Written & Produced By James Vincent

6 Must Have Looks to Get You Through The Entire Summer!

After months of winter PLUS a spring that never really happed – it’s finally summer. The immediate fashion options for most guys are shorts with a tee or jeans with a tee. But just because it’s that easy doesn’t make it that interesting. Resist the urge for the easy route and ramp up your style quotient just a bit with a few new summer additions to your wardrobe. Whether it’s for a weekend evening out or knocking around with friends on an afternoon, these looks will get you through the summer in style and comfort.

There’ll be an occasion or two undoubtedly where a sport jacket is going to be – if not a necessity – at least an option when you want to look your best and stand out from the crowd.  Rather than get the usual summer option – think unstructured one color linen – go for a pop of color and pattern. A multi-color stripe, seersucker is a great pick. It can go with any color of trousers and jeans as well. For an afternoon event it can easily go into evening as well. Paired with a simple pair of white slacks and a tee, it’s a classic look that will take you anywhere this summer.

Sport Jacket, Nautica; Tee, Vince; Trousers, Penguin, Belt, Tommy Hilfiger; Wristbands, H&M.

Depending on your needs and schedule, you might need a couple of summer sport jackets. And as long as you’re sharpening your fashion chops – you may as well go whole hog and get a bold plaid. A classic red, white and blue plaid says summer in no uncertain terms – and not just for the 4^th of July. Avoid the easy choice of a white linen shirt or a one color tee for underneath it. Get creative with a patterned shirt – but go with a smaller pattern to off-set the bold plaid. And when the occasion calls for it – why not pair it with a pair of shorts? For a more casual, bespoke look take an old pair of white jeans and cut off the legs, then roll them up. It’s a look that will be remembered.

Sport Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; Shirt, Calvin Klein; Shorts, AG.

Then, of course, there are shorts. For most – if not all – summer activities, especially during the day, shorts are almost dictated due in most part to the heat. But don’t give in to the standard sloppy, dragging-under-your-knees shorts. Spend a few extra bucks on a few pair of fashion shorts – a classic plaid is always a good option. And don’t get lazy and just throw on a tee – dress it up a bit with a camp collar shirt. A short sleeve seersucker is a great choice and you will stand out from the crowd in it.

Shirt, Calvin Klein; Shorts, Tommy Bahama; Sneakers, Tommy Hilfiger.

Another classic summer shirt option is linen – you can literally not go wrong. But since a white or natural linen shirt is such an obvious choice – get one in a bright summer color like yellow. Then go all out and pair a bright color tee underneath it for a real pop of summer color. Then as long as you’re going summer bright – pair that combo with a jazzy, retro Hawaiian style print pair of shorts –  even the flamingos at the Zoo will be impressed.

Shirt, Toscana; Shorts, Tommy Hilfiger; Tee; Calvin Klein Jeans; Belt, J Crew; Wristbands, H&M; Hat, Dorfman Pacific Co.; Sneakers, Tommy Hilfiger.

Back to blue – is there a color that speaks to summer more than blue? Summer skies, water – everything is calming about blue, which is why it’s such a popular color for everyone. There are many shades of blue of course – but turquoise has to be one of the happiest shades of blue. Pair a turquoise Polo and a seersucker short and chill out with a snow cone – and look great while you do it.

Polo, Peter Millar; Shorts, Slate & Stone.

For swim trunks there really are no rules this season. Shorter ones have been appearing in recent seasons – but a classic is a classic – a casual, knee length floral or plant print just always seems to work. The only other item you will need to complete the look – is – a tan. Enjoy your summer guys!

Tee, Nike; Swim Trunks, Trunks Surf & Swim Co.; Neck Tee, Jack Spade.

*Photography, Aleajandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Model, David for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron, http://www.rcbeauty.com/; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Assistant Stylist, Dyona Frycek, https://www.dyonafrycek.com/  ; Shot on location at the Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory and  Zoo.