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Summer Styles
5 hot looks to round out your wardrobe
by Seth Plattner / Debonairmag.com
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Fine Gauge Sweaters
HUGO Men's Stone Striped Lightweight Sweater $195.00 (www.bloomingdales.com)
Most people don't think of sweaters when it comes to summer styles. However, all sweater types from crewneck to v-neck to sweater vests can be found in more luxurious, softer gauges. These light-weight styles are perfect for cool summer evenings.
Best of all, you can find a fashionable, transitional sweater at any price. And because it can be worn with everything from a formal suit to jeans and everything in between, it will also be one of the most versatile pieces you own.
Lighten Up
Alfani Linen Drawstring Pants $49.50 (www.macys.com)
The trend here isn't the use of actual pajamas
, but more about creating the laidback look of casual sleepwear. Think drawstring pants, Henley shirts, thermal tops, tapered trousers and fabrics such as silk, light wool, and distressed cotton.
As the weather heats up you can still stay cool in these fabrics.
Patterns and colors are important as well. Light colors, understated stripes, and some seam detail here and there are key. A faded Henley with a cotton suit is a perfect match. Thermals go with just about anything, and, of course, are a great layer to keep warm on cool nights.
Drawstring pants will be your best friend when temperatures rise, and they look dress-downed-sophisticated with nothing more than a nice T-shirt and some leather sandals.
De-Stressed Denim
Relaxed Traditional-Wash Jean $78.00 (www.bananarepublic.com)
Over the last few years, jeans have gotten tighter, darker, and stiffer. Let's face it-they lacked character. Thankfully we can all stop being afraid of washing our jeans and finally let that dark color (and pretentious texture) fade away.
Resist buying the pre-washed, pre-torn, pre-fabricated look off the rack. Instead, buy a pair of jeans you love, that fit great and work with your style and start to work on them yourself. Wear them often. Let them stretch so the heels drag a little bit, guaranteeing a subtle fray on the seam.
When it comes time to wash, it's best to give them a good scrub in your tub with cold water, a little detergent and some vinegar to prevent fading. If you want a wrinkled effect, wrap them in rubber bands and let them dry.
Add Some Color
Paul Smith Hudson Shoe $109.00 (www.barneys.com)
White lace-ups have become norms in any man's closet, and who can argue that the safest way to wear color is with a pair of Converse. But, if you're up for a challenge, go for a pair of red leather slip-ons. You'd be surprised at how well they mix with a pair of dark or gray jeans.
Throw on a tee and a blazer (be sure to incorporate the color elsewhere in the outfit) and the shoes become the thing that ties your look together.
Sleeve of Absence
Unconditional Black/White Stripe Placket Tee $110.00 (www.oaknyc.com)
The cropped sleeve is finally seeing it's day in men's fashion. Some designers, namely Thom Brown, literally chopped off the sleeves on blazers at the elbow. Other, less literal designers simply took to rolling the sleeves up-a trick that gets the look, but doesn't polarize the garment.
Pushing up your sleeves may send off a red flag ('80s trend alert!) but as long as you aren't mixing a white blazer with anything neon, you should be safe. Instead, opt for cropped tees that reflect a laid back, athletic look.
Check out Debonairmag.com for the latest style trends
