Looking Hot, Staying Cool; Solving Summer

June 10, 2015

Style doesn’t have to take a vacation just because it’s summer. June, July and August are three months in which men generally swap fashion for comfort. The cargo shorts, the jerky t-shirts, the “mandals” all have their place, but that place is in your driveway, washing your ride, not squiring your girlfriend around downtown, or dining al fresco with friends. Ditto your younger cousin’s graduation, your sister’s outdoor wedding, or when the boss springs for club seats at the ballpark and there are waiters, not vendors involved. So what’s a guy to do? You can’t walk around in a seersucker suit and a straw hat like it’s 1920. Actually you can, and it would be awesome, but not terribly practical. Some real-life solutions? Short-sleeved button-up sport shirt. To avoid the Andy Sipowicz look, lose the tie and the pleats, and leave the gun in the nightstand. Tuck. Don’t tuck. Either way, pair it with fit-flattering long pants and loafers. Socks optional. Carry a sport coat. Put it on the back of your chair to stake your claim. Untucked sport shirt . Bow tie. No Jacket. Yeah. Be that guy. With a tiny bit of effort, you’ll appear effortless. “These white bucks…new? Nah – had ‘em since law school.” Plus, Bonus: untie the bow and you’re LeBron at the postgame, or Leonardo at the after-party. Polo, fitted slacks, fun socks, rubber-soled kicks. You can go preppy or urban depending on color, fit and which shirt buttons you fasten. Button ‘em all up for a geek chic look. Open ‘em all up for that “I hope they have tennis courts” vibe. Rolled long sleeves, loosened tie, hat. All three elements have their purpose. Long sleeves take you from air conditioned office (unrolled) to patio party (rolled). Loosened tie keeps you

cool, but shows the host you care. Hat keeps the evil sun off your melon. Put these all together, and you’re not you. You’re Jay Gatsby. May we suggest… [caption id="attachment_764" align="alignleft" width="300"]