New Rules for Summer Fashion
Men used to have a rather hard time with dressing in the summer. Although one could get unlined versions of all the lined pieces one wore in the fall, the man worked with almost the same wardrobe he did in the fall. The rules of the style game, however, have changed much in the last couple of decades; men are now no longer limited to just suits and ties. What does that mean for your summer wardrobe?
Color, Color, Color
In general, men’s fashion has opened up to the full range of colors that the ladies alone had been enjoying for decades. The shift is most visible in men’s summer fashion, where bold colors and bright shades consistently take the runways each and every year.
That right there is one of the cardinal rules for dressing in the summer: use more color. A more traditional man might stick to a palette of mostly gray, white, black and navy, but today’s men aren’t restricted so heavily. Try an electric blue, a fluorescent yellow, a fire engine red or even a HazMat orange. In the right quantities, each one of these colors is equal parts daring and debonair, perfect for the modern dandy.
Flamboyance – or avoidance thereof – was one of the reasons why your elders had much less appreciation for bright colors, and that wasn’t exactly unfounded. When using bright hues, remember to wear small doses of it – a necktie, a tee or a pair of socks – each time. You want the color to accentuate your outfit, not take over it altogether.
Show Some Skin
Looking at the photos of previous generations, it’s easy to make the conclusion that the fashionable men of the time were really covered up. As social mores change and relax, the baring of skin has become more acceptable – good news for men’s summer fashion.
Shorts are some of every guy’s best weapon against the heat of the season, yet too many don’t (or don’t want to) use them. What you want to avoid is looking like you shopped in the teens’ department by getting simple, slim and streamlined shorts that end above the knee. Shorts of any other description will give the impression that you borrow clothes from your teenage nephews.
Be proud of your legs. If you’re wearing shorts, don’t bother with socks, which seem to try to cover up a little extra skin. Go all the way and go sock-less in sandals or loafers, or even flip-flops if you’re at the beach. It’s summer; loosening up is a style statement.
Accessories of the Sophisticated Man
Leather is one of those indispensable materials in men’s fashion, and leather shoes, belts and wallets are sure to never go out of style. In the summer, however, your sartorial and physical needs might push you to consider other materials and accessories.
Sweat is one of those ever-present factors during the summer, and it hardly has a good relationship with delicate leather. In sweltering summers, you may want to think about getting hardier accessories like cotton shoes and canvas bags that aren’t as prone to sweat damage. They’re much less formal, to be sure, but perfect attire for going out on a drive or picnic as you enjoy the sun.
Channeling the style of tropical countries is another great idea for the season. Fedoras and woven necklaces and bracelets – fashion staples in South America and Asia – are great for channeling that laid back, more relaxed vibe of summer.
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