A common struggle my male clients come to me with is looking stylish, sharp, and being comfortable at the same time. It’s a common misconception that looking dapper equals stiff and confined clothing.
On the contrary, you probably already own the basics that make up a good summer look, you’ve just been buying them in the wrong fit and fabric. When you combine flexible, quality fabric with the right fit, your look becomes timeless and comfortable.
Here are some EASY Summer go-to’s:
Shorts and a T-Shirt
Easy right? This is probably already a go-to outfit for most men. But the key to looking put together and sharp all boils down to fit. Let’s break this down:
Shorts
Gone are the days of cargo shorts that come down to your shins.
Your go-to shorts should be tailored to your body, but not too tight. The best way to determine this is by doing the “pinch test”.
Pinch the fabric around your thigh- there should be at most 1” of fabric there. Any more, and your shorts are too baggy. Any less than .5″, and they’re too tight.
The length of your shorts should hit at the longest, 1” above your knees. If you love showing off your legs, and want to go shorter, I’d recommend a maximum of 4” above the knee.
T-Shirt
The most frequent mistake that men make is wearing ill-fitted clothing, and t-shirts are no exception.
Your t-shirts should be tailored to your torso – not too tight, and not too baggy. Do another pinch test; there should be 1-2″ of fabric on either side of your stomach. Your sleeves should hit around mid-bicep, and lightly hug your arms.
Your t-shirts should hit 1 – 3″ below your belt loops. Proper fit is the difference between you looking like you’re wearing a $100 t-shirt and a $5 t-shirt, no matter what the cost.
For summer, opt for lighter fabrics: linen, cotton, and cotton blends.
Chinos
Unfortunately, shorts are not always acceptable. And when they’re not, lightweight chino’s are your best bet. Chino’s are a year-round staple. In the right fit and fabric, they elevate any outfit, and are more comfortable than jeans. Tailored chino’s in cotton blends and neutral tones are a great “easy to throw on” alternative to jeans in the summer, and will also take you through Fall and Spring.
The versatility of chinos allows you to wear them casually with a well fitted t-shirt and sneakers, or dress them up with a button down or lightweight knit, and a dressier loafer or lace up shoe option.
Shoe Game
A good pair of shoes is imperative.
Scuffed, worn, or dated shoes will ruin your outfit. GO-TO summer shoe options are a classic pair of white sneakers (not runners) or loafers in neutral tones – think shades of brown or grey.
These options pair seamlessly with a well-fitted t-shirt, shorts, chinos, or jeans AND look “effortlessly” stylish.
Devina Bhaga is a Personal Stylist with over 10 years of experience in empowering men and women to confidently express their inner BADASS when it comes to their personal style.
For immediate help to upgrade your wardrobe virtually or in-person, contact Devina here
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Devina Bhaga is a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant with over 10 years of experience in empowering men and women to powerfully step into, and own their authentic personal style.
Devina has worked with The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, and styled for various film and television productions. She now works with men and women who are READY to take their lives to the next level.
For immediate help upgrading your wardrobe virtually or in-person, contact Devina here