Summer style...how do you keep it when the heat kicks up?

[tnjyoung]

I have been trolling TFL for a couple of years. I just realized I only do it during the cooler months. I'm always thinking of all things leather...new boots, leather jackets, belts, wallets, etc. I've just about got the look nailed down. Some dark denim, a nice watch, some classic, but rugged, boots, a button down flannel shirt, with a great belt, and a leather jacket.

I'm posing a new question for you guys. What do you do to keep up your style in the summer? With the spring at our doorstep I'm curious. I feel sloppy in the summer. Usually khaki shorts, a t-shirt, and chacos. Very boring and very "main stream" What is the summertime equivalent of a FQHH Aero Jacket, Alden Indy boots, and selvedge denim?

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Well some options include:

1. Lighter weight denim jeans. This is probably the easiest transition as a lot of good denim companies offer 12, 11, 10, or even 8oz denim fabrics that breathe very well during the summer. Most are still quite dark, so there is barely a difference in appearance other than how they fade.

2. Wear short sleeve shirts or just roll up your sleeves on button downs to keep cooler, including making sure you have some linen or thinner cotton short sleeve button downs. Having some good quality, plain T shirts works too. It keeps you as cool as possible, while still looking decent if slightly less formal.

3. As for shoes, you could just wear some decent moccasins or nicer boat shoes/loafers or something like that.

Personally, I just suck it up and wear basically what I wear all of the time, but without a jacket as much. I wear 18oz denim, long sleeve or short sleeve OCBDs, plain V necks and henley (my flannels stay in the closet), and all of my boots during summer. Basically I just get used to it being hot and simply crank the a/c when I'm in the car. Perhaps because I have no humidity that this is such an easy transition for me, but IMO I think the sweat is worth it

 

[PantherMkV]

I like to keep my style throughout the year, and its been so long since I wore shorts in public that I just can't remember!
Essentially, I tend to follow these rules:
Temperature Attire
0-10 Degrees C Three-Piece (Wool blends, often a knitted vest, tweeds), Overcoat, Gloves, Scarf, Hat (Homburg or Flatcap)
10-20 Degrees C Three-Piece (As above), Coat if rainy, Hat (Flatcap, Homburg or Boater if sunny but still cool)
20-25 Degrees C Trousers and Jacket (Waistcoat optional but I often wear it anyway. Wool or cotton. Linen's good.) and a boater.
25-35 Degrees C Trousers and Jacket (Linen, as light as possible), a boater.
35-40 Degrees C Trousers and waistcoat (Find your lightest material here or die trying!) with a boater.

Find whatever works for you. In Australia (especially Melbourne) the weather can be so varied that it may be wise on a 30 degree C day to pack an umbrella! No kidding.
I like to maintain a standard and so I stick by it, even when its boiling. With a little skillfulness (avoid walking anywhere when it gets above 30, walk through shopping centers with AC) and you ought to be fine.
~MCRB

 

[tnjyoung]

Well some options include:

1. Lighter weight denim jeans. This is probably the easiest transition as a lot of good denim companies offer 12, 11, 10, or even 8oz denim fabrics that breathe very well during the summer. Most are still quite dark, so there is barely a difference in appearance other than how they fade.

2. Wear short sleeve shirts or just roll up your sleeves on button downs to keep cooler, including making sure you have some linen or thinner cotton short sleeve button downs. Having some good quality, plain T shirts works too. It keeps you as cool as possible, while still looking decent if slightly less formal.

3. As for shoes, you could just wear some decent moccasins or nicer boat shoes/loafers or something like that.

Personally, I just suck it up and wear basically what I wear all of the time, but without a jacket as much. I wear 18oz denim, long sleeve or short sleeve OCBDs, plain V necks and henley (my flannels stay in the closet), and all of my boots during summer. Basically I just get used to it being hot and simply crank the a/c when I'm in the car. Perhaps because I have no humidity that this is such an easy transition for me, but IMO I think the sweat is worth it

Some very good ideas...I have never worn the short-sleeved button downs, but I think I will try to pull it off this year. The boat shoes is another good tip. It looks stylish, but comfortable..The only problem is that they only look good without socks. This means stinky feet/shoes, but I guess this is the price one pays for style. I'll begin looking for some new rags soon.

 

[tnjyoung]

Panther, Terminology is different within different regions. What is a "boater"? Luckily I lived in Europe for almost a year or I would be getting out the converter for the temperature ranges, too. haha!

 

[SurfGent]

linen suit and a 275$ Stetson Panama.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Well some options include:

1. Lighter weight denim jeans. This is probably the easiest transition as a lot of good denim companies offer 12, 11, 10, or even 8oz denim fabrics that breathe very well during the summer. Most are still quite dark, so there is barely a difference in appearance other than how they fade.

2. Wear short sleeve shirts or just roll up your sleeves on button downs to keep cooler, including making sure you have some linen or thinner cotton short sleeve button downs. Having some good quality, plain T shirts works too. It keeps you as cool as possible, while still looking decent if slightly less formal.

