SUMMER DATE NIGHT STYLE
It's essential to feel relaxed and comfortable during the summer, especially when planning a casual date outfit. Summer outfits should generally be laid-back unless you go to a place with a strict dress code.
In this post, I will showcase various casual and comfortable outfit ideas that any man can use to impress his date. Some great options are here for your consideration, whether you're going on a romantic picnic, to a nice dinner, or out for a simple coffee date.
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 date night outfit ideas.
SHORTS
Shorts are inherently casual, so dress accordingly. 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.
POLO SHIRTS
There isn't much to say here. A few neutral-colored polos should be in every man's closet and are a classic staple for the summer months. Depending on who you are, this might sound a bit too generic, but when your polos fit you well, they can cover you for nearly any occasion. Simply put, having at least one polo in your closet is essential.
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 an excellent option for beating the sun's heat.
LINEN
I love wearing linen because it is lightweight and breathable. Whether you wear a linen shirt or linen pants, this classic fabric can be made into many types of individual garments, perfect for the warmer months of the year.
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.
9 SUMMER DATE OUTFIT IDEAS FOR MEN
OUTFIT #1: LINEN SHIRT & STRIPED CHINO SHORTS
This look features a lightweight navy linen shirt. Blue and white are another timeless and classic pairing. Including linen and lightweight cotton chino shorts make 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 extra flair for any casual date night out. Cool accessories like a straw fedora and a versatile wristwatch bring everything together. Of course, let's not forget the clean pair of white sneakers, which are a must during spring and summer.
OUTFIT #2: 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 #3: GREEN POLO & NAVY SHORTS
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 naturally pair well with other neutrals such as blue and green.
OUTFIT #4: GREEN LINEN SHIRT & WHITE CHINOS
Here is another linen shirt outfit. 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 color like brown. This outfit is perfect for almost any occasion during the casual summer days when the temperature rises, and the lady on your arm will love it!
OUTFIT #5: BLUE POLO SHIRT & BLUE CHINO SHORTS
Monochromatic pairings simplify things, and a blue-on-blue combination is a timeless classic. This look is perfect for beach gatherings or picnics with your date. Add sunglasses and a hat, and you're ready to enter the evening sunlight with style.
OUTFIT #6: BLACK POLO SHIRT & GREEN CHINOS
Black and green are great colors to pair together. Don't dismiss a pair of green pants until you've tried them. The results can be pretty stylish. Adding GAT sneakers elevates this otherwise simple look, making it perfect for a casual night out.
OUTFIT #7: NAVY POLO & WHITE JEANS
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 same ensemble as before, but I have exchanged the bold white jeans for a pair of chestnut chinos this time.
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 favorite, try this outfit on.
OUTFIT #9: SUMMER CASUAL BLAZER & CHINOS
Here is something that is still casual but much more formal than any of the previous looks. That special girl in your life will love to wear a maxi dress or mini dress to complement a timeless ensemble such as this one, featuring a classic navy blazer.
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 significantly for the hotter months of the year.
Linen and seersucker fabrics are excellent choices for blazers, but my favorite has always been Hopsack due to its brilliant yet subtle basket weave and functional, lightweight properties. Hopsack is extremely breathable, making it perfect for the hotter months.
TAKE YOUR SUMMER DATE OUTFITS SERIOUSLY
Summer date nights are great opportunities to dress comfortably and casually, especially when it's hot outside. Whether heading to the beach or having a picnic, creating stylish and comfortable outfits is essential. Key pieces like classic polos, well-fitting shorts, timeless accessories, and stylish footwear can make a big difference in how you and your date look and feel when together.
Take time to assemble timeless and classic outfits for your summer dates! That lovely woman by your side will certainly appreciate it, and you will be that much closer to earning her affection like a true gentleman.