A Gentleman's Guide

JULY | 2019

JULY | 2019 | STYLE

SUMMER TIME FINE

Summer is here and , well, we just wanted to ask...are y’all hot yet? Summer and fashion don’t always go together as far as men’s fashion is concerned, but we’ve been managing thus far. Although fall and winter are peak seasons for our kind of style, navigating the heat of summer totally possible.  Whether you’re over the heat and humidity of the season or you’re getting your life from it, we’re here to provide you with some considerations to ensure that you’re beating the heat in style!

THE CHINO SHORT

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Nothing is going to help you beat the heat better than a pair of Chino shorts. They’re perfect for those Sunday brunches, barbecues, and balmy summer nights. Comfort and sophistication find themselves perfectly balanced within the chino because they can be dressed up as much as they can be dressed down. They can be worn casually as you run your errands, and serve as the perfect match for a last minute outfit. They’re equally as versatile when it comes to colors as well, which is the reason why we feel its best for you to make them one of your wardrobe summer staples. 

Feel free to couple your chinos with a simple or patterned T, button down, or polo. Remember that belts are always optional, but are never a requirement with Chinos, and that patterned pairs cooperate with other pieces with similar color schemes. As far as length is concerned, the chino gives us two options: Wakana Thigh High (mid-length) or Blavity Black Convervative (above the knee). 

This month’s style selection comes from Bonobos, a brand that offers a pretty solid selection of clothing options for men. Featured below are their polycotton (rayon)  Stretch Lightweight Chino Shorts with retail for an affordable $58.00. These shorts offer all of color versatility we spoke about earlier as even though the model is sporting the shorts in khaki, Bonobos is offering the style in Black Pearl, Smoked Paprika, River Rock, and Whirlpool Gray. That’s not even the half of it as they’re available in nine other colors as well. They are lightweight, contain a signature curved waistband, a contrast pocket liner, and feature a button closure at the center front with buttons on the back pockets as well.

DEM DENIMS

Nothing screams summer in the city like a pair of denim shorts. Denim has long since established itself as a multi seasonal style staple, and it's one of the few pieces of fabric that almost every man on earth owns. Where would we be without it? Denim is as practical as it is versatile, which is why it sees every season. We kind of wanted to talk about denim jeans, but its too hot for all of that, which is why we settled on the denim short. 

You don’t have to be a mosquito to know that denim shorts are always the best option when it comes to summer style. They’re comfortable, casual, allow us the freedom to move, and while they might not keep us as cool as cotton, they’re still one of the best options around. From their wide variety of colors and washes to their durable reputations, denim shorts continue to defend their title as summer’s ultimate style staple.

Enter G-Star Raw’s 3301 Short. As a shorter version of their classic five-pocket construction full jean version, it offers a button fly, narrows towards the knee, and an entire vibe for summer 2K19. Its slubbiness is a detail that most won’t notice, however, it adds a lot to the piece’s character, and you all know how important that is. The 3301 is made of indigo denim and has a ½- length short  They retail for $75.00, and if that’s too steep for you, just know that G-Star offers free shipping. 

SHIRT ALERT

Summer’s arrival signals longer days, which means that its time for shorter (sleeved) shirts. Its practically impossible to make a bad selection here, as shirts are pretty simple. While there’s nothing wrong with sliding through summer with a few packs of plain white tees, we’re here to challenge you to aim a little higher. T Shirts have come a long way from their humble union suit beginnings, and its beyond time that we give them the respect they deserve. 

While T shirts see just about as many seasons as denim, every season doesn’t necessarily get to see them, as they’re generally used as the lowest layer of our spring, fall, and winter wardrobes. They quietly serve us during these times by keeping us warm, but now that the heat of summer is upon us, its their time to shine. Their various fits, versatile neckline designs, and ability to be fashioned from almost every material known to man, should serve as reminders of just how essential they are to any style line up. 

Consider spending a little time with this printed tee from Zara’s men’s collection, which is sure to make you the scene’s envy with its straight fit, rounded neck, and metallic shattered glass jaguar print. The best part about this work of art is that it won’t break the bank, so you can enjoy it and it’s 100% cotton outer shell for about $13.00. Black won’t be the only thing attracting the summer heat, because YOU, in THIS, are sure to raise temperatures wherever you wear it. 


WHITE BRIGHT

Let’s face it, there are very few things that’ll boost your confidence like a fresh new pair of kicks. Although some may opt for shoes that are more colorful in nature, an all white pair of kicks definitely sends more than a “don’t step on me” message. One of the most interesting things about tennis shoes is the way they’ve evolved from a form of footwear exclusively used by tennis players into global status symbols.

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Your shoes say a lot about you, and sometimes they make the first impression before you do. Expensive shoes present you as either a man of means, while dirty and inexpensive shoes may lead people to view you as a slob. It can be assumed that the flashier your footwear is, the more extraverted you are, especially if you know they’re sure to start a conversation! A more practical kick will give the illusion that you have an agreeable nature, while older, but well kept sneakers will present you as being conscientious. Whatever that case may be, we’re here to ensure that your shoe game is sending the right message with this month’s shoe pick. 

Lacoste’s Carnaby Evo BL sneakers are sure to set the record straight for anyone finding themselves confused about who you are! These all white leather and polyester kicks come equipped with leather uppers and have a rubber outsole that’ll have you feeling like you’re walking on air, but the only thing you’ll be walking on is the floor-fallen faces of your haters. The Carnaby Evo is crafted with premium leather with contrast heel detailing and, of course, features the signature Lacoste design lines. Although they retail for a smooth $95.00 on Lacoste’s site, a little birdy told us you can find them on Amazon for about half the price. Don’t tell anyone we told you that. 

We all love when summer comes to the party, because she never arrives empty handed. With her comes the leisure, longer days, good times, and even better style. Summer might not present us with the best options when it comes to style, but we can never accuse her of giving us the shortest end of the fashion stick. Yeah, it can be a tricky time when it comes to finding styles that offer us the cooling comfort we so desperately thirst for, but no matter how oppressive the heat might be, there’s always freedom through style.

Jeremy Carter