There’s baggage. Jewelry, for a lot of men, brings up a flood of doubts: Is this too much? Too feminine? Too Vegas?
But men have always worn some jewelry. Rings, chains, medals, cufflinks, class rings, ID bracelets; it was part of the uniform. The suspicion toward adornment grew out of the Depression and World War II, when utility took priority and middle-class men pared back to the essentials. That leaner look hardened into habit, and by the early 2000s minimalism made anything beyond a watch feel suspect.
Even then, jewelry never disappeared. Plenty of regular guys wore it without a second thought. My father has approached his appearance with a practical, Primer-like philosophy. In the ’70s he wore his class ring daily, keeping it on for decades. That was common.
F1’s costume designer, Julian Day, echos this when describing the creative direction to WWD, “The people in the movies in the ’70s had an edge, they weren’t as clean cut as people [are today],”…“So I looked at people like Kris Kristofferson, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, [Clint] Eastwood.” Much of the jewelry was reportedly Pitt’s own collection, brought to set, and selected by him when shooting.
So the hesitation now isn’t timeless, it’s modern. And it isn’t about jewelry. It’s about being caught trying. The clothes keep the beat. The jewelry alters it. Which is exactly why it feels dangerous, the way a beginner drummer panics about hitting the wrong thing and ruining the song for everyone.
What Good Jewelry Actually Does
It adds texture. A gray tee, navy chino, white sneaker outfit is oatmeal. Jewelry is the salt and butter. It also makes you consistent. If someone always wears the same necklace, it stops being “jewelry” and starts being them.
Minimalists should be pleased: it’s the easiest way to add dimension without expanding your closet. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Just a chain.
How to Start Without Looking Like You’re Auditioning for a Fragrance Commercial
My curiosity about jewelry started well before Pitt and Apple triple-downed on Formula One. Primer style contributor Daniel Baraka had been including rings, bracelets, and necklaces in his outfits for years. I looked on the way my dog Leela approaches water, fascinated, tail wagging, ready to leap, then recoiling the instant the tide reaches her paws.
Fresh off the rack it looks like a hot weather upgrade, but a few spins through the washer and it hangs off your torso like wrinkly, wet cardboard.
Inspired by a reader question by Zak, a Primer subscriber since 2017.
Linen is always described like it was elected summer’s golden child. Airy, cool, soft, works with loafers, sneakers, under a suit, even as a suit. Then you buy a cheap shirt on sale, and after two wears the placket lays like the edges of lasagna noodles, the fabric feels like a loofah, and the whole thing looks like you’ve been using it as a beach towel.
The explanation is simple: linen is not one thing. It’s many things, and some of them are terrible.
1. The fiber itself: long vs. short, wet-spun vs. dry-spun
Linen comes from flax, and mills divide it into the long, glossy stuff called line and the short broken bits called tow. Line is strong, smooth, and ready to be woven into fabric you might actually enjoy touching. Tow is the sad leftovers: splintery, linty, and better suited to stuffing a scarecrow.
Cheap shirts lean hard on tow, which is why yours feels like it belongs in the shop towels bin. Industry definitions make it sound more dignified, but essentially, tow is fabric mulch.
Spinning matters too. Wet spinning long flax gives smooth, fine yarns that glide on the skin. Semi-wet or dry spinning short fibers creates scratchy ropes you could use to tie down a canoe. And that difference doesn’t ever wash out. Premium European mills, who own the reputation for nice linen, still wet-spin long-line flax.
Brands sometimes tout “European linen” which usually means flax grown in Western Europe (France, Belgium, the Netherlands). These regions have the climate and history for producing the world’s best long-line flax. It’s generally a good sign, even without paperwork. Certifications like Masters of Linen or European Flax exist, but they’re rare to see in normal stores Primer links to; think of them as bonus credibility stamps if you happen across them.
Other certs will appear such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 like on Quince’s linen shirt, but those are different: they confirm the fabric has been tested for harmful chemicals, not that it’s soft or durable. Nice for peace of mind, but unrelated to hand feel.
It’s possible to find 100% linen shirts at budget brands, but for options on the cheaper end, I actually prefer a linen-cotton blend. The cotton takes away some of the scratchiness and stubborn creasing you get with low-grade linen, even if you lose a bit of the airy texture and drape.
Left: a 55% linen / 45% cotton blend. Right: 100% quality linen. Cotton smooths out the surface, reduces the bad wrinkling found on cheaper linen, and makes the fabric feel softer at the cost of losing some of linen’s crisp texture.
So what to look for when shopping? On a tag or product page, “European linen” is worth noting. If you happen to see certifications like Masters of Linen, even better, though unlikely. In person, trust your hands: smooth and silky usually signals long-line, wet-spun fiber, while rough and bristly points to tow, dry-spun.
Two shirts both say ‘100% linen.’ One feels soft and drapes, the other can almost stand up on its own. That’s twist. Higher twist yarns are wound tighter, so the fabric turns out stiffer and creases into sharp lines. Lower twist yarns feel smoother and fall into relaxed folds, like the darker fabric in the photo.
Two versions of linen: one crisp and structured, the other softer with looser, natural draping folds. Same fiber, different spin and weave.
But when cheap shirts use short tow fibers, it’s a different story: the creases set hard and scratchy, less soft rumples and more cardboard bends.
Then there’s ply. Singles tend to torque, which means your shirt spirals like soft-serve. 2-ply balances the yarn, and the fabric hangs the way a shirt should. Textile engineers have documented this in ways that would bore you into an early nap.
