Summer is in full swing and stylish men across the globe were prepared last year, but if you’re late to the party, never fear, we got your back. However, if you thought you could get away with baggy cargo shorts, flip flops and call it good for Summer 2017, think again.
Fashion never rests and if you want to be considered stylish this season, pick a look from the list below and run with it.
At the Paris Spring/Summer 2017 men’s shows we saw a glimpse of the fashions which would be available as the sun came out. Prevalent looks were 1990’s streetwear which included track suits with designer kicks for that minimalist look the MTV generation grew up with. It’s going to rain at some point this summer, so might as well be prepared. The catwalks saw a bevy of rain coats including, monogrammed Louis Vuitton and colors such as classic yellow and daring red done over at Gucci. While orange has been the go-to citrus color for a few seasons, it took a backseat to its cousin yellow for Summer 2017. Whether an accent or a main color, yellow made a splash at Paris Fashion Week.
Paris is known for its avant garde couture and Summer 2017 was no exception. KTZ, Dior Homme and Louis Vuitton got kinky with fetish inspired wear which included dog collars, restraints and harnesses – definitely not for the faint of heart, but more for a fashion forward gentleman. Hiking got a make over with designer backpacks from the likes of Louis Vuitton done in signature print, Prada with splashes of color on a black canvas and Givenchy in patent leather with logo.
Retro 70’s track shorts are back in vogue and were shown in heavy rotation from design houses such as Gosha Rubchinskiy and Fendi. The 1980’s got a nod with checkerboard prints on everything from shoes to jerseys. Jumpsuits done in mechanic and fighter pilot chic made a strong showing and are predicted to be a hot item this season.
If Paris just ain’t your thing for summer 2017, stick with an American classic, the preppy look. This is easier to achieve, just throw on a pink polo, a pair of tan chinos, some boat shoes, a pair of wayfarers and jump in the convertible and head to the beach. The preppy look is also super simple to update and add to. Change things up with a pair of navy cotton shorts, a yellow polo, argyle socks and a pair of saddle shoes. Yes, it’s that easy. Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren are a safe bet when going preppy, however, Thom Browne is the newest name in men’s fashion. Browne is challenging the status quo with an American label which possesses a European sensibility.
The sporty look is another option for the casual man for summer 2017. Athletic shorts in mesh or sweat are perfectly acceptable for a backyard BBQ. Make sure they fall just above the knee or shorter. Just because you’re going casual doesn’t mean sloppy, okay? Invest in quality t-shirts rather than a 5-pack. No graphic tee’s, no exceptions – that trend was dead years ago and its not coming back any time soon. Clean solids and horizontal stripes are your best options.
Caps are iffy, but the right one can be worn in a casual setting, just steer clear of sports teams logos and prints. Again, solids are going to be your best bet. Athletic shoes have come a long way and are now even worn with suits without gawks and stares from the fashion police. Sports jersey’s under tailored blazers is now another look that will please even the most discriminating fashionista’s eye. Cotton blazers with sweat pants and polo is a stylish way to go from a lunch with friends to the gym without missing a beat.
My favorite look is linen from head to toe as it’s a great option for a casual look that can be dressed up. My closet is filled with linen blazers and slacks from Ralph Lauren, Prada, Tom Ford. When I need to dress up my linen, I throw on my pink linen suit with a cotton tee and espadrilles for a retro 1980’s look. While this look is a season ahead, – it’s actually for summer 2018 – I’m always one step ahead of the crowd.
