As the holiday season approaches, fashion editor Hannah Skelley has offered guidance to men on how to pack appropriately, highlighting common sartorial missteps that can detract from a vacation wardrobe. In a recent piece for the Daily Mail, Skelley addressed several trends and items that she advises men to avoid.
Skelley specifically called out "budgie smugglers"—brief-style swimwear—as inappropriate for most men, suggesting that swim trunks are a more universally acceptable option. She recommended brands such as Joules, Massimo Dutti, Arket, and Orlebar Brown for suitable swimwear.
The debate over shorts length also featured prominently. Skelley cautioned against extremely short, athletic briefs, citing a recent instance where the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, was photographed in such attire, which reportedly drew negative reactions. Conversely, she warned that very long, shin-length Bermuda shorts are only suitable for taller individuals, likening the ideal length to that worn by figures like Harry Styles. The recommended length for most men is mid-thigh to just above the knee, with enough room for comfort without revealing too much.
"Hawaiian shirts," particularly those with loud, garish prints reminiscent of movie characters, were also flagged as items to reconsider unless worn by individuals of indigenous Polynesian descent or those from Hawaii. Skelley suggested opting for loose-fitting linen or cotton shirts with more subdued prints or subtle embroidery, mentioning brands like Bound and Percival, and Paul Smith.
Fashion faux pas such as wearing socks with open-toed sandals were firmly discouraged, with Skelley suggesting pedicures or professional foot care as an alternative for those concerned about their toes. She noted that while supportive, practical hiking-style sandals are currently trendy, with brands like Teva and Uneek offering popular models. Leather or suede fisherman sandals and Birkenstock's Boston clogs were also mentioned as more stylish alternatives to flip-flops.
For closed-toe shoes like loafers or clogs, Skelley stated that plain white crew socks or those with simple sporting stripes are acceptable, particularly in the evening. However, she strongly advised against novelty socks with bright colors or slogans.
Beyond clothing, Skelley touched upon grooming. She recommended daily moisturizers with SPF for the face, noting Simple's Kind to Skin cream with Factor 50. For body sun protection, she suggested E45's spray. She also encouraged men to consider professional pedicures and mentioned grooming tools like Philips' 'Body & Balls Groomer 5000' for those seeking to manage body hair.