2023 Summer Style Guide for Men

If you’re ready to upgrade your style this summer, this guide is for you.

Summer is all about easy comfort. I can get on board with that. The problem with this is that the words “easy” and “comfort” can be taken too far. Sometimes people mistake them for strictly casual. Relatedly, men often assume that warm weather makes dressing up neight unto impossible.

As someone who moved from the West Coast to the East Coast, I’ve had quite the journey when it comes to summer style.

Growing up, I was used to dressing for mostly warm weather, then I’ve spent my adult years learning how to accommodate seasons. I now know that leveling up your summer wardrobe can be both easy and fun.

Best Colors to Wear for Summer 

In the summer you generally want to opt for lighter colors and/or cooler-toned versions of colors, for example, lime green and aqua green over saturated olive “military” green. 

Any time you’d wear a black version of an accessory or garment in the winter, in warm weather consider going for a light tan version of it instead (dress trousers, for example). You don’t want anything too intense, which is why shades of white are good go-tos for essentials like tops and outerwear to anchor an outfit.

Color theory aside, pinks, lavenders, light blues, mauves, and whites are organically associated with warm weather. Think about the kinds of plants that bloom in the summer. They are the basis for the concept of “summer colors.”

There are, however, several pesky devils in the details. Two important examples of dark colors that work well in the summer are dark blue and purple.

On the practicality front, dark blue offers a high level of UV protection. On the style front, cobalt is an excellent deep blue that doesn’t look out of place on a summer palette. It’s deep, but it isn’t loud, especially the shades that border on green.

If you’re attending a summer wedding, you can go for a cobalt or cobalt-adjacent suit jacket if you aren’t a tan or white suit kind of guy. It can be styled the exact same way as a navy jacket.

Purple sits between naturally cool blue and naturally warm red. That being the case, it can be worn in any season, so it’s especially important to go for lighter versions of purple. Also since darker purple shades don’t work well with all skin tones. 

For a detailed look into how to wear the right colors, check out this in-depth video. 

Which leads us to the next category: Pastels.

Pastels aren’t for everyone, but personally, I love this preppy color palette. Half of my closet is pastels. That’s probably, at least in part, because I was raised in West LA by two New Englander parents, went to school in Boston, and live in uptown Manhattan. 

I believe that anyone can incorporate a pastel piece into their combinations without it strictly indicating any type of personal style. A pastel blue t-shirt with light tan linen pants, is summery and neutral enough for any guy.

Relatedly, subtle contrasts, a leftover concept from spring, remains relevant in summer.

Other prime summer colors include blue-greens, sand shades, blued and pinked grays, and as previously mentioned, pink. A salmon shade on a textured fabric is a great entry-point if you’re “pink-hesitant.”

Orange and red aren’t strict nos, the way black and charcoal are. They’re reminiscent of the sun after all. 

However, it’s all about balance, so if you go for these undeniably warm hues, stick to casual and simple pieces. Some examples include t-shirts, swim shorts, or accessories, like sunglasses and watch straps.

Be aware that orange and red can wash out men with cool skin tones, particularly if they have fair skin.

Best Summer Fabrics 

It goes without saying that you want to stick to light and breathable fabrics when it’s hot out.

Another important aspect is to go for sweat-wicking fabrics whenever you can. Sure, most people will be sweating in an outdoor musical festival, but if can keep stains to a minimum all the better.

Generally, the looser the weave the more comfortable you’ll feel in summer. Linens, bamboo, and light cotton are good options. Cotton isn’t naturally moisture wicking (in fact, it tends to absorb moisture), so stay away from it on the hottest days, or days when you’ll be directly under the sun.

Linen (like this shirt from Everlane) is a fantastic summer fabric. You can tell it’s breathable just by looking at it.

If you go outside of these naturally lightweight fabrics, just make sure to stick to thin, non-dense versions. Relatedly, opt for chambray over heavy denim, and avoid bulky wool (consider tropical wool instead).

Men’s Summer Shirts 

Sun’s out, guns out, right? Since there’s not as much layering going on in the summer, the humble shirt takes center stage in a way it doesn’t in other seasons. Feel free to wear short-sleeves whenever you can, and have fun with patterns! (Not flannel though, of course).

You don’t have to go full Tyler Durden, but summer is a safer space to try more playful patterns than you’re used to. If you’re new or insecure, start with muted, simple patterns and go from there. Nautical stripes are also a fun option.

Here are a few shirt styles that are perfect for warm weather.

Linen Button-Up

Whether short-sleeved or long-sleeved, the linen button-up might be the king of summer chic. It’s lightweight, drapes beautifully, and has that resort-ready aesthetic going on.

If you like, you can always neatly fold long sleeves to keep cool, or for the look. Some long-sleeve linen shirts even have buttons halfway up the arm areas, indicating that they’re meant to be worn folded.

