Summer Essentials For Men 2018

These summer essentials for men will upgrade your wardrobe in seconds

Men, summer, and fashion are not made for each other for most men. It is easier to dress up for them when it is cold. They can layer clothing after clothing and get away with it. Think of shirt, plus the trusty old lumberjack and jacket and they are good to go. Summer is a different thing.

When you think of men’s fashion during the summer, you will instantly see in your mind are the polo, pink shorts, and topsiders. This preppy look is more popular with boys. However, summer is not all about the preppy look. Men can also sport a rugged, edgy or anything in between.

This summer, it is time for men to elevate their style and embrace their inner fashionista.

The Shorts

Summer get-up is never complete without the shorts. The chino shorts of yesteryear has taken a fashion revival along with the preppy shorts. Call it a renaissance, but this summer staple is back from the bottom of your closet.

Although the younger set finds pink shorts cute and somehow very schoolboy. If you want to look like an adult, then it's about time that you change the colors. Khaki is a neutral choice. Black and Navy can add life to a wardrobe.

Athleisure is the thing in fashion these days and men can have a pair of athletic shorts to grab quickly for a casual outing. These athletic shorts can be in sweat or mesh and can easily be worn with tanks and tees.

Do not get shorts that are baggy or long, as they look outdated (hello, the 90’s). A pair of shorts above the knee is the best fit.

Another option for your summer shorts is denim cut-offs. It must not be the shorts sported by John Cena during his WWF days. It should be well fitted, and if you can wear them, a jorts offered a perfect fit. You will always be in style with fitted denim shorts. You can dress it up with a fitted shirt or dress it down with a t-shirt.

The Shirts

Summer shirts may look too easy to buy, but you’ll be surprised. It is harder than you thought. The buying guideline should be summer is hot, keep the shirts light. 

Try to invest in really good shirts with a little more X-factor than the 5-pack Fruit of the Loom. The design should be simple and classy. No graphic tees with equally graphic jokes and if you think about buying Ed Hardy, think again.

For situations that call for class and elegance, there are three options: you can have the polos, the short sleeve button up and the long sleeve button ups.

If you want to go preppy, nothing beats a polo and khaki shorts combo. This is a classic college boy style. If you're going to project something else, then go for neutral colors paired with jeans. This pair never goes out of style.

Another piece you should have in your closet are button ups but in a light material because the heat can be unbearable. For summer, go for lightweight linen in light colors. They are easy to find. You can have patterned shirts too to break the monotony.

Short sleeves are the same. They should be light and breezy. Patterned shirts are in fashion nowadays, just veer away from Hawaiian and bowling shirts. These are reserved for “weekend dads”; if you are not, don’t dress like one. You can still choose floral patterns too, just not too bold.

The Pants

We know that talking about pants in the summer may sound absurd. Shorts are the season's uniform, but once the temperature begins to cool down, you will need pants. The dark colors have to stay at the back of the closet. Just like the rest of your ensemble, light colors are the choice for the summer to cool.

If you cannot turn away from the call of your dark jeans, black always looks good with anything.

Chinos are another season’s must-have because the material is ideal for the warm weather. Lightweight and cotton are the best for the summer.

You don’t have to be stuck with your khakis though. You can still go bold with colors. You just need to balance them with the type of material. You can have blue, gray, olive but not neon. 

 The Shoes

There are a lot of options when it comes to shoes. You can have sneakers, rubber shoes, boat shoes and even sandals the can go with any wardrobe. For your sneakers, you can have them in subtle colors. Even white is good and will still stand out. 

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you should have boring shoes in the summer. Although having the essential black and white is a good decision because they are versatile, a lustrous pair of sneakers in any color can coordinate well and when done in good taste will make any outfit standout.

Socks can either be ankle (or the no-show type) or mid-calf. With all the heat, you need to protect your feet from getting sweaty. It is not only fashionable but hygienic too. Choose socks in cotton blend material, as they are known to absorb sweat.

Boat shoes like Sperry’s is essential too. Nowadays, you can find boat shoes in the shape of elegant loafers that you can pair with pants for a casual Friday at the office.

Outerwear and Accessories

Outerwear in the summer months? Yes, jackets are your outerwear in the warmer months. It is something that is lightweight that you can wear when the sun is down. It should be of a lighter material and neutral color because you will not wear them all throughout the day.

Bomber jackets are still in fashion, have them in neutral colors like cream. Denim jackets if unlined is another good option.

For other accessories, a pair of sunglasses are essential, buy a quality pair as an investment. A couple of aviators goes a long way. They should flatter your face shape and can do all the UV-ray protection that is made for. 

Lastly, is to have a comfortable watch. It can be in metal, rubber or leather strap can be too much, but a versatile watch is a good find. It should have a clean line that will look nice with a variety of outfits. Like your outfit, the material should be the key to your decision making.

Ambassador Heritage 1921 in Brown Leather Strap available here.

There are no set rules on what makes a good summer watch. The best advice is to go with something that is affordable, durable and nice. It should be a watch that can withstand your summer escapades and affordable so that you will be unfazed even when it bumps into something.

Summer fashion is supposed to be fun, flirty and relax. Don’t go into a panic. Just stick with lightweight, functional and fashionable outfits and accessories. This is also the time for you to experiment and try new styles, designs, and combinations. Hit the summer in style.