So what to look for when shopping? Most brands won’t mention twist, but “2-ply” will sometimes sneak into product copy the way “grass-fed” sneaks onto menus. If you see it, that’s a green light. Otherwise, trust your hands: fabrics that feel firm and papery are usually high twist singles, while those that feel smoother and relax in your grip are more likely lower twist or plied.
3. Weave and construction: why some linen hangs beautifully
Two levers: weave and cover factor. A tight plain weave feels crisp and stiff. A looser plain or a twill feels relaxed and swings better. Fewer interlacings also mean the wrinkles look less like origami disasters. If you want flowy shirts, go loose or twill. If you want collars that stand like little soldiers, go tight. Researchers have entire charts on this.
So what to look for when shopping? Hold the shirt up to light. If the fabric looks dense and blocks most of it, expect crispness. If you can see a bit of daylight between the threads, it’s looser and will drape more.
4. Finishing and dyeing: where a lot of the “hand” comes from
Soft linen is not just good flax, it’s good chemistry. Amino-silicone softeners and enzymes strip away the fuzz and slick the surface. Garment dye programs and controlled tumbles give that day-one softness, the way some jeans come pre-faded for people who want the lived-in feel on Day 1.
The downside: anti-crease resins. They help wrinkle recovery but leave fabric stiff, sometimes weak. If your shirt feels like it’s been starched at the factory and stays that way, you’ve probably got resin in the mix or a synthetic-linen blend.
Wrinkle-free blended linen: crisp and polished for office wear, but it skips the soft drape and lived-in creases that make untreated linen stand out.
Wrinkle-free linen does have its place. If you’re wearing a shirt for long days at work, you get the breathability and lighter weight of linen with the smoother, more polished surface that wrinkle-free production locks in. What you give up are the big, rolling creases and the drape that make good untreated linen look alive. It’s less relaxed Mediterranean holiday, more office-ready compromise that serves as a lighter alternative to a standard oxford cloth.
So what to look for when shopping? Scan product descriptions for “garment dyed,” “enzyme wash,” or “soft wash.” Those usually mean softer linen from day one. If the tag brags about being “wrinkle resistant,” be prepared for fabric to lack the softness and drape linen is known for.
5. Make quality: why your placket curls
That potato chip placket usually comes from a shirt that cuts corners.
We’ve talked about the difference better yarn and weaving make, but how the shirt is actually put together matters just as much. What makes a nicer shirt different isn’t always obvious from the outside. Even with the same sewn-on placket style, better makers cut on grain, stitch with even tension, and preshrink before sewing, so the placket holds its shape instead of curling or twisting after a few washes.
A nicer linen shirt that still had a properly flat placket after washing.
That extra money usually buys the works: long-line fiber, wet-spun yarn, clever yarn engineering, better weave, softer finishing, garment dyeing, and factories that actually check their work. Look for words like wet-spun, 2-ply, garment dyed, or those European certifications. They’re breadcrumbs leading away from shirts that feel like sandpaper.
So what to look for when shopping? Unfortunately (and obviously) more expensive doesn’t automatically equate to quality. Generally, brands that are known to have a decent quality to price ratio like J.Crew can usually be trusted for their 100% linen. Unfortunately below that (Gap, Old Navy, Uniqlo, etc.) and you’re going to run into cheaper linen or blends.
The price jump usually covers things you can sometimes spot in the description: “long line,” “wet-spun,” “2-ply,” or “garment dyed.” Those keywords hint that you’re getting smoother fabric, softer finishing, and shirts that behave better after a wash. The smart move is buying from one of these trusted quality brands when the linen is on sale. For that, make sure to subscribe to Primer to stay up to date on all of our deal coverage.
8. Fixes for a stubborn shirt
A warm iron, steam, and a press cloth will help revive cheap linen, but that becomes routine maintenance. It’s usually more time and cost effective to spend a little more on a shirt that drapes well and needs far less fuss.
Late summer slows down, the light runs long, the air finally moves. A washed navy linen shirt does the breathing, sleeves rolled, collar open. Stone gray chinos keep a clean taper, hem skimming the ankle so the penny loafers read. Warm tortoise frames, a diver on bracelet, a simple signet and bracelet add quiet shine. Built for patios after six, last coffee runs, the walk home at sunset.
Structurally, it’s business casual. Maybe even a little nautical prep if you squint. But the linen has ease, the shirt stays open, and the details shift it. The whole thing feels more lived-in than styled. Less afternoon meeting, more early evening with nowhere to be.
Then there’s the metal. That’s where the temperature changes. A steel diver. A slim gold pendant chain at the collar. A signet with some weight to it. A thin gold bracelet that flashes when you move.
One more detail keeps it relaxed, a narrow woven cord at the wrist, the kind that looks picked up on a trip and stays. Nothing loud. But together, they bend the look. Less prep, less uniform, more presence.
Every piece does its part. Linen breathes. Twill holds shape. Leather catches the light. The proportions stay sharp: room up top, legs cut clean. Nothing piled on, details that give depth to affordable closet staples. Just a look that settles in and takes the summer evening as it comes.
Comfort that handles AC blasts, hardware store stops, and everything in between.
Late August behaves like a moody houseguest: sunny one moment, wrapped in fleece the next, always “thinking about heading out” but never actually leaving. You open the door and it’s hot. You come back inside and now you need a blanket. Plans show up, cancel, then show up again wearing different shoes. Somewhere in all of this, you’re supposed to get dressed. For home. For errands. For a dinner that might be tacos or might just be someone texting “next time!” at 6:47 p.m.