3. As for shoes, you could just wear some decent moccasins or nicer boat shoes/loafers or something like that.

Personally, I just suck it up and wear basically what I wear all of the time, but without a jacket as much. I wear 18oz denim, long sleeve or short sleeve OCBDs, plain V necks and henley (my flannels stay in the closet), and all of my boots during summer. Basically I just get used to it being hot and simply crank the a/c when I'm in the car. Perhaps because I have no humidity that this is such an easy transition for me, but IMO I think the sweat is worth it

Here (Loozyana), it gets so drippingly hot, tropical tree frogs go running for the Sears Coldspot controls.

I do a lot of the things you mention, but the only way I can survive is by staying in the A/C. The worst thing about it is that the heat lasts from md-March to mid-December. I am not kidding. It'll get sticky around here by St. Patrick's Day, if not sooner, and the last ten years it's been hot on Thanksgiving as well.

 

[tnjyoung]

View attachment 23717 linen suit and a 275$ Stetson Panama.

Nice!

 

[nihil]

The only problem is that they only look good without socks. This means stinky feet/shoes, but I guess this is the price one pays for style. I'll begin looking for some new rags soon.

Get some 'invisible socks'. They'll do the trick.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Here (Loozyana), it gets so drippingly hot, tropical tree frogs go running for the Sears Coldspot controls.

I do a lot of the things you mention, but the only way I can survive is by staying in the A/C. The worst thing about it is that the heat lasts from md-March to mid-December. I am not kidding. It'll get sticky around here by St. Patrick's Day, if not sooner, and the last ten years it's been hot on Thanksgiving as well.

Wow. That is pretty intense. Like I said, I don't know how to deal with that as well. Humidity is another thing entirely. It amazes me that so many Thais and Singaporeans wear 21oz and 25oz Iron Hearts year round.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Panther, Terminology is different within different regions. What is a "boater"? Luckily I lived in Europe for almost a year or I would be getting out the converter for the temperature ranges, too. haha!

He means the classic shellacked straw hat. Once a very common item, now more in the realm of costume in most places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boater

 

[Retro Spectator]

In the summer, I simply wear a panama, a shirt, a tie, socks and shoes (obviously), and suspenders. If the temperature is below 75, I wear a sport coat. My pants are these Aris Allen pants, and they are extremely light. As a matter of fact, the only pants that make you sweat, are usually too tight, or are made from heavy material. I recommend spectator shoes, saddle shoes, or other light colored shoes for the summer. Or you could get some fisherman's sandals.

 

[tropicalbob]

A couple of tips: linen shirts, trousers, and jackets are a must, as are huaraches, the Mexican sandals (made in Mexico and on the bay for about $35.00). Also, you need some straw or light-felt hats. As we get a lot of rain down here, I've found that the Sunbody hats are a good buy, as they can get a soaking and dry to their original state (they're also very reasonably priced).

 

[tropicalbob]

Also, no shorts (for children) or short-sleeved shirts (too middle-management).

 

[Hemingway Jones]

When in doubt, go prep. Nantucket Reds, light cotton shirt, and blue blazer is always stylish. Add Panama and you really make a statement.

I think that it's undignified for a man of my age to wear shorts anywhere but at a barbecue or the beach.

A pair of tailored chinos, white shirt, blue blazer, repp tie, awesome and easy.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

When in doubt, go prep. Nantucket Reds, light cotton shirt, and blue blazer is always stylish. Add Panama and you really make a statement.

I think that it's undignified for a man of my age to wear shorts anywhere but at a barbecue or the beach.

A pair of tailored chinos, white shirt, blue blazer, repp tie, awesome and easy.

Agreed on the shorts. IMO as soon as you are out of high school, the gym, athletic activities, the beach, and at home are the only places shorts are OK at, no matter the temperature.

 

[dh66]

Straw hat,
chinos,
White bucks or Chuck Taylors,
Aloha shirt, bowling shirt, guayabera shirt, plaid short sleeves old man shirt, plain white T-shirt or wife beater shirt......

 

[Shangas]

For me:

<0-25'c = Shirt, trousers, waistcoat, felt or wool hat/cap. Tie (if 15'c or below). Jacket (if 15'c or below).

25'c-30'c= Shirt (possibly short-sleeved), waistcoat, cap. Straw boater or Panama.

30'c+= Short-sleeved shirt/long-sleeved (rolled-up). Jeans/trousers or shorts. Boater or Panama.

Shoes: Leather slip-ons or wingtips. Thicker socks in colder weather, thinner socks in hot weather. If wearing shorts - then footwear will be sandals.

 

[DAJE]

I wear shorts a lot in summer. Those who say that grownups don't wear shorts are very much in the wrong. When it gets hot enough, only a fool doesn't wear shorts.

It's not too difficult to find vintage style shorts. Do a search for Gurkha Shorts, for instance.

 

[Dreamofgilgamesh]

Thankfully not something I have to consider, as living in the U.K. we only have on average 9 warm days a year.