower half, opt for high-waisted tailored trousers with a wide leg. When worn with your tucked-in shirt, you'll get a clean structured silhouette that feels both smart and contemporary. Finish with brown leather derby shoes or loafers to maintain that preppy edge. The real hero piece, though, is the jacket. Something in ecru denim – like this Farah style – captures the heritage-inspired feel of Paul's look, while details such as the contrast stitching keep it feeling fresh.
GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN lace up derby shoe in brown leather, £60
02: Farah Archive Montoya co-ord twill denim button through jacket in ecru, £200
03: Bershka Super baggy tailored fit trousers in sand, £39.99
04: Bershka Striped tie in red, £15.99
05: ASOS DESIGN regular fit smart linen blend shirt in white, £30
