This summer, designers in the U.S. and the U.K. agreed on two things – color scheme and fabrics. On both sides of the pond, the runway looks included ensembles in white, cream, and tan paired with light blue and green, according to The Modest Man. Designers favored fabrics like light cotton, silk, seersucker, linen, and merino wool.
The Colors of Summer
Fashion forgoes stifling outfits this summer by focusing on light colors that reflect the sun’s rays. When shopping for shorts and shirts this year, expect to see an array of white and off-white options among shorts, shirts, and chinos.
Some designers favored monochromatic ensembles, while others chose to contrast colored tops with white or cream shorts. This color contrast flips the traditional mode of dress for men, which typically features a light-colored shirt with darker pants.
Lightweight Fabrics You Can Layer
Because design houses focused on lightweight fabrics when putting together this summer’s fashions, you can still layer clothing. Try a structured white cotton or silk tank top with tan high-waisted cotton shorts, topped by a short-sleeved linen button-down shirt. Pair it with sneakers or flip-flops for a breezy look.
Shorts vary in length and style this year. Many designers featured Bermuda shorts and five-inch hemlines. Choose this year’s tailored shorts for a weekend date. Pair your favorites with a white and navy striped nautical polo or summer sweater. When you need a casual ensemble for running errands or a cover-up for the swimming pool or beach, opt for the summer’s hottest trend – a keep-you-cool crocheted shirt.
When you need a dressier look, top a pair of light-colored khakis and a white polo-style shirt or Henley with a seersucker jacket. Opt for loafers or men’s closed-toe huaraches on your feet.
Men’s Summer Office Attire
Office attire returns to pants and dress shirts with suitcoats or sport coats. Whether your office observes a business casual dress code decides which jacket tops your dress shirt.
No designer featured shorts with suits this year, so rejoice because you get to dress like a grown-up again, fashionistas. Make things easy on yourself by opting for a gray Merino wool double-breasted suit and a classic three-piece suit in linen when you shop. Either works perfectly for the office, a dinner date, or a summer wedding.
Let’s Talk about Shoes
Every guy needs a great pair of summer shoes – something he can step into or slide on to get going quickly. This summer brings back low-top basketball sneakers and vibrantly printed flip-flops. Opt for white sneakers, but stock your closet with colorful flip-flops in various colors and prints.
Guys typically get stuck with solid black or gray flip-flops, but this year, designers treat the guys to a bevy of options in greens, blues, oranges, yellows, reds, and even a manly pink. Prints feature retro diners, palm trees, and Aztec-inspired graphics. Solid color options feature racing stripes on the thongs to dress up this summer essential.
Remember, though, that due to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) rules, employees cannot wear flip-flops in most workplaces. Keep your closed-toe shoes handy for office wear.
What Will You Wear This Summer?
The summer of 2024 offers men many options to keep cool and look cool. Opt for light-colored, lightweight fabrics and layer your look to see you through a long day. Wear bright colors on your feet in the guise of the year’s fancy flip-flops.
