Summer is genuinely underway, which means you can whip out shorts, t-shirts and the occasional pair of flip flops. One problem that you gents tend to face in the summer, however, is managing not to look like you’ve been chilling at the beach all day. Some occasions require you to look smart, even if it’s held at a beach club.
Hey, I get it. It’s hot. You don’t want to be walking around in suit pants and long-sleeved shirts all day, especially if there’s a chance that the sun will be beaming down on your head all day. However, there are ways to still look smart in the scorching summer sun; whether you’re heading to the office or an outdoor event, these are my favorite pieces that will last all summer long and are timeless… so they’ll be suitable for next summer too.
Linen Shirts
“The reason why we get so hot in the summer is usually because of sun exposure and air getting trapped in our clothes,” says Julio Vargas of MONEDEROSMART, “therefore, we need to use breathable fabrics that the air can easily escape from, my go-to is linen.”
Julio loves linen because it’s super breathable, isn’t sticky and usually comes in neutral summer colors such as white, beige and pastel blues. Teamed with a pair of cotton chino shorts and some airy loafers such as Tod’s driving shoes can create a look that’s classic, cool, and most importantly, stylish.
Cotton
Cotton can be a tricky one, but, if you pick the correct type, you can have clothes that are light and airy for all your summer endeavors. The great thing about cotton is that it comes in a wealth of colors and styles to suit your tastes so you won’t be struggling to find something. To stay on-trend, follow stylings of Isabel Marant, who have gone for soft color palettes in this year’s summer collection.
The types of cotton you should be looking for are broadcloth, seersucker, and madras. They’ll absorb extra moisture and ensure there are no unpleasant odors. Try to avoid polyblends as these don’t usually perform well in hotter climates.
Blazers
The thought of putting a blazer on when it’s 90 plus degrees outside will likely send chills down your spine. However, if you opt for something unlined and deconstructed, it’s the perfect way to finish off a summer outfit.
Try to opt for similar fabrics you see in other summer clothes like linen and seersucker to ensure optimum comfort. You can even wear some twill fabrics which are extra smart for essential events.
Polo Shirts
Though polo shirts can be considered casual for some events, when paired with the right slacks and shoes, they can be the perfect summer attire. Designs from Ralph Lauren are always a good staple piece to have in your wardrobe as is Hugo Boss. GQ has put together a great list of their favorite polo shirts to last you all summer
Accessorize
Finally, don’t forget to accessorize with a hat if you suit them. But I don’t mean a standard baseball cap. There are a lot of smart summer hats out there for you guys – Trilbys and Panama hats are personal favorites and will not only make you look great, but they’ll also protect you from the glaring sun; essential if you’ve got an outside event planned.