Crewneck Shirts and Henley Shirts

The important thing about crewnecks and henleys is that they’re well fitted. This is, of course, the case with all pieces of clothing, but especially with crewneck shirts because bad fit will be instantly noticeable since they’re so simple.

How well the shirt fits is the main priority, even after its material and its color. A well-fitted budget cotton-blend will look better on you than a $5,000 vicuna shirt from Loro Piana that’s poorly fitted.

Light Utility Shirt

Here’s some good news for your workwear fans. Yes, you can wear a light utility shirt on cooler summer days! Part of the reason this still works is because the best, most lasting men’s fashions tend to be ones rooted in a history of function, even if they aren’t that practical today (watches, for example).

Men in the army wore short-sleeve utility shirts in the summer, so you can too. You can even wear it as a piece of outerwear on cooler summer days.

Polo Shirt

Just like the humble crewneck, the important thing about your polo is that it’s well-fitted.

Cotton-silk blends are comfortable, have a subtle sheen, and are extra summery. 

This is especially so if you go for one with henley-style buttoning beneath the collar that dips deeper than the average polo’s buttoning does, with a cinched waist and sleeves. It’s got that cool-dad-in-the-‘50s vibe.

Short-Sleeve Oxford Button-Down

All light-weight short-sleeve button-downs are great really. This is a prime example of “summerifying” a closet staple.

As always, the lighter the weave, the better. The best part is that you can actually style them just like a long-sleeve OCBD, either with shorts or even under a summer suit. 

Camp Collar Cabana Shirt

Also called a lounge shirt, camp collar shirts are a non-intimidating way to have some fun with your clothes. 

Not to make another Fight Club reference, but look at all of Tyler Durden’s shirts. Yes, they’re fashion-forward with a leather jacket during the cold seasons, but in the summer, they’d look wholly appropriate.

Men’s Summer Pants/Shorts 

A lot of men’s summer bottoms are shorter versions of pants. If you’re going to wear denim, for example, go for shorts when you can. Keeping them just above the knee ensures a neat, put-together fit. You can go a bit shorter with swimming shorts.

Still, light-colored and loosely-woven pants are also great options for the summer.

Seersucker

Seersucker, whether its shorts or pants (or even a suit jacket), certainly isn’t for everyone. It has a great summer energy though. 

If you want to try it out but have some hesitancy, you can pair well-fitted seersucker shorts with a subtly-contrasted, untucked linen shirt. It won’t take up as much visual real estate as pants would, and the overhang of the shirt makes the seersucker more understated.

Khakis and Linen Pants

These light-colored mainstays can be styled pretty similarly, with the linen pants having a more relaxed, on-holiday aesthetic.

You gotta love a pair of pants that works well for fall and summer.

Swimming Shorts

It’s a little youthful, but on the hottest summer days, you can pull it off.

In fact, throw on a rugby shirt over some bright, fun swimming shorts, and you’ve got a great errand-running, mixed-fit outfit.

Chino Shorts

Chino shorts can be styled just like chino pants, though they’re obviously more casual. 

Naturally, they go well with fitted t-shirts and polos, but can you wear them with a button-up and a blazer? Yes, actually. Just look at the gents at every Northeastern country club. (Although it’s admittedly a difficult look to pull off). 

If you want to attempt this ensemble, make sure you aren’t color-matching it to the blazer, otherwise it might look like someone just took scissors to your suit pants. Khaki-colored chino shorts and Nantucket reds are good go-tos to pair with a blue blazer, again, if that’s your style.

Denim Shorts

For denim shorts, the lighter the wash, the better for summer. Jeans aren’t ideal in hot weather, but far be it for me to take them away from you denim-heads. 

Something that’s bold, both in style and in practicality, especially if you’re around any red wine, is white denim, which is also very summer appropriate.

Men’s Summer Shoes & Boots Men’s 

Tis the season to go sockless — or go for no-show socks, if you prefer. 

The overall silhouette you want for your summer shoes is a low-profile one. Here are some great shoe styles for warm weather.

Slip-ons of All Styles

Vans slip-ons in the context of summer don’t make you look like a skater. Just combine them with shorts and a button-down, and you’ve got a pretty neutral and stylish look.

Meanwhile, though loafers are year-rounders, they’re especially at home during the warm seasons.

They’re elegant, but the slip-on style also has that effortless look that you often want to achieve in summer.

Some argue that boat shoes are a bit too youthful, but it’s all about balance. Plus, if you are on a boat, or even just on a boardwalk, no one would bat an eye at a grown man in boat shoes. (Just don’t try to dress them up too much). 

Espadrilles

Espadrilles can go one of three ways, depending on how you style them. The obvious is a “crunchier,” folkier look, which suits some personal styles.

Additionally, if you find a pair with fun patterns, it can have the same effect as a cabana shirt, which is a sort of California-cool vibe (I suppose there’s a lot of overlap between this and the previously mentioned aesthetic).