It’s real clothes that whisper “loungewear” if you lean in close enough. The solution is absurdly simple and I refuse to feel smug about it, but here we are:
A little less jogger, a little more dress pants thanks to the stripes and texture.
$$$ Taylor Stitch Apres Pants One of the modern OGs in the pull-on-but-I’m-still-trying pants space. The Sashiko texture elevates these to something noteworthy.
$$$$ Faherty Dune Utility Pants Closest match to the ones I’m wearing in full size run and better quality.
Still summer, yet the thermostat keeps flipping. This remix pulls proven pieces from five earlier Primer Getups and resets them for late-season evenings when the breeze comes back or the office vent feels like winter.
Shopping your own closet makes style easier and cheaper. These specific pieces, all pulled from previous Getups, don’t just look good together. They represent four style pillars: smart casual refinement, military heritage, workwear grit, and light summer color. The result is layered but not heavy, rugged without looking themed, and seasonally adaptable for late summer into early fall.
Ideal scenarios: coastal nights, roof-deck drinks, over-air-conditioned offices, long-haul travel, end-of-summer shindigs where the dress code is vague but the AC is not.
Why this remix works
Kit at a glance
M65 field jacket – Light wind protection and structure. The drawstring waist gives subtle shape, and the collar stands easily without feeling fussy.
Mid-wash denim shirt – A textured base layer with heft. It anchors the palette and gives you options: buttoned for polish, open for ease.
Straight-fit natural white jeans – Brightens the look while maintaining airflow and shape. A heritage silhouette that doesn’t cling or pool.
Unstructured twill cap – Softens the military edge and gives sun cover without making the look feel like weekend-only gear.
Suede loafers – Comfortable but elevated, they bring a refined anchor that keeps the look grown and grounded.
The four-pocket field design has shielded everyone from soldiers to photographers to counter-culture musicians since 1965.
The M65’s drawstring waist and stand collar were designed for field utility, not trend cycles. That authenticity gives it staying power. It also bridges a useful style gap: structured enough for dressing up in that European casual kid of way but relaxed enough to throw on over a tee.
Rugged cotton with visible texture adds depth beside crisp jeans. Wear it buttoned for polish or open like a lightweight overshirt.
Originally a staple for miners and ranch hands, the denim shirt earns its keep today by balancing formality and utility. It layers like a jacket but behaves like a button-up. In transitional weather, few shirts give you this much range.
An off-white shade updates the classic jean silhouette and the straight leg keeps airflow high and the overall shape clean.
White denim has workwear roots in painter and railroad uniforms. Today’s version, with added stretch and subtle taper, avoids looking costume-y. The natural white tone avoids the starkness of optic white, making it more wearable for the average guy and less attention-hungry.
A step up in polish from sneakers, but softer than leather dress shoes. The suede texture pairs naturally with rugged elements like the denim shirt and M65, while the slip-on design keeps the look unfussy and mobile.
Penny loafers started as prep staples, but suede versions give them an earthier, more relaxed feel. They’re the kind of smart casual shoe that works on a plane, at a bar, or out to dinner without a second thought. Worn sockless or with no-shows, they help the outfit stay light visually and seasonally.
Neutral headwear finishes the outfit and offers sun cover during afternoon walks. The soft crown collapses easily into a bag or back pocket.
Baseball caps don’t have to signal lazy. A soft, unstructured crown with a refined logo (or none at all) brings casual functionality that matches the intentionality of the rest of the look. It also tones down the seriousness of a field jacket and the rakishness of the white jeans, making the whole look feel more lived-in.
Options
Warm-weather tweaks
Even with these swaps, the visual language stays consistent. The textures still play together, and the colors stay balanced. If you only change one piece, the outfit holds. That’s the benefit of remixing from a shared style perspective: not just color-matching, but attitude-matching.
Using familiar staples helps break the “new season, new wardrobe” loop. This outfit handles chilly patios, long drives, even a flight without tipping into over-prepared or underdressed. Take off the cap, switch the loafers for boots, or open the shirt and you’re still in alignment.
What would you do differently where you live? More layers? Fewer? A wool ballcap or leather sneaker? Share your local spin and help another guy make it work where he is.
(Want more field-tested outfit ideas? Join Primer’s free weekly email.)
From easy upgrades to refined essentials, these sale picks punch well above their price without looking like you raided the clearance rack.
There are three summer sales going on right now and they each offer a shot at picking up some higher-price-point items at a relatively deep discount. Some of these are premium pieces at a much lower relative price than you’d usually find them, others are staple items that come in around your typical Gap non-sale price. Both are smart ways to improve the quality of your wardrobe through sales.
I’ve pulled together some standout pieces worth checking out, along with quick thoughts on why each one hits. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of refinement to your weekend rotation or want one great piece that does a lot of heavy lifting, there’s something here worth a spot in your closet.
Currently has all sizes available and is available in a tan and olive green color. Very much like the pair that I recently picked up from Gap, which is just like a loose linen cotton blend pant with a drawstring, and I’ve been wearing mine non-stop. I love it for casual outfits. It’s so easy to dress up and these aren’t like joggers. You can absolutely wear a camp collar polo or button up with it and look super cool in the summer. They’re very breezy.
I actually picked this up a couple weeks ago on Amazon, which you can get there on sale also. It is a block print shirt made by hand, so every shirt has its own unique pattern and inconsistencies. It’s made of 100% cotton in India using traditional craftsmanship, and I just like the pattern on it. It’s both retro, kind of bohemian, and modern. I’ve worn it a lot.
