The Looks of Summer

  There are many styles that can be worn this season. The main categories include the "preppy cool look", the "chill look", and the "sleek look". These styles are a combination of all the items that we have discussed in the previous articles put together. As I always say, "everything has to match our personality and fit correctly."

  Let's begin with the "preppy cool look". This look can be worn best with a branded polo shirt such as the Lacoste polo. This polo shirt can be worn with jeans or cargo pants. If it is a bit hot outside the polo shirt can be worn with simple plaid shorts or cargo shorts. But please do not ever wear it with jean shorts. Jean shorts are a big no and just look awful. The polo shirt should hit right at the top of your jeans, or cargos, which is about two or three inches below your belly button. If you are a simple person, you probably will lean toward the simpler colors such as black, blue or white. If you want to be a little funkier, you can go with yellow, the new summer color, or spice things up a bit more with the striped polo. The striped polo is the shirt most likely to go with your jeans. Matching still depends on the color hue of the shirt.

  The next look is the "chill look". This look is mostly done with a new tee and a stylish pair of jeans. Again, if it is hot outside, you will need to throw on those cargo shorts. If you do decide to go with the cargo short, use basic colors such as khaki or olive. You want to try to avoid any kind of patterns in the cargo shorts. The same rule always applies for shorts in general: No Plaid and No Patterns. This look cries for a pair of jeans, a simple pair of cargos, or plain shorts on the bottom. The same rule applies for wearing the tee as for the polo. It still needs to hit your body correctly when you wear it. There are many different styles and colors of tee shirts that can be worn. The choice is unlimited so you can go with a basic plain color tee, or a printed tee, and still look great! The second option in the "chill look" is to wear a basic colored tee, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel stores both have a great selection of basic tees in a myriad of colors. These tees have the same correct vintage style fit and design. With the basic tee, you can wear a patterned pair of shorts on the bottom. Plaid and patterned shorts are both acceptable as long as they match up with the tee properly.

  With both the "preppy cool look" and the "chill cool look", you can add accessories to the style. Casual belts are perfect and for the "chill look" you can even go with the cloth belt. Moreover, do not forget to wear your cool new sunglasses!

  The last style that we will discuss today is the "sleek look". This last look is not an everyday look like the other two are. This is more of a special occasion look such as a fancy party or date. It consists of the casual dress pant and a button up shirt. Since it is summer, you want to go with a lightweight pant. Diesel and Levis make a wide selection of lightweight summer pants so you can check them out for a pair. You can go to a different look with in the "sleek look". These two styles are the clean look or the funky look. The clean look consists of the basic short sleeve or long sleeve button up shirt. This has no patterns on it and is just a basic design. White shirts with unique fabrics are very hip this summer, so I would suggest this for a plain sleek top. Another funkier look includes a western style top or patterned top. You can be funky but don't overdo it. If you are not sure what the limit then take it down a notch. Think "Miami Vice" style and that should get you where you need to be. After you find the top and pants, you can throw on a great leather belt and a new pair of aviator sunglasses to complete the look. Add a little gel in your hair and you can be on your way with you new "sleek look"!

  All of these looks are great for this summer. You can mix them up day to day to keep everything fresh with your style. You can add everything that you have learned into a one cool look to another. As long as everything fits your body and your personality, you are golden! With these three styles you can't go wrong.

About the author:

  Rochel Friedlander has spent her last five years working in men's fashion in New York City. Now living in Los Angeles, she continues to move forward in the fashion industry. During her sales experience, she has guided such retailers as Macys, Urban Outfitters, Atrium, E street denim, and National Jean Company to hit the right trends in the marketplace. Her knowledge of men's fashion comes from her experience and extensive travel of the world. She has spent years living in London, England and toured through France, Australia, Greece, Italy, and many more countries. This has helped her understanding of European trends and how they are transposed into the North American market.