WHAT MAKES A GREAT SUMMER OUTFIT?
Summer style is all about feeling cool and comfortable. Summer allows us to experiment with bright colors and lighter shades, as well as lightweight and breathable fabrics. While this certainly isn't mandatory, embracing and accounting for the sunnier weather (assuming you enjoy it) is a great way to create dapper outfits during the warmer season.
MEN'S SUMMER FASHION STAPLES
I've already written an in-depth guide detailing which items to wear for summer.
I won't restate everything on that list, but I would like to highlight some of the essential items you'll see throughout this list of summer outfit ideas.
CHINO SHORTS
When looking through their closets for summer clothing, most people think of breathable shorts. It goes without saying, but shorts of any kind are inherently casual. Only wear these for casual settings when you need to stay cool and comfortable.
Chino shorts are the perfect choice for summer, in my opinion, and they can come in various colors. Stick with neutral colors such as beige, navy blue, olive green, light gray, and light blue. If you want to opt for any pattern, ensure it is minimalistic.
CAMP COLLAR SHIRTS
These lightweight shirts are some of my favorites. Due to their relaxed fit, they are perfect for any summer wardrobe and ideal for the beach, especially during hot weather. Of course, any button-up or button-down shirt will do, but camp collar shirts are exceedingly casual and scream "summer fashion." The looser fit of these shirts makes them a great option for beating the sun's heat.
LINEN
Linen might be my favorite summer fabric because it is lightweight and breathable. Whether you wear a linen shirt or linen pants, you can't go wrong with this classic fabric, which can be made into many types of individual garments.
WHITE PANTS
I'm a sucker for white pants (jeans, chinos, etc.). I wrote a separate article about how to wear and style white pants all year round.
Not many men think they can pull these off, but trust me when I tell you that if shorts aren't your thing for summer, you should try a pair of white jeans or chinos. The results of nailing a white pants outfit are virtually endless and decidedly dapper.
SNEAKERS
Every man should own a classic, clean pair of minimalist white sneakers due to their timelessness and versatility.
While one pair of white sneakers can suffice for summer, I think a pair of German Army Trainers (GATs) might be my favorite sneaker type. You don't see many other men wearing these shoes, but trust me when I tell you that they are nearly as versatile as white sneakers and can be combined with various outfits to produce stylish results.
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses not only make you look 100% cooler, but they also protect your eyes from the sun's rays. Research has shown that ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the iris, retina, and cornea.
For this reason, it is often recommended to wear sunglasses year-round, especially during the summer months. So, there is all the more reason to make a good investment in your style and general health.
11 SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS FOR MEN
OUTFIT #1: ANALOGOUS POLO & SHORTS
Polo shirts are a summer staple for men. Green and blue look great together and are perhaps my favorite neutral color pairing. These colors are analogous, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel. There is tremendous power in color regarding style.
In this outfit, I have a classic green polo shirt, navy chino shorts, and some elegant trainers. Given the caramel brown color of the gum sole in the sneakers, I have paired a similarly colored belt and straw fedora. Various tones of brown are classic neutral colors and, therefore, pair well with other neutrals such as blue and green.
OUTFIT #2: LINEN SHIRT & CHINO SHORTS
This look features a lightweight linen shirt, another men's summer staple. Blue and white are another timeless and classic pairing. The inclusion of linen and lightweight cotton chino shorts makes this outfit a stylish way to brave the heat.
Simple outfits like this benefit greatly from including patterns; the navy pinstripe in the chino shorts adds some extra flair for any beach-themed event.
A look like this comes together when you add cool accessories such as a straw fedora and classic sunglasses. Of course, let's not forget the clean pair of white sneakers, which are a must during spring and summer.
OUTFIT #3: OLIVE CAMP COLLAR & NAVY SHORTS
T-shirts are great, but a short-sleeved button-up camp collar shirt elevates things to a new level. This relaxed, sporty green and blue outfit features a watch that perfectly complements this classic pair of Maison Margiela GATs.
This is another stylish analogous outfit that is perfect for a summer wardrobe. A camp collar button-up is a casual summer wardrobe addition that can be used to create numerous fun outfits. It is ideal for any weekend adventure or simply resting on the beach.