If you stick to a subtle, light-colored pair and wear them with an equally understated color palette on a straight-forward t-shirt-and-shorts situation though, they’re pretty neutral.

If you want to know more about espadrilles, check out our Viscata review.

Sneakers

Low-profile white leather sneakers are year-rounders, so you can keep those at the front of your closet. 

This time of year though, you can definitely go the canvas route. Not only are shoes like plimsolls lighter and more comfortable in hot weather, but they have that breezy look that’s perfect for summer.

Sandals

If you have it in you, sandals are an excellent piece of summer footwear. You’ll definitely want a pair for the beach. 

They’re breathable and can look great if you opt for well-built leather or suede versions with cool, distinct designs. 

If you’re sandal-shy, the thick criss-cross look covers a lot of the foot, but is still more breathable than any slip-on.

Men’s Summer Outerwear

Since there are cool nights during the summer, especially if you live in the desert, and rainy days, outerwear is still important for summer style.

There are lighter, less heavily-lined jackets, bombers for example, that work excellently in the spring and summer, but here are some pieces of outerwear specific to the latter.

Rain Jacket

A leftover garment from the spring, a rain jacket may still be needed as June rolls in. 

You need a rain-specific jacket because it may still be surface-of-the-sun hot even as it’s raining, so your outerwear needs to be breathable. 

That being the case, lightweight raincoats come in a lot of cool styles, from athletic to military to peacoat shaped.

Cotton Polo Sweater 

Full-button cotton polo sweaters have a super fun vintage vibe about them, since they’re almost shaped like old-fashioned bowling shirts. 

A lot of them have the bird’s eye design by the button area, which is super dapper.

Like a short-sleeve utility shirt, you can wear a cotton polo sweater as a shirt, as well as a layer. 

Shep Shirt

Basically anything nautical is summer appropriate. Often made of terrycloth, shep shirts are definitely on the casual side. 

However, a well-fitted, well-structured shep shirt is a handsome piece of outerwear that looks great with shorts or pants. They’re also a good garment to experiment with colors with, since they’re associated with pinks, pastels, and other preppier palettes.

Quilted Vest

A lot of hunting gear has become men’s fashion staples. The best part about quilted vests is that they’re more versatile than you might think.

Yes, they look appropriate with a casual fishing outfit, but you can wear them with your dress shirt and trousers too — just ask any guy on Wall Street.

Summer Accessories 

So you’ve chosen your outfit. How are you going to complement it? Summer accessories are built for hot weather protection, as well as style.

Watch

There aren’t any watch styles that you shouldn’t wear during the summer, though dive watches are particularly season-appropriate, as are brighter dials. 

Have fun experimenting with colorful NATO straps! My one note about watches during hot weather is the fact that leather isn’t exactly known for its breathability.

Sunglasses

Whether you’re an aviator guy or a Wayfarer guy, shades are a summer essential.

Like watches, summer is a good time to try brighter colors than you wouldn’t normally go for, especially on the beach.

Hats

Lightly-woven cabbie hats and straw Panama hats can protect you from the sun without overheating your head.

Plus, they’re attractive, and can be paired with casual or smart casual outfits.

Ascot Tie

I know I’m casting a wide net by adding this to the accessories list, but ascots aren’t just for Fred from Scooby-Doo (supposedly, his was Hermès). As I mentioned several times, summer is a great time to try new things, even dandier elements.

If you’re daring enough to test out this look find the right, least intimidating context to try it out, like an outdoor afternoon tea or a summer wedding.

Summer Fragrances

Like spring fragrances, summer colognes are lighter and more refreshing than cool weather scents. They’re super clean, citrusy, and often have florals.

One different vibe you can go for in the summer versus spring, is an ocean-inspired scent with a touch of saltiness. These are also convenient because they won’t compete with your sunscreen.

Even formal, eveningwear fragrances need some brightness to it. For dressier summer scents, my suggestion is choose it the same way you’d choose gin for your martini: A little herbaceousness is fine, but keep it dry. 

Summer Outfits

Looking for specific examples? Check out our summer outfits article to get some visual inspiration! Prefer a video? We got you covered!

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding summer style!

How can men look stylish in hot weather?

Fit is super important in hot weather. Since you’re wearing less layers, and generally less clothing, the few pieces you have on are going to have a bigger impact. Stick to lightly-woven fabrics and lighter colors as well. 

How do you dress like a gentleman in the summer?

Take all of the more formal and smart casual pieces you’d wear in colder seasons, and get them in lightweight versions, and in lighter, cooler colors. Instead of a wool suit, for example, go for a linen suit.

Final Thoughts

Truthfully, if you know how to dress during the colder seasons, you can remanifest that very look into summer outfits. That’s the biggest takeaway here. 

You don’t have to completely change your personal style for hotter weather or throw formality completely out the window! It’s possible to keep cool, comfortable, and look put-together all at the same time.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!