We’ve talked a lot about the OG 107 pants, which are military fatigue pants from the mid-20th century, pre the introduction of camo. They’re characterized by textured cotton fabric and externally sewn patch pockets on the front and back. I like them because they’re super comfortable and easy to wear and pair with any kind of style, and practically speaking, they read more casual than chinos. It’s a great alternative to throw into your wardrobe. Best yet, these are made in USA
Barbour jackets are legendary; they really set the name for waxed jackets. They’re one of the originals, and this one is no different. This style is a little shorter than traditional offerings, so that may be more approachable for some readers.
$130 off and has an extra 20% off, so it’s quite a good deal. The Bedale is one of the go-to’s for people that love Barbour. It’s more of the traditional style of their jacket. This one is made from peached cotton and then waxed, which gives it a “peach-like” texture. The Bedale was first released in 1980, and in the navy color with tartan interior, it represents a true classic outerwear option.
It is a waist-length take with a cropped fit, and there are modern touches like a hidden pocket in the placket. The Transport is designed to be a warmer weather version of Barber’s iconic jackets.
I love an extended tab waist and a button coin pocket on chinos and shorts. I just think it’s two little details that elevate these items into a more refined territory. When paired with your normal casual items or more dressy items, it allows you to have this dressed up appearance without being dressed up. These have a 59% cotton, 41% linen blend, so you’ll get that great summer texture, but the cotton will keep them from being wrinkle nightmares.
These are incredibly cheap for what they are. If they had my size, I would get these. These are Italian seersucker and feature an extended tab waist. These are great summer dress pants from an expensive brand. Essentially dress pants made from an Italian mill and made in Portugal. Great find.
I am really struggling not pulling the trigger on these. These are a straight fit and they have that extended waist tab…and it’s very extended, which is the only reason I’m personally not buying them. If you’re looking to get a very Italian or European style trouser for almost next to nothing compared to what they cost originally, these are an amazing buy. Sort of kicking myself for not getting them.
It’s in a black stripe and feels both retro and contemporary. The crazy part is that it’s 55% silk and 45% cotton, so this is very soft and luxurious and will drape really nicely. It will easily be your new favorite shirt in summer. Especially if you’re looking for something that’s a little casual but still kind of put together for going out or wearing under a blazer.
This has a thick, almost overly exaggerated pique polo texture, and with the buttonless Johnny collar and it’s relaxed fit, it feels wonderfully from a different time and completely current. You wear it with a pair of light wash jeans like the model is and you’re good to go.
Very similar to the other pants from Huckberry that I mentioned and the Gap pair that I picked up that are out of stock now. These are available in all sizes currently and are only $45. So it’s such an easy buy. You can see in the product photo he’s wearing them with dressier loafers and it works.
It’s got the similar coin pocket like the Todd Snyder’s but with a normal button waist and it features a subtle blue-gray striped pattern, which is great to pair with other summer minimalist staples to get just a little bit of texture into your outfit and visual interest. These are 70% off right now and available in a lot of sizes. Pretty crazy.
An awesome pull for a lightweight layer. Feels very classic workwear and I’ve always liked the Wallace and Barnes line, a little higher quality than mainline J.Crew.
Such a cool vintage inspired swim option that you can wear with a shirt out to dinner, no problem. Just a very cool looking pair of shorts that belong on the coast somewhere.
The styling’s sharp, the prices make sense, and for once the best stuff isn’t sold out.
If you’re looking for smart summer style upgrades, this Banana Republic sale is stacked. Lightweight linen-blend chinos, breezy resort shirts, textured polos that don’t cling like a gym tee in August. Most of it’s up to 60% off with an extra 20% on top, and this time the good stuff isn’t buried under 19 pages of “final sale” no-sizes filler.
A lot of these pieces punch above their weight. The sneakers, the belts, and the Oxford are clean, classic designs with details that look closer to premium labels like Todd Snyder or Buck Mason. And for the fall-friendly stuff like the plaid shirt jacket, the styling’s sharp enough that waiting a few weeks to wear them feels like a fair trade for how much you’re saving.
This is the rare moment when affordable, quality, and easy actually line up. If you missed our piece on that dynamic, it’s worth a read. In the meantime, these are the picks we’d grab before sizes disappear.
This looks like something you’d see hanging in a boutique in Silver Lake or snapped on a rooftop in Marrakech. The geometric stripe give it that $300 Todd Snyder-adjacent energy. Wear it open over a tank or wear it solo. It’s vacation-shirt DNA with grown-up tailoring. In my Getup above it adds modern desert vibes to some otherwise classic staples.
Most D-ring belts men come across are webbed fabric. Going leather gives you that cool slouchy look of a braided belt with the summer nautical feel of a D-ring.
These are name-brand shades at a fraction of the price I paid for them a couple of years ago. I have not been shy about my love for champagne-colored sunglasses and these got scooped up early on in my quest.
Getting belts on sale is a smart move, while it’s not hard to find a sub-$40 leather belt, getting a higher quality one while on deep discount gives you longevity and patina.
A classic straight leg in a black rinse, no overly done distressing. The denim will undeniably be better than the lower tiered sister brand Old Navy’s similar offering.
Mid-weight cotton with just enough structure at the collar and placket. Roll the sleeves or button up, either way, you’ve got an essential that’s nearly half off, so scoring a second color feels totally justified.
Lightweight linen + stretch for chinos that look sharp without feeling like you’re wearing army pants in July. At this price, you’re basically stealing breezy comfort that usually rings in north of 80 bucks.
