It all comes down to familiar staples: cool hats, relaxed denim, and elevated essentials&hellip; and repeat.

If last year&rsquo;s summer style was all about keeping things simple &mdash; linen shirts in soft neutrals, sleek sandals, and pieces that didn&rsquo;t try too hard &mdash; 2026 is looking more relaxed, with a little more personality coming through. Things have shifted toward Americana and preppy references once again, with the kind of pieces that are familiar because, well, they&rsquo;ve always been around.
The key pieces are baseball caps, worn backwards at times; denim, especially in straight cuts; and sneakers in more athletic styles, chosen to anchor the fit. It&rsquo;s hard not to think about John F. Kennedy Jr. when you talk about this specific kind of preppy style. Decades later, his summer wardrobe still feels relevant because of how effortless it was.
After years of oversized everything, clothes are starting to settle back into a more natural place. The general fit is easy and clean, with shirts falling the way they should, trousers moving fluidly, and even relaxed pieces still having shape. There&rsquo;s less interest in exaggerated silhouettes now, and more focus on clothes that are polished yet casual.
Summer is where that shift really shows. After all, when it&rsquo;s hot, you don&rsquo;t want to think too hard about what you&rsquo;re wearing. The new summer uniform is built around pieces that complete a look in the most natural way possible. The small details matter just as much: a canvas tote, a familiar cap, and a good pair of sunglasses you reach for every day.
The easy look isn&rsquo;t just easy looks-wise; it&rsquo;s also easier as it keeps a tighter rotation of pieces you can always rely on. By that, we mean these definitely aren&rsquo;t trend-driven purchases. They&rsquo;re the things you already wear &mdash; just with an upgrade. From elevated staples to everyday essentials worth investing in, here are the pieces that will make up the new summer uniform.

There&rsquo;s something about a baseball cap that instantly makes an outfit more natural. A well-worn one can add personality without trying too hard, especially when paired with more polished pieces. The right one, like the Celine Vivienne Cap, becomes part of your daily rotation before you even realize it.
Celine Vivienne Cap, P37,000, <a href="https://www.celine.com/en-ph/celine-shop-women/accessories/hats-and-gloves/vivienne-cap-in-cotton-twill-AA0HX2U74.07MW.html">Celine</a>

Celine

If you want a slightly cooler energy to your summer uniform, you need a beret. Not everyone can be a beret guy, but if you can pull it off, it can be your signature. Worn with a linen shirt or even just a tank, a beret from Laulh&egrave;re &mdash; a French beret maker since 1840 &mdash; adds depth without overcomplicating things.
Laulh&egrave;re V&eacute;ritable Beret, P6,800, <a href="https://thesignetstore.com/products/veritable-beret-21177-noir">The Signet Store</a>

Laulhère

Few pieces work harder in summer than a proper linen shirt. This no-brainer item breathes, moves easily, and somehow always looks right, whether worn open, buttoned, wrinkled, or crisp. Plus, Zegna's take is extra special because its Oasi range uses fabric spun from fibers sourced in Italy.
Zegna Oasi Linen Shirt, P71,624, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/en-ph/mens/product/zegna/clothing/plain-shirts/oasi-linen-shirt/1647597329990535">Mr Porter</a>

Zegna

A knit polo is way more chic than a piqu&eacute;. Between the texture and open collar, it gives off a more dressed-up attitude without losing its ease. Fendi&rsquo;s Knit Polo, with its airy openwork cotton and FF Selleria leather patch at the back, fits that mood.
Fendi Polo Shirt, $1,350, <a href="https://www.fendi.com/us-en/man/new-in/polo-shirt-blue-cotton-sweater-fzc462ayy6f0wwu">Fendi</a>

Fendi

The Henley sits somewhere between a T-shirt and a knit basic, which is exactly why it works so well in summer. The open neckline is really the highlight since it adds shape and draws attention upward, making a simple fit look elevated.
Celine Long Sleeved T-Shirt, P43,500, <a href="https://www.celine.com/en-ph/celine-shop-men/ready-to-wear/t-shirts-and-sweatshirts/long-sleeved-t-shirt-in-ribbed-cotton-jersey-RX0A90F43.01OB.html">Celine</a>

