Summer style is fairly straightforward, but 2019 is determined to shake things up just enough to make it a more memorable warm weather season than most. Once you take in the most approachable, wearable, and welcome fashion trends of the coming three months, you’ll find that you 1) might be on the cusp of your most stylish summer ever and 2) probably will wear things that you never really imagined you’d ever own. Here are five of the season’s most-wanted looks.
The Unstructured Jacket
Summer is hardly suit season, but you know there’s going to be at least one occasion that calls for you to wear something a little more polished than trunks and boat shoes. Bring your warm-weather wardrobe to life without sacrificing your comfort by investing in an on-trend, unstructured blazer. The beauty of this piece is in its nonchalantly posh quality. It looks effortlessly pulled together, but doesn’t scream “black tie” anything.
It looks effortlessly pulled together, but doesn’t scream “black tie” anything.
Look especially for lighter fabrics, like seersucker, linen, and chambray. They’ll keep you cool at an outdoor wedding, and they look just right when it’s about 90 degrees outside and you want nothing more than to peel the thing off and dive into the water. Two to try: 1901 Extra Trim Fit Chambray Sport Coat ($83.98) and Jack & Jones Premium Suit Jacket ($139).
The Breton Top
There’s almost nothing more versatile, classic, and enduring than the timeless Breton top. It was originally a key element of the French navy’s uniform in the 19th century, and within decades it was a style staple worn by everyone from Pablo Picasso to James Dean to Paul Newman. As much for the quintessential gentleman as for the carefree cool guy, the Breton is certainly not exclusionary. It’s that most rabidly reliable of shirts—the one you might reach for in lieu of a plain white tee, something that remains loyal to the rest of your wardrobe and provides you with a solid answer when you’re wondering what, precisely, you should wear. The stripes are the answer, guys. Two to try: Comme des Garçons Homme Black & White Striped T-Shirt ($181) and Original Penguin Breton Stripe Cotton Tee($24.14).
The Espadrille
Let’s face it: You do need to wear something other than flip-flops all summer long. In no uncertain terms, the espadrille is the easiest and most approachable choice any man could invite into his closet. It’s a vacation-ready, weekend-perfect, off-duty essential that feels right at home with everything, whether you’re wearing the most relaxed pair of trunks that you own or a pair of crisp khaki shorts with a country club-worthy polo.
The espadrille is the easiest and most approachable choice any man could invite into his closet.
The beauty of the shoe is that it’s so lightweight, you may just forget that you’re wearing it. Look for a pair with a rubber sole to prevent slips. Two to try: Shoe The Bear Montauk Espadrilles ($105) and Polo Ralph Lauren Barron Washed Madras Plaid Espadrilles ($95).
The Smart Shorts
You won’t get very far this summer if you depend solely on your usual jeans and khakis. A few pairs of comfortable, breezy shorts will go everywhere you go, except perhaps the workplace. Look for something that is inspired by your favorite pair of trousers, yet stops well short of providing such excessive coverage. Tailored styles have a tendency to pull any look together, even though the general approach to shorts is entirely casual, thank you very much. You’ll feel like an accomplished dresser in a pair that nods to your dressy, well-heeled side while also obeying the basic tenets of the season. Two to try: Club Monaco Baxter 7” Chambray Shorts ($89.50) and Ted Baker London Jamaicr Two-Tone Woven Cotton Shorts ($119).
The Safari Shirt
Safari shirts exude a clean, old-school vibe that’s tough to associate with anyone but James Bond and Indiana Jones. We all know Roger Moore and Harrison Ford wore those iconic pieces to the hilt, and frankly there’s no excuse why the everyman shouldn’t make generous use of it, too. Think of the potential during summer: It’s lightweight, airy, and in its sandiest hues it’s perfect for reflecting heat and keeping you cool when you need it the most.
Safari shirts exude a clean, old-school vibe that’s tough to associate with anyone but James Bond and Indiana Jones.
You don’t need to pull any 007-style moves to make it your own—just slip into one, pull on a pair of shorts, step into your comfiest sandals, and head out there to make a serious style statement. Two to try: Madewell Safari Pullover Shirt ($69.50) and Brunello Cucinelli Leisure-Fit Safari Woven Shirt ($675).