Textured like a fluffy spa towel, but with a collar that says you still know what day it is. It breathes better than your average knit, so you stay chill on blistering afternoons.
Clean lines, narrow shoulders and just enough body to tuck or untuck depending on your mood. The linen-cotton blend cuts down on some of the wrinkles a linen shirt guarantees, so you spend less time steaming and more time actually getting out the door.
Clean low-top silhouette in smooth leather, moisture-wicking OrthoLite insole for all-day strolling, warm cognac tone that pairs with shorts or chinos.
Polished burgundy leather, hand-stitched apron front, Blake Stitch construction that hints at investment-grade quality for the guy that doesn’t need it.
Looks like a pull from a more premium brand like Corridor or Todd Snyder. Brushed wool-blend with bold grey and navy checks, chest pockets for whatever you need to stash, button-front you can layer over denim or knits.
It’s hot. Not “ooh, let’s grab iced coffees and stroll” hot. No, this is the kind of heat where your phone shuts off just from looking at the sun and you start Googling “symptoms of spontaneous human combustion.” The weather map looks like someone dropped a bottle of hot sauce on the Midwest and said, “Good luck out there.”
Surprisingly, layering isn’t always about warmth. Sometimes it’s about surviving heat with dignity.
Start with a white linen-blend camp collar shirt. It’s light, breezy, and casual enough that you don’t look like you’re about to lead a tour group through Sicily. Underneath is a deep green tank top. Yes, a tank. I know it sounds like I’ve given up, but it serves two noble purposes: 1) absorbing sweat before it hits the linen, and 2) giving you a backup plan when even the linen shirt is too much and you need to pretend you’re totally fine and this was all very intentional.
The shorts are slate blue with a vintage 5.5-inch inseam, which lands squarely in that sweet spot between “tastefully classic” and “yep, those are definitely legs.” They’ve got that easy, broken-in feel right out of the box. These are the same ones I featured in my summer sneaker lookbook, you can see photos there.
On the feet, Espadrilles. They’re basically slippers with a passport. Light canvas uppers, jute soles, zero ankle support, which is perfect for me, since I won’t commit to plans in the heat that require standing for more than 90 consecutive minutes.
Accessories are where I feign competence. A field watch, a silver chain that I’m 68 percent sure doesn’t turn green when I sweat, and a pair of olive-tinted aviators that are a cheaper-but-still-name-brand alternative to the expensive Randolph Engineering ones. Everything gets tossed into a structured canvas tote that implies I’m going somewhere interesting, like a bookstore or a gallery, instead of the pharmacy for foot powder.
You can run errands, meet friends, or stare blankly into an iced drink for an hour without feeling like you’ve lost control of your life. It’s breathable, functional, and most importantly, helps you forget that the weather has forced you to avoid leather seats for fear of becoming fused with them. ■
Half the guests will be overheating, half will look underdressed. You don’t have to be either.
Ages ago I attended a July wedding in DC where the ceremony was held outdoors at 2PM. I wore the one navy synthetic suit I had based on the invitation dress code and didn’t think twice.
By the time the couple kissed, I looked like I just detoxed in a sauna and my white shirt had turned translucent. Lesson learned: summer weddings require strategy, not just tradition.
You’re dressing for two things at once, heat and ceremony. You need breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and ease…but you also want to look like you chose this outfit and not like you’re cosplaying Miami Vice.
So where do you start? Not the outfit combo, the invitation.
Read the Dress Code (and Read Between the Lines)
Wedding dress codes are often written like a riddle. “Cocktail” in a July vineyard is a very different beast than “Cocktail” in a hotel ballroom in December. “Beach Formal” sounds made up because it kind of is. But once you understand the intent behind each one, you can calibrate accordingly.
Black tie? Rare for summer unless the setting is formal and the ceremony starts after dark. But if that’s the call, go lightweight and classic.
Black-tie optional just means a dark suit like navy or charcoal and a little discretion. You can play with texture or a lighter fabric here, but don’t overthink it.
Semi-formal still means a suit, but summer loosens the reins a bit. Light gray instead of charcoal. A knit tie instead of silk. Think of it as traditional office-plus.
Cocktail attire is where the fun starts. A blazer with tailored trousers? Yes. A suit with a printed shirt and no tie? Definitely. Just avoid looking like you came straight from lunch.
And when it says “beach formal” or “dressy casual,” it’s not code for lazy. It just means the formality is tuned to the environment. Your clothes should still show intent, even if you’re in linen and loafers with no socks.
All outfit links at the bottom ↓
The Fabric Is the Fit
You could wear the most relaxed, Neapolitan-cut unstructured jacket in July, but if it’s in heavy flannel you’ll still be cooked. Summer dressing is less about silhouette than it is about fabric.
Linen gets the spotlight, and for good reason. It breathes, it drapes, it wrinkles and somehow we’ve all agreed that we don’t have to do anything about that. It doesn’t need to be white or sand-colored either. Brown linen, sage, tobacco, even black can look incredible in the right setting.
Then there’s seersucker. Once pigeonholed for the traditional Southern-gentleman, it’s had a renaissance over the last twenty years. Modern cuts, new colors, and the fact that it doesn’t need ironing make it worth another look.
A cream seersucker suit with an olive shirt is unexpected but sophisticated. It’s casual enough for a breezy waterside affair and looks rakish enough for both the coasts of New England or Amalfi.
Pattern, when used sparingly, gives the whole outfit a sense of movement.
