How to Dress Well This Summer

Most of our personal styling clients complain to me that they have no idea how to dress when it’s warm out.

And it’s true - fall and winter are menswear’s favorite seasons. You get many more options for layering and different fabric choices.

However, there are still plenty of easy ways to look good once the temperature rises; most guys just don’t know how to do it. We’re approaching peak summer, so I’m going to share a few ways you can instantly upgrade your summer look.

 
 

ELEVATED SHORTS

Everyone wears shorts in the summer, but they’re usually very simple looking casual pairs. I like to get a pair with a pleat, cuff, or side adjusters to elevate the look.

I will also go for neutral colors like white and brown as they’ll pair with essentially anything. I’ll also usually change up the fabric from your typical cotton shorts to something like linen. Which leads me to…

 
 

SWAP COTTON FOR LINEN

There are a handful of summer fabrics out there: Seersucker, Chambray, Tropical Wool, etc. and they all work well in the heat - better than the typical knitted cottons you’re likely wearing.

However, to keep it simple, just wear linen. It’s easy to find and will give you an elevated look. It works well for pants and shorts, but also short and long-sleeved shirts. Instead of a plain tee, grab a linen shirt next time you’re going out.

 
polo shirts
 

POLOS OVER TEES

Speaking of plain tees, while they certainly serve a role in the closet, swapping to a polo is an easy way to elevate things.

No golf polos here. Instead, wear some of the fabrics we previously discussed; cotton/linen blends and lightweight wools work well here.

 
 

UPGRADE YOUR FOOTWEAR

For most guys it's flip flops or athletic shoes. You're likely a step above that since you're reading this, but you likely don't have many summer options.

A good canvas deck shoe works great with most summer outfits. From there, an unlined, lightweight loafer is a nice choice if you’re looking for a dressier option. What I wear still end up wearing most is a pebble grain leather sneaker.

 

 

Most guys throw in the towel during summer, thinking it's impossible to dress well. It's not.

It’s about 1) getting items that fit your body well in 2) breathable lightweight fabrics, not just cotton that 3) have elevated details like a polo collar on a shirt, or a cuff on a pant.

That’s it. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.

If you want me to help you upgrade your wardrobe and teach you what looks best on you so you you start actually looking the way you want to, work with me 1-on-1 online here.

We take on 15 clients per month and transform you into the guy you know you should look like. If you have questions, you can apply for a call with me 1-on-1 here. Looking forward to helping out.


Hope this helps.



Patrick


Patrick Kenger

Patrick Kenger is an award-winning personal stylist for men and the founder of PIVOT Image Consulting. For the past 10 years, he has worked to make style easy and efficient for men across the globe. You can find him regularly in the WSJ, NBC, CNN, Men’s Health, and more.

https://www.pivotimage.com
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How I Completely Transformed My Own Wardrobe