With Memorial Day behind us, I think it’s safe to say that summer has begun.
It’s easy to disregard your style as temperatures climb and summer Fridays loom. Does your work wear consist of the same khaki trouser and light blue button-down every other guy sports in the summer months to stay cool? Are your weekends filled with flip flops and ancient swim trunks? If so, you may be stuck in a summer style rut. However, there’s always a chance to update – and upgrade – your look.
Below, five easy ways to turn up the heat on your warm weather wardrobe:
Put a collar on it
Especially on the weekends, it’s easy to reach for a T-shirt to top off a summer outfit. Comfortable? Sure. But stylish? Not really. If you want to dress up your look, you can do so in a collared shirt. Paired with shorts or pants, a collared shirt can feel just as comfortable as a T-shirt, but looks much more put together. Try a polo shirt or a long-sleeve button-down with the sleeves rolled up past your elbows.
Just cuff it
My favorite fashion trend for guys this summer is a cuffed pant. Take a pair of slim-cut pants (khakis or dark jeans work well), and roll them twice at the ankle. This trendy look is especially great for warm weather, giving your ankles instant ventilation.
Trade up your footwear
Of course, if you’re cuffing your pants, it means you’ve got to step up your shoe game. With your ankles exposed, show off a nice pair of brogues, loafers or even spectators. Don’t get me wrong: I love a crisp white sneaker, but if you’re looking to upgrade your summer style game, trading up your shoes is an easy place to start.
Mix patterns and textures
Wearing patterns and textures that play well together (rather than put up their dukes) is the perfect way to say, “I am a snappy summer dresser.” If you’re nervous, start small. A pin-stripe shirt with a madras tie. Seersucker shorts with a linen top. You get the idea. Before long, you’ll be a summer wardrobe mix master.
Go monochrome
Of course, paring down the contrast in your summer outfits can look stylish, too. Try wearing all one color, or one color in varying shades, like a linen suit with a cream-colored button down. Black on black looks great too, but wait until after the sun goes down or you’ll be burning up.