And wool (yes, wool) can still be your friend in the heat. Tropical wool and high-twist wools like Fresco are breathable, structured, and surprisingly crisp. They resist wrinkles better than linen and look just as refined.
Cotton and blends round out the options. They’re workhorses. A cotton suit in the right shade can be dressed up or down easily and are a little more common and a lower price point. Just know they won’t breathe quite like the others.
→ Pro tip: Keep a cloth handkerchief tucked in your inner jacket pocket. If you’re starting to visibly sweat and can’t step away, it’s a discreet way to pat your face without using a napkin or your sleeve.
Color Is Context
Summer weddings are one of the rare chances men get to wear something other than navy or charcoal. Light gray, cream, muted blues, and soft greens all feel fresh and seasonally right. Even warm earth tones like rust or terracotta can look elegant without being loud.
Use color the way you’d use cologne: intentionally and in moderation. If the suit is pale, ground it with a darker shirt or shoe. If the jacket is bold, keep the shirt crisp and neutral. The balance matters more than any individual item.
Shirts, Shoes, and the Things That Pull It All Together
Short sleeves are back, but not every short sleeve shirt deserves to be worn with a suit. Look for subtle prints and a proper fit. Camp collars, OCBDs, and even polos can all work depending on the level of formality.
The shades are rich but not loud, and every fabric is tuned for breathability.
On your feet, loafers dominate. Penny loafers, Venetian loafers, Belgian loafers, even horsebits if that’s your lane. Suede in brown or olive gives texture. Leather in tan or burgundy adds sharpness. Socks are optional, but no-show liners are the move.
Accessories are where you can inject a little attitude. A silk pocket square instead of a tie, maybe a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Don’t Just Dress Up, Dress With Intent
Ultimately, this is about showing you respect the event without sacrificing comfort or your own sense of style. You want to look like you belong in the photos ten years from now and like you weren’t afraid of a little sunlight.
Featured Men’s Summer Wedding Style Picks
Summer Suits
The lightweight blend of wool, silk, and linen makes this suit, in Dark Green, the perfect choice for a smart summer wedding that won’t leave you feeling stuffy from one of our 32 best men’s clothing brands.
A suit you can wear to weddings, work, and smarter weekend plans is hard to come by, but J.Crew has nailed it with the Ludlow.
A mid-blue suit (Alts: J.Crew, Nordstrom) feels perfectly sophisticated with a hint of Italian style and who knows better about stylish dressing in hot weather than the Italians?
Summer Blazers
A grey linen suit jacket can be styled with your khakis just as easily as matching suit trousers. Wear with a subtle-printed shirt for extra summer flair.
A brown sportcoat might not seem the obvious choice for summer, but this breathable linen-wool hopsack jacket offers the perfect weight and texture for warmer months. It features half-canvas construction, unpadded shoulders, and relaxed patch pockets for a refined and effortless style.
A green linen sportoat conjures a preppy, Ivy League look. Pair with formal trousers and loafers, rather than chinos, for a summer wedding-appropriate style.
Summer Wedding Pants
If linen pants make you think of a loose, white style you might wear to a beach bar, think again. These puppytooth trousers are designed to keep you cool in your formalwear on summer’s hottest days.
Grey cotton linen chinos will fit comfortably without being either too loose or too clingy in hot weather.
Fresco, named for the Italian term meaning “fresh”, is a unique cloth made from high-twist wool fibers in an open weave. If you’ve not heard of it before, then you’ve found it just in time to improve your formal summer wardrobe.
A camp collar, short sleeves, and a relaxed fit tick all the boxes when it comes to the essential features of a summer shirt. This style from Zara (Alt: Banana Republic) takes it one step further with a large but muted floral print.
A knit polo has quickly gone from something that wasn’t all that common just a few years ago to an absolute summer staple. They offer a bit of refinement via a retro feel, and that’s perfect for a less dressy option for a summer wedding.
Leaning on darker colors, even black, while picking a more casual summer design like a short sleeve camp collar shirt cant help balance out the casual-dressy equation.
There’s something about a blue and white striped shirt that feels perfect for summer. This non-iron style from Tie Bar is slightly preppy, giving it a yacht club edge.
When the dress code calls for something more formal you know you can’t go wrong with a white dress shirt. Just make sure you pick 100% cotton as synthetic materials aren’t your friend in hot weather.
Leather loafers are the summer alternative to brogues. Be sure to wear socks (visible or invisible is up to you) to avoid blistering and keep odors at bay.
Penny loafers are slightly chunkier than the sleek silhouette of a regular loafer, so they’re perfect for the more fashion-forward man. For a quality upgrade with heritage, try Weejuns.
Summer gives us some flexibility for something a little more fun with our wedding footwear. Something like this olive suede loafer from Jay Butler feels in alignment with both the season and the occasion.
If you can get away with something more relaxed, there’s no problem with wearing a pair of minimal white trainers to a wedding. Just make sure they’re box-fresh, and the rest of your outfit is smart enough to secure the formal look.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget your sunglasses. Many weddings are held in summer for the simple desire to have an outdoor component to the celebration. Include an intentional pair of shades to cap off the rest of the outfit. → 6 Pairs of Affordable Sunglasses We’ll Be Wearing This Summer
Easy mix and match outfit building with a denim jacket.
In 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss inadvertently forever changed fashion and pop culture by patenting a pair of sturdy work pants made from indigo cotton corduroy, reinforced with copper rivets. Blue jeans, as they’ve come to be known, have become such a universal symbol of casual style it’s hard to imagine what the last 100 years would look like without them.
