From season to season – put your most recent fashion sense to work for you for the rest of summer!

Written and Produced by James Vincent

As we head into the dog days of summer, we all know there can be a lot of summer left,  if the last few years are any indication – at least in Chicago. As winter lingers over into spring, so does summer spill  over into autumn. While it’s true there will be some cool days ahead in a few weeks – more likely there are a lot more warm ones stretching into September and even October. There are still some great bargains out there in terms of late summer wardrobe, so you may want to consider a final shopping fling.

From our Summer 2016 article https://menofvalue.com/2016/06/30/summer-fashion-exit/ – what says summer more than a boating outing? And not just for the obvious reasons of sand and surf. If you’re lucky enough to either have a floating hotel room for the weekend or know someone who does – you can plan a whole weekend of outings, not only out in the water – but whatever other activities have been planned that you want to combine with your aquatic get-away.

Obviously – bring a lot of Polos and shorts – getting plenty of new Polo shirts for summer is a given – but especially for boating – what says the aquatic life better than a sparkling turquoise Polo? Add in your favorite trunks and you’re set to go at a moments notice.

Polo, Lacoste; Shorts, Izod; Sunglasses, Calvin Klein; Wristbands, H&M; Hat, Hipster; Shoes, Nautica; Watch, Model’s. 

From our Summer 2017 article – https://menofvalue.com/2017/07/03/love-summer-wear-right-now-summer-2017/ – just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean you won’t need a suit now and then. Whether it’s for a wedding, (& even for work!), a gallery opening or any other summer event that requires more than the standard sport coat with jeans – you simply can’t go wrong with a classic seersucker suit. It screams summer. It’s lightweight and will go with almost any shirt/tie combo – and – leave the socks at home and slip on a classic pair of penny loafers and you’re good to go for any occasion.

Suit, Tailor Byrd Collection; Shirt, Nicole Miller; Tie, Jones New York; Belt, Tommy Hilfiger; Shoes, Cole Haan; Tie Bar & Pocket Square, Vintage; Jewelry, Model’s.

Sometimes in the summer – when you’re just not in the mood to wear a sport jacket – trade it out for a wild print shirt like this one here that’s married tropical print with tie dye – a definite statement piece – from our summer 2015 article –https://menofvalue.com/2015/07/01/what-you-wore-this-summer/ . A statement piece deserves something more upgraded than blue jeans – try a jean in a color while jeans in colors are still cool to wear – here in a red don’t try  to totally match any of the colors in the shirt – give it an off-set so as not to be so matched up.

Hot weather is a given in August – or not. Don’t second guess that  Mother Nature might not throw in an oddball cool day as you head into late August. Especially if you’re spending a weekend on a boat with various trips into the city going to events and seeing friends, it’s not out of the ordinary to have the oddball cool day. So – here from our Spring/summer article in 2015 – be prepared with a classic, lightweight hooded parka – no need then to carry around a pesky umbrella.

Parka, Levis; Polo, Billy Reid; Jeans’ AG.

The past few seasons have seen an explosion of color in men’s tailored apparel – and it shows no sign of ending any too soon. Here from our summer 2017 article –  Summer has always been time to wear fresh colors in sportswear – so continue that on into the evening or a special event. Enjoy the trend as long as it lasts – which may be for a while yet.

Sport Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; Shirt, Smyth & Gibson; Tie, Dockers; Trousers, Theroy; Belt, Tommy Hifiger; Tie Bar, Vintage; Ring, Model’s.

And – getting back to the beginning – for any trip this summer – what more do you need besides some Polo’s, shorts, swim trunks and sunglasses? Enjoy!

Polo & Swim Trunks, Penguin; Watch, Model’s.

All Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; All Grooming, Ashley Condron, http://www.rcbeauty.com/; All Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Image 1 & 6 shot on location at Montrose Harbor, Chicago on the Vayu, complements of Ron Buzil; Model, Mac for Ford Models Chicago; Images 2 & 5 shot on location at An Orange Moon, Chicago, https://anorangemoon.com/; Image 3 shot on location at Fulton Market Kitchen Chicago, https://www.fultonmarketkitchen.com/, Model, Jeff for Ford Models Chicago; Image 4 shot on location at Madison Vine Wines, Chicago,  http://www.madisonvinewines.com/, Model, John for Ford Models Chicago.