Warm Up Your Casual Style for Summer

After a weekend of afternoon walks, time in the park, BBQ's and sipping on a Gin Rickey as the sun goes down off the balcony I am finally convinced that summer is here.  If you haven't already taken a look at your summer wardrobe, I definitely suggest that you start taking a look to find out what you should keep, what you should get rid of and what you need to go out and pick up.  Here I'll talk about some staples of a well dressed man's summer inventory and where you can find some of these classic styles.

You're a man now, throw away the cargo shorts

Look, there was a time when we could get away with wearing baggy cargo shorts.  I refer to it as high school, and those days are over now.  It's time to update your shorts to something with a slimmer cut and less pockets.  Losing the extra fabric and hanging pockets will trim up your physique and gives a boat load of sophistication to an otherwise casual look.

J.Crew Microstripe Club Short

American Rag Stan Striped Shorts

Boat Shoes: No boat (or socks) necessary

Boat shoes have made a huge comeback in the past couple of years and the great news is that there are a wide range of labels now producing their own version of these classic shoes in a variety of colors and materials.  Sperry Top-Sider is the original but that's not to say that another brand isn't worth your consideration.  I recommend going sock-less in boat shoes, especially if you are going to be wearing shorts.  Below are three variations on the boat shoe that you can ponder on for your next purchase.

Sperry Top-Sider Originals

Brooks Brothers Calfskin Leather Boat Shoes
 

Polo Canvas Boat Shoes
 

The Polo: From golf course to dinner to night club in one shirt

Wearing a polo shouldn't be a moment you dread. Just because it's the weekend doesn't mean you have an excuse to throw on a nasty old t-shirt. The good news is that a fitted polo will serve you in more settings than you think during the summer. Of course you will want to wear one to the golf course, but try to avoid the sporty-style fabrics and go for a classic cotton in a light color to keep cool. Throw on a v-neck sweater over as well. Dinner at the in-laws house? Top it with a navy blazer. Drinks with friends? Just make sure that your polo fits you well and hit the bar. It's easy to see how versatile a great polo can be, here's three looks you should consider.

3 Ways to Wear Your Fitted Polo

These three additions to your wardrobe are easy ways to step up your casual summer style.  By the way, if you're having trouble finding a pair of shorts that fit well you can nominate a pair of your pants to be sacrificed into shorts.  Follow this guide here from GQ and you'll have a perfect pair of shorts in no time.

Thanks for reading.  As always, be dapper.