Some of us hate summer. Some of us would tell summer to go to hell (see above), if only it wouldn’t be so damn comfortable upon arriving at said destination. Some of us would rather trade the snow & ice of winter for the sun & sweat of summer in a heartbeat. But summer is here, and it’s not going anywhere for a while. You can either accept it as a challenge, or waste the next three to four months mucking about, dreaming of tweed. Here’s seven suggestions to stylistically make the best of a sweaty, and often stinky, season.
#1. Simplify your outfits
Some guys who have an interest (or, obsession) in men’s style revel in how complicated it can be. Patterns, textures, layering, matching, purposeful mismatching, sprezzatura, etc. Yet…other guys just want to get out the door, looking great, without all the wardrobe gymnastics. Summer is the perfect time to do that. Solids & subtle patterns light in weight and color look classic, clean, and most importantly, will keep you cool. Less is usually more, and less is more, more so, in summer.***
#2. Cut your hair short
Want to see what you’d look like if you lost it? Have you been losing it, and haven’t wanted to take the plunge? Buzz your head in November and some might give you the side-eye. Do it in summer and it’s practical (along with looking all kinds of good). More here.
#3. Loaf around in Loafers
- Ralph Lauren Suede Longley Driver – $129.99 ($250)
- Jack Erwin Abe Penny Loafer – $195
- J. Crew Suede Kenton – $115.80 w/ GOSHOPPING ($193)
Lots of guys associate loafers with old age. Sure, a boxy plastic-looking loafer can look a little elderly, but there are a boatload of sleek slip-ons out there. The next time you’re about to tie your shoes, consider what your outfit would look like if you lost the laces. Whether it be when wearing shorts (the drivers), with some chinos (the suede pennys), or even with a suit (the sleek leather pennys) You might be pleasantly surprised.
#4. Go do something summery, and look great while doing it
Head to the beach. Go for a drive in the mountains. Take a date on a picnic. Sitting inside wearing a pair of gym shorts with the AC blasting and binge-watching Netflix isn’t helping. Plan something that just can’t happen when the weather turns cold and dreary, then pack well, look good, and go do it.
#5. Add to your belt collection
- Brooks Brothers Striped Ribbon Belt – $13.80 ($34.50)
- J. Crew Made in the USA Braided Web Belt – $27.65 w/ GOSHOPPING ($39.50)
- UNIQLO Stretch Mesh Belt – $19.90
Think fabric or suede instead of standard leather. Keep the contrast low and the shades toned down, and you can wear the thing year round. All of the above examples can be worn with shorts, now, while injecting a little color up against jeans, an OCBD, and either a sweater or blazer come fall. Yep, even the striped one from Brooks Brothers on the left.
#6. Throw an outdoor, sunset dinner party
This doesn’t have to be some massive, 9-course blow out. It can be as big as you want, or as small as just you and a date on a small patio or deck. It doesn’t even need to involve cooking if you don’t want to. Order the best takeout in your city, find a beer or wine to pair with it, and have a twilight meal outside.
#7. Take Advantage of Out of Season Deals
- Bonobos English Tweed Blazer – $198 ($398)
- J. Crew Goodyear Welted Suede Cap-Toe Boots – $179 w/ GOSHOPPING ($368)
- Bonobos Merino Wool V – $38 ($98)
- Woolrich Made in the USA Yankee Boot – $148ish
w/ JUSTFORDAD ($300)
All right, so this is less embracing summer and more taking advantage of it. But it’s still worth a mention. End-of-season clearance sales are one thing, but if fall & winter goods have lasted this long, then the sellers are probably pretty desperate to get rid of them. And the prices will reflect that. Think back to fall/winter. Was there something you had your eye on, but never got around to getting? Or did you trash something that’ll need to be replaced? Think about it, set a goal, save up for it, and then reap the rewards. It’ll be a nice way to ring in autumn once it rolls around.
***This cannot be grammatically correct. Do not care.