As denim’s popularity grew, it quickly extended beyond jeans to create another wardrobe essential: the jean jacket. First introduced by Levi’s around 1880, the jean jacket has since become a cornerstone of effortless style, valued for its simplicity and ease in pulling together outfits.
Jean jackets are a wardrobe staple for good reason – their decades-old, straightforward design makes them incredibly easy to wear, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re dressing down with a t-shirt and jeans or layering it over a sweater for cooler days, a jean jacket instantly adds a touch of casual cool to your look.
What you think of when you hear “jean jacket” is actually a specific style, that originated as the Levi’s Type III Trucker Jacket, introduced in the 1960s. The Type III, known for its cropped, waist-length cut, slim tailored fit, chest pockets with pointed flaps, and iconic “V” stitching, represents a more specific style within the broader jean jacket category but there are other styles that can work just as effectively, like my denim chore coat in a few of the outfits below.
The best part about denim jackets, like their blue jean cousins, is that nearly every brand in every price range makes one. Like the simple t-shirt or chino, the jean jacket is classic style democratized.
To help you make the most of your jean jacket, we’ve created an outfit “swipe file” featuring our favorite jean jacket looks from Primer over the years.
If you’re new to the concept, a swipe file is a curated collection of ideas or examples that you can save and refer to whenever you need inspiration. Originally used in advertising and design, swipe files have become a handy tool for organizing creative ideas across various fields.
→ In this case, it’s a collection of jean jacket outfit ideas that you can keep in an album on your phone, Pin to a style board on Pinterest, or organize in a more elaborate system with a tool like Notion or Evernote for easy reference. Whereas a moodboard is intended to visualize an overall feeling of a style in total, a swipe file is designed to be used individually as a template.
These outfits can be recreated exactly as shown, but they’re also meant to be flexible starting points—whether you’re experimenting with color combinations, layering techniques, new fits, or specific pieces to pair with your jean jacket.
Jean Jackets Over T-Shirts:
Resin rinse denim trucker jacket over olive henley worn with light gray jeans and tan suede boots
A denim chore coat over a cream t-shirt with loose green chinos
When you find an outfit color combination you like, sliding the colors between the component pieces is an easy way to make new outfits.
Mastering good style isn’t about endlessly mixing and matching every item in your closet. Just like the millennial work mantra—work smarter, not harder—applies to your daily grind, it can also guide your process for building looks.
Have an outfit you already love? Create iterations with the design concept of color blocking: a simple and powerful tool that allows you to create new outfits for different occasions, weather, or moods by strategically shifting the colors of your fav outfit’s components in the new look.
One way I personally like to do this is with a dusty color palette in summer. With the heat and humidity calling for a pared-back approach, sticking to a core palette of dusty neutrals—beige, charcoal, white, and tan—enables pieces to be both flexible and weather-appropriate.
These shades not only embody a classic, refined vibe but also make it easy to mix and match, giving you the flexibility to be ready for whatever the day might bring, from morning brunch to a casual evening out.
Here are four easy summer outfit ideas that illustrate the power of neutral color blocking. By just shifting where these tones appear in the look, you can transform the feel of your outfit—from relaxed and modern to something that’s a bit more polished and classic. Best of all, all four make use of something you’ve likely already owned for years: a trusty pair of suede desert boots.
Let’s start with one of my current favorites:
Beige Linen Shirt with Faded Black Jeans and Tan Desert Boots
With a looser shirt and straight fit jean, this outfit feels laid-back, comfortable, and classically rakish.
This order of colors still feels cohesive but has a decidedly different feel. While the darker shirt will always have a more evening-essence to it, the low contrast between the jeans and the boots has a very dusty summer effect.
We can continue shifting things around now that we have the tan jeans. Anchoring that as the darker focal point like the charcoal jeans were in the original, we can swap the dark linen shirt for a white one:
White Short Sleeve Linen Shirt, Khaki Jeans, and Tan Desert Boots
When the other elements are shades of beige, a simple, everyday white shirt can become a vibrant addition to balance things out.
Compared to the outfit with the same jeans and boots with the dark linen shirt, this one feels more appropriate for a daytime activity in the mid-day summer sun.
Circling back around, we move the white from the shirt to the jeans, and bring back the charcoal linen shirt:
Charcoal Short Sleeve Linen Shirt, Natural White Jeans, and Tan Desert Boots
White jeans can feel like a bold move, but when you keep things within the subdued colors we’ve been working in, like with the dark shirt, it keeps that boldness reigned in. Plus it’s such a dead-simple pro summer move: Take an outfit you like, swap in white jeans, and you’ve instantly got summer-is-for-vacation vibes.
Natural White Levi’s Premium 501 Jeans: Amazon, Levi’s
Special thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for supporting Primer’s mission and sponsoring this post.
Looking rakish and modern on a summer evening is a breeze, whether for a rooftop bar, live music, or outdoor cocktails on a first date.
This outfit makes use of several outfit-building strategies:
Monochromatic color palette
Dark and simple colors are a staple of dressier and more refined styles like a suit or tuxedo. While we’re maintaining a casual and comfortable vibe, borrowing this reduced palette makes a shorts and sneakers look feel more evening-ready.
Simply visualize this same outfit with a version of the shirt that has a vibrant pattern and colorful shorts to see how sophisticated the outfit becomes with this subdued approach.
Style is in the details
The polo not only has a full button placket but also a substantial knit texture that loudly yells “this isn’t my golf shirt.” Similarly, the tank top isn’t just a white undershirt, this cream color lowers the contrast between it and the shirt, giving it a role in the style but in a more integrated way.
