Summer means shades, hat, and cool fabric colors
The heat is back, and summer is in full effect. What do you need to stay stylish, even when your first priority will be air conditioning and an iced beverage?
Shorts
I could live in shorts. Growing up in the heat, they’re the most comfortable, breathable choice. Jeans can get very…swampy inside.
I prefer mid-length for men—at least at or above the knee. This is a trend now, apparently. It just looks better IMO.
J.Crew makes the best shorts for the price. Try the Stanton 7″ inseam model—it comes in a bunch of colors.
Shoes
Dolce & Gabbana woven slides
Footwear is always tricky in heat. Sandals? Flip-flops? Go with anything that absorbs sweat (leather/suede) and breathes.
I endorse driving loafers (try a unique color), rubber/waterproof shoes (for when downpours pop up suddenly), haute sandals (see my previous post), or flip-flops. Just don’t wear cheapies. Invest in a pair of leather Rainbows, or stick with the classic, affordable, and inexpensive Havianas.
The humble slipper has become more popular as well, thanks to TOM’S.
Footwear to avoid: clunky, velcro-fastened mandals; high-top sneakers with shorts.
Hats
Lanvin Straw Hat on SSENSE
A sun-shielding hat is advisable. Normally I stick to athletic baseball caps from Nike, but lately have fallen for the straw safari/tropics hat, like this one from Lanvin. Floppy or firm, I like the rustic open-weave style and wide brim.
Eyewear
Matte & mirror Illesteva frames
Since summer style tends toward the minimal, I say go big on the shades. I’m partial to tortoise, or crazy bright colors, but not black. Black is for mafiosos. Illesteva is a new brand out of New York (made in Italy), at a very approachable price point. It’s what I’m wearing in the top photo. The Oxford Exchange sells them locally.
Fragrance
The Scent of Peace for Him
Bond No. 9 just sent me a sample of Peace for Him. It comes on very strongly sweet, but settles nicely. It feels like New York to me, and for that, I like it.
Smell is so subjective, it is hard to recommend any fragrance strategy for the warm weather. Some people love cologne mixed with sweat and body odor. I guess I just prefer a dreamy scent, of beaches and lust. Whatever that happens to be.
Tom Ford recently introduced a body spray version of his Neroli Portofino fragrance, which embodies the Mediterranean. Certainly a better alternative to other body sprays, to remain nameless.
Autos
An American classic
If at all possible, have fun in the sun with your top off this summer. A Jeep Wrangler will do the trick. Find a friend who has one. Put the dog in the back and cruise. German Shepherds do not come standard.
Bacardi, a client
Other tips
Consider sunscreen an essential part of your routine in the summer, when the sky is blazing. I have never found one I swear by, but generally, I avoid mainstream brands that use oxybenzone. Zinc is the classical blocker of sun, and many organic brands use it as an alternative to harsh chemicals. It does however make the white goop itself very thick, so use carefully.
See this Good Housekeeping article about the best natural sunscreens, and this list of brands from The Organic Authority. Aubrey is a local brand that makes excellent organic skin and body care products.
Of course, after you’re dressed, remember to stay hydrated. Stop often for cool beverages—and that doesn’t mean alcohol or coffee, which will have the opposite effect.
See my Summer 2014 Pinterest page for more stylish upgrades this summer.