OUTFIT #4: BLACK CAMP COLLAR & NAVY SHORTS
Similar to the previous look, here is a simple and fun outfit that can be worn all summer. Don't ever be afraid to match black and blue together. As you can see, they look very sleek, and the white sneakers look natural despite the stark contrast. An outfit like this lives or dies based on the types of accessories you opt for, so make good use of your hats, shades, and wristwatches.
OUTFIT #5: BLUE-ON-BLUE
Here is a classic denim shirt in a mostly monochromatic pairing. This outfit is simple, timeless, and elegant. Add some summer accessories like a fedora, versatile shades, and a complementing wristwatch, and you're ready to roll!
OUTFIT #6: FOURTH OF JULY SPECIAL
A knit oxford such as this adds much texture and visual intrigue. I think this breezy summer outfit is great for Independence Day events nationwide. Of course, even if you decide to wear something like this any other day out of the summer months, you can't go wrong with this bright and playful outfit that includes a classic pair of GATs.
OUTFIT #7: NAVY POLO & WHITE JEANS
A pair of white trousers looks great alongside deep shades of blue and brown. Here is one of my absolute favorite summer looks. I opt for a navy blue pique polo shirt, classic white jeans, brown leather penny loafers, and a complementing leather belt.
The simpler the ensemble, the more critical it is to have an excellent array of accessories to assemble everything accordingly. This is a great example of an outfit that easily allows you to be the best-dressed guy in the room simply by being bold enough to wear white pants.
OUTFIT #8: NAVY POLO & CHESTNUT CHINOS
It's amazing what swapping one garment can do to change your outfit completely. Here is the exact same ensemble as before, but this time, I have exchanged the bold white jeans for a pair of chestnut trousers.
Blue and brown always go great together; in a neutral-colored wardrobe, you can easily (and safely) pair the two together. These chestnut chinos have hues of orange. Blue and orange are complementary colors, which means they sit opposite each other on the color wheel. If white pants aren't your thing, try this outfit on for size.
OUTFIT #9: GREEN LINEN SHIRT & WHITE TROUSERS
I'm wearing a green linen button-up shirt with white chinos and GATs. An elegant pair of shoes benefits a simple ensemble such as this one. If white sneakers are too generic for you, try something like the classic GATs or even a pair of penny loafers in a solid neutral color. This outfit is perfect for almost any occasion during the casual summer days when the temperature rises.
OUTFIT #10: LIGHT BLUE CHAMBRAY & DUSTY OLIVE
Blue and green are my "go-to" color combinations, if you haven't noticed. Here are some decidedly lighter shades of green and blue. Chambray is a much lighter and more breathable type of denim that adds lovely texture and visual intrigue to any spring or summer ensemble. Perfect for dates and summer evening strolls.
OUTFIT #11: SUMMER CASUAL BLAZER
Summer suits aren't always easy to pull off, but sometimes, the need arises to own more formal pieces, especially for a classic summer wedding. The good news is that nowadays, full formal attire isn't always expected, and during the summer season, many men aren't necessarily expected to wear a two-piece suit to a wedding.
While I think that occasions such as weddings certainly warrant formal attire, the truth is that many people are getting away from that sort of thing. I've seen summer weddings where the attire is decidedly casual.
In this outfit, I'm wearing a Hopsack navy blazer with a white crewneck t-shirt, classic khaki chinos, and some sporty GATs.
A navy blazer is a must-have item for any gentleman's long-term wardrobe (if not that, then at least a tasteful sport coat). When owning a dapper jacket such as a blazer or sport coat, the material matters greatly for the hotter months of the year.
Regarding fabric, linen and seersucker are excellent choices, but for a blazer, my favorite has always been Hopsack due to its brilliant yet subtle basket weave and functional, lightweight properties. Hopsack is also extremely breathable, making it perfect for spring and summer.
BEAT THE HEAT IN STYLE
Summer may not be my favorite season (although it is my wife's), but the popularity of summer fashion cannot be understated. Hopefully, this post has provided some ideas on the best men's summer clothes to stay comfortable and stylish all season long. Creating and matching outfits with just a few standout pieces can make a huge difference!
