Still getting started/Summer attire

    Since it is hot as hell recently and most would like to not have to wear more than they have to, today I shall offer some useful advice on basic summer attire for men that looks good, and can keep you cool (temp and style)

   Keep in mind this all advice and my opinions so do not feel like I am attacking you with any of these comments.  The greatest thing about advice is that you have the choice to either ignore it or take it.  Anyway...
   
    The basics are relatively simple.  You wanna look good, and if you don't wanna look like a teenager and more like an adult I recommend a few simple pointers.

    DO NOT-Wear clothes that have gaudy logos/foil or crazy prints on them (Ed Hardy) cough cough.
If you aren't a fan of the polo, I suggest a basic T-Shirt. As just stated, keep the logos and print to a minimum.  Personally a small logo on the upper left chest portion of the shirt is ideal.  Colors can range from basic to bright and crazy.  Pastels are great if you are brave enough to wear them. I suggest avoiding neon colors.  Do you really want to look like a highlighter?
    If you want to dress it up a notch, go with a polo.  You can never go wrong with a nice polo.  You can wear it un-tucked and it still looks good.  Tuck it in for a more dressed up look.  Once again keep it simple.  Patterns such as horizontal stripes are definitely acceptable.  If you don't mind looking like a golfer, I would suggest investing in golf polos.  They are made of a sweat wicking fabric and really do a great job of keeping you cool in the summer heat.  Why do you think golfers wear them?  It is true that they don't fit as well as some may like, but they weren't designed that way. It's totally fine for the polo to be a bit baggy. Also another way to dress it up is a sport shirt.  But I will post about sport shirts another time.
   
    Some brands to look into are as followed with some pros and cons about each brand.
Southern Tide:
PROS: Great soft stretchy feel, minimal shrinkage, wear well when cared for properly, vast color range, many styles. Classic, Club and Tailored fits.
CONS: Expensive, hard to find a retail store that sells them, definitely should try on before buying.

Polo Ralph Lauren:
PROS: An American classic, wear well when cared for properly, vast color range and styles, Classic, Custom, and Slim Fits, Reputable Name
CONS: Expensive (Can be found cheaper at TJMAXX and Marshalls and Outlet Stores) Tend to shrink a little mainly in the length.

Lacoste:
PROS: Bright and basic colors, Classic, and Slim Fits, Reputable name
CONS: Inconsistent quality, run short, chincy fabric (more recently)  Shrink and warp after washing.

 I could keep going but this blog would never end.  Other expensive but great polos are made by Brooks Brothers, Psycho Bunny, Thomas Pink, Burberry.  Here are some more basic and less expensive brands but are still great IZOD, Old Navy, Chaps, Lands End.  To each his own, especially with this next comment, but avoid Abercrombie, Hollister,and American Eagle.  Unless you want to look like you are still in high school or never left.

    Next would be your lower half.  Shorts.  You can never go wrong with a nice pair of shorts.  Denim is dead when it comes to shorts.  But that's just my and the fashion worlds' opinion.  Great shorts for the summer are khakis.  Can be casual or dressed up.  Shorts also come in all sorts of colors, Khaki, Stone, White, Black, Brick Red, Yellow, Blue, Green etc.  Shorts are starting to get shorter in length but that's a matter of choice and preference.  11" (right at the knee) is always a great default, but they are making them as short as 5" (mid thigh).  Avoid cargo shorts.  Unless you use those pockets for something(like hiking or working outside) you don't need them.  Once again just a preference.
   
    If you want to wear pants in the summer, lightweight chinos are always great.  Also Linen pants, but they can require more meticulous care.  Lightweight fabric Khakis(can never go wrong with Dockers).  All of these are great especially if you want a more dressed up look, and just like shorts come in all sorts of colors.  Pastels are bold but if you can rock em, wear em.  You will turn heads.  Word of warning, if you are wearing bright colored shorts or pants, keep to a more basic pattern and color in your shirt.  If you aren't good a t color matching, ask for help from someone who has good color matching skills.

    Finally Shoes.  This one is totally up to you.  But some basic staples are boat shoes specifically Sperrys, Bass, or Sebago.  DO NOT wear socks with your boat shoes.  You can also wear variations of Penny Loafers (with or without socks).  Flip flops really shouldn't be worn unless you are going to the beach or using a public shower, but that's just again a preference.  Sneakers are fine as well as sandals.  NEVER sandals with socks.  NEVER. Don't even ask or think it.  If you have horrible foot odor or are self conscious about your feet, then don't wear sandals or flip flops.  Problem solved.

Well that about wraps it up for this long blog.  Sorry Ladies, but I do not do women's fashion. I will criticize it all day but I can't say much for you.  More blogs will come.  Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you for reading and look these brands up if you are interested in them.  You can also find some of them on Macy's, and Nordstroms' websites.  If you want to find out where to get these things, Google it.
Enjoy your day!

Matthew.