As summer approaches, many of us start looking through our warm weather clothing lineup and realize we need a quick refresh of some key items. But do you have all of your bases covered for the summer? We’ll review the essential pieces for men’s summer fashion, as well as our recommendations for anything you need to update or add to your rotation.
Shoes
Of the five necessary shoes for any man’s wardrobe, the warm weather calls for shoes to cover three basic situations – dressy casual, casual, and beach/pool.
For anything formal or semi-formal (like a wedding), you should already have formal dress shoes. Most men, however, lack a good pair of warm weather dressy casual shoes. Outings like a nice dinner date or drinks at an upscale cocktail or wine bar need something that’s a little dressy but not too stiff. Like a pair of loafers.
A good pair of loafers are an essential piece for men’s summer fashion. They can elevate a simple polo and chinos look or relax a button down and dress pants. This ability to vary your looks adds a ton of versatility to your warm weather attire. Go with suede or leather uppers and either a hard or soft sole – it all depends on how casual your style leans.
Every man should also have a plain white pair of sneakers. These come in handy as temperatures rise. Appropriate with shorts or more casual chinos/pants, this versatile piece gives you a comfortable and clean option for your casual looks.
For beach or pool attire, most men sport sandals. While this option is fine (just don’t wear anything too sporty/dorky, and make sure your toes aren’t gross), a nice pair of espadrilles will add a bit of class to your poolside or beach attire. They’re somewhat unexpected, which people will notice. It’s a nice, simple upgrade in your water-adjacent attire. Plus they can pull some light casual duty if you need to slip on a pair to grab coffee, go for a quick walk, or run some errands.
Polo shirts
Polo shirts are a staple for men’s summer fashion. These supremely versatile shirts can class up a pair of shorts or dress down a pair of trousers. The ability to draw other pieces of an outfit back to a seasonally appropriate vibe gives a polo shirt its special powers.
The most versatile pairing, however, involves a polo shirt with a pair of casual chinos and some loafers or chukka boots. This casual outfit covers so many different summer scenarios, taking you from running errands around town to a night out with friends, all while looking relaxed and put together.
This article goes in-depth on our recommendations for polo shirts. Check it out if you need some solid options to add to your arsenal.
Lightweight pants
Lightweight pants are the key to looking sharp when it’s hot, which can round out your men’s summer fashion attire. For dressier or dressy casual situations, most men are either sweating it out in thick cotton chinos or looking way underdressed in shorts. Step above both of these amateur level mistakes.
You only need a couple of lighter weight pants to cover your bases for hot weather. You will thank yourself immediately after sporting a good pair of linen pants (3 best options here). The breathability, lightness, and relaxed vibe will match a hot day or a beachside event perfectly. You’d also be smart to own some lighter weight cotton or tech fabric chinos or anything slightly dressier or business casual.
Lightweight blazer / sport coat
A warm weather sport coat can transform your spring and summer wardrobe. The addition of a sport coat will add polish to your dressier looks, which really the sweet spot of the gentlemanly yet relaxed vibe. For beachside weddings, a rehearsal dinner, or a special dinner out with your significant other, a good sport coat will elevate your look for the occasion.
Go with linen, lightweight cotton, tropical wool, or some blend of these three fabric types. Even better if you can find one that is partially lined or unlined. It’s ok to go with a slightly less structured look in the warmer months.
Throw it on over a poplin or linen-cotton blend shirt, a shirt sleeve button down, or a polo shirt (check out this article for more inspiration). Pairing with pants from the previous section is an obvious and smart move. I would only avoid the linen on linen look for a sport coat and pants. Something about this doesn’t work if they’re not a matching suit.
Clean shorts
The right pairs of shorts can keep you cool and make you look put together. Unfortunately, the majority of men wear terrible shorts. You can easily stand above the crowd by following a few simple rules.
First of all, make sure your shorts hit above the knee and have a slimmer fit. This will immediately help you appear taller. Even if you have skinny legs, this will make them seem more proportional, whereas a pair of baggier pants will accentuate their skinniness.
Secondly, if you have well developed leg muscles, a shorter inseam length (6-8 inches) will flatter this attribute. And lastly, as if I need to actually say it, avoid cargo pockets. These billow out and tend to unflatteringly distort the shape of your legs.
Other considerations
Include some good, solid, lightweight t-shirts in various colors. These can match shorts and casual chinos. Short sleeve button downs can also be a game-changer.
Keep overly shiny accessories to a minimum, like all stainless watches or reflective sunglasses. Reflecting too much light can distract from an otherwise solid look.
Warm weather is a great time to add some bold pieces to your look. But make sure to keep bold items to one per outfit. A pair or bright shorts, for instance, should be matched with a neutral or toned-down shirt and shoes. A bold sport coat is best grounded by plain neutral chinos, leather shoes, and a plain or subtly patterned shirt.
Other non-fashion advice:
- Stay hydrated, you’ll feel and function much better.
- Find a good natural deodorant, as those with aluminum can permanently stain your clothes.
- Stay in shape so you can better withstand more time in the heat.
- Don’t drink too much – the heat plus too much booze can undo even the most well put-together look. You don’t want to be a sweaty, sloppy booze bag in the summer.
Conclusion
You’ll look sharp and maintain your cool if your closet has most of these pieces. This is the key to maintaining your gentlemanly “A” game all year long. All while most men are stuck strictly dressing for comfort, but looking sloppy, when the temperatures heat up.