Even in summer, you might have a moment when you need an extra layer. A lightweight overshirt fills that role without feeling too heavy. Kamakura Shirts makes a French Work Jacket that does just that &mdash; and in linen, too.
Kamakura Shirts French Work Jacket, P18,800, <a href="https://thesignetstore.com/products/french-work-jacket-linen-canvas-znap12b1-blue">The Signet Store</a>

Kamakura Shirts

A good straight-leg jean works all year round, but we&rsquo;ll be living in The Row&rsquo;s take most in summer. The Siouxie Jeans, cut from indigo-washed denim, will add just enough structure to balance out lighter pieces like linen shirts and knit polos.
The Row Siouxie Straight-Leg Jeans, P71,624, <a href="https://www.mrporter.com/en-ph/mens/product/the-row/clothing/straight-jeans/siouxie-straight-leg-jeans/46376663162960178">Mr Porter</a>

The Row

The biggest surprise from the runways is that cargo shorts have found their way back. The Dior Cargo Bermuda Shorts, introduced in Jonathan Anderson&rsquo;s first collection for the House, revisit the silhouette in crisp white cotton twill, finished with Dior embroidery. The style taps into that late &rsquo;90s and early 2000s summer mood, when practical pieces were all the rage.
Dior Cargo Bermuda Shorts, P130,000, <a href="https://www.dior.com/en_ph/fashion/products/683D183A3140_C080">Dior</a>

Dior

On the right day, sandals can replace every other shoe in rotation. These days, they can be appropriate well beyond the beach, especially when paired with tailored pieces. Herm&egrave;s&rsquo; take offers summer outfits a luxurious finish.
Herm&egrave;s Kazimir Sandal, $1,025, <a href="https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/kazimir-sandal-H251975ZH01390/">Herm&egrave;s</a>

Hermès

Every summer uniform needs a sneaker that can keep up. The Hogan Hyperlight Sneakers have sporty energy, with smooth leather, a slanted H detail, and a lightweight sole. They carry that late &rsquo;90s jogging shoe spirit &mdash; the kind that pairs well with a lot of things.
Hogan Hyperlight, P42,950, <a href="https://www.trunc.ph/trunc_show_ph/hogan/hogan-hyperlight-grey">Trunc</a>

Hogan

There&rsquo;s always a point in summer when sneakers start to feel predictable. That&rsquo;s where a proper loafer comes in &mdash; something you can slip on with linen trousers or even denim. The Saint Laurent Le Loafer has that effect. The supple leather keeps things chill, but the shape says dressed-up.
Saint Laurent Le Loafer, $1,150, <a href="https://www.ysl.com/en-us/pr/le-loafer-supple-in-matte-leather-83947125VAA2128.html">Saint Laurent</a>

Saint Laurent

The tote is as practical as it is essential. Upgrade with a corduroy one that moves easily between daily errands and travel without ever being out of place. Bode even customizes tote bags with illustrations, patches, and more to make them one of a kind.
Bode Custom Large Senior Cord Tote, P91,800, <a href="https://bode.com/products/custom-large-senior-cord-tote">Bode</a><a href="https://bode.com/products/custom-large-senior-cord-tote"></a>

Bode

You needn&rsquo;t look too far when it comes to a proper weekender. The Louis Vuitton Keepall has long been the default, carried through airports, road trips, and everything in between. With the Mon Monogram service, the Keepall Bandouli&egrave;re 55 Mon Monogram becomes even more personal, allowing you to add initials or stripes that make a classic entirely your own.
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouli&egrave;re 55 Mon Monogram, Price upon request, <a href="https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/keepall-bandouliere-55-mon-monogram-monogram-nvprod6140081v/P01943">Louis Vuitton</a>

Louis Vuitton

In the summer, sunglasses aren&rsquo;t just something you pick up while heading out the door as an afterthought. They become an indispensable accessory. The right pair can become a signature while sharpening everything else you&rsquo;re wearing.
Jacques Marie Mage Godard, P63,440, <a href="https://ronnieandjoe.com/products/jacques-marie-mage-godard">Ronnie and Joe</a>

How to Dress Like JFK Jr. This Summer

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