The court sneakers are a modern and low profile take on tennis and basketball shoes from the 80s and 90s; the moc-toe-like stitching and perforated cap are hallmarks of athletic shoes, keep this choice casual and firmly in sneaker territory. But when paired with the minimalist, low profile design of the rest of the shoe, the overall effect feels almost like broguing on a wingtip.
Heat adaptations
The loose knit on the 100% cotton shirt provides breathability and air flow, making up for its thicker-than-a-t-shirt weight.
While it’s perfectly fine to wear more vibrant styles in the evening, using our monochrome palette helps balance the innately more casual feel of short sleeves and shorts, that are a necessity for comfort in many regions this time of year.
The right sneaker is the secret ingredient to easy and sharp summer style. The just-released Court sneaker from Thursday takes classic sneaker design cues and updates them for day-and-night smart casual style.
Made with Italian Nappa Leather with a Strobel construction and quality-of-life features like shock-absorbent footbeds, these premium sneakers are meant for heavy wear just as much as they are to look good. The Court is also available in a number of other colorways, I’m particularly partial to the Smoke and Clay styles.
Unlike many cheaper options that are made entirely of less breathable synthetic materials, the 100% cotton construction offers breathability, maintenance, and durability of shape.
Continuing on the “style is in the details” approach, I love how this small pop of orange, on an otherwise color-matching watch, contributes to the overall outfit. The green jasper stones of the ring similarly inject a blip of nuanced personality.
Dan Henry is a watch microbrand, started by the eponymous vintage watch collector, that offers era-themed designs of historically significant watches. The 1970 is a design that aesthetically and mechanically honors the dive watches of the decade.
These are essentially dress chinos hemmed into shorts. Italian-milled cotton fabric with 2% stretch in a tailored fit and my go-to fav extended tab closure give these shorts a finish that clearly separates them from your casual heavy twill shorts.
Give your shirt a quick French tuck to show off that extended button tab, and combined with that necklace, ring, court sneakers and cream tank top, you’ve got a modern look still firmly rooted in enduring styles.
The polo is standard issue uniform for a majority of guys who are trying to not wear a t-shirt but don’t want a button up shirt.
They also have a tendency to look kind of junky because cheap and/or old ones begin to curl at the collar. And, unfortunately, unlike some men’s staples like a leather jacket, polos don’t look better the older and more beat up they get.
One way of tackling that and adding some interest to an otherwise mundane shirt style is to choose one made of a non-pique cotton (the material most polos are made of). For cooler weather a knit, almost sweater-like option is sharp and vintage, but for super hot days of summer I like to keep it light with a slub cotton or linen-cotton blend.
Slub cotton is a type of fabric characterized by its uneven, textured appearance, created by weaving cotton with slight knots and imperfections.
A classy tropical evening look that looks like it costs way more than its (sale) price.
You’re a long night’s sleep and a full day of decompressing into your respite in paradise and you’re heading to the first real dinner with the people you care about. The goal is look put-together but still comfortable and casual. This outfit will work in most waterside spots, with some easy tweaks if needed:
This relaxed fit shirt is made with jersey cotton, so while it has buttons and has a dressier effect, it’ll feel like wearing your nicest t-shirt. Plus the flat camp collar with white piping gives it a retro vibe, one of my tricks for dressing “nice” in summer.
These Sperrys strike that perfect balance of classic, minimalist, and sophisticated, no easy feat for a simple canvas sneaker from a brand dating back to 1935.
If you’re looking for something more like a dressy sandal, leather huaraches are a solid choice that will fit right at home in any hot vacation spot.
Rectangular watches always offer an outfit a dressier vibe, and in summer, with less layers, making use of that is strategic. We recently also featured one in our Chris Pine outfit rebuild.
Summer style sounds easy: when the weather’s warm, almost any sartorial option is on the table. Short sleeves, light layers, fresh sneakers, and even sandals open up a world of opportunities for dressers of all kinds, from the modest to the most experimental.
But where some guys run into problems is when it comes to styling their bottom half. Shorts seem like the obvious option – right? But for some, they’re not the go-to. Perhaps they’re not appropriate for where you’re heading. You might just not want to show off your legs. Or you might simply dislike the way shorts look. You don’t have to justify your reason to us, but we can sympathize: finding a summer alternative to shorts is no easy feat.
Thick denim is too warm and chinos can be too formal for everyday laid-back summer style. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the dressing table altogether. To help you pick the best bottom half for your warm-weather look, we’ve rounded up the 7 best pants for summer, if shorts aren’t your thing.
Linen trousers come in all shapes and styles, and though we get why the loose white variety have become the image of hippie summer style, you don’t have to bend your look to pull those off.
A tapered pair in a color that matches your wardrobe can easily become your summer go-to. Linen is a natural fabric that can hold 5x more liquid than synthetic fabrics without looking wet. That’s why it’s favored for summer shirts, but it holds the same light, comfy benefits for pants too.
If you love wearing dark denim or chinos for smart casual occasions but find them too stuffy for summer, try them in white. It’s likely to be a bolder color than you’d wear for work, and it makes a stylish statement when paired with colorful, floral, or printed shirts.
They’re also a great way to ease into the white pants look without diving straight into wide or looser fits that might not feel natural in your wardrobe.
Typically thought of as a formal style, pleated pants have had something of a revival in the past few years as looser styles have come back around. Defined by the folds or pleats along the waistband which give them a cool vintage edge, pleated pants can be a perfect pick for summer.
Since they’re not well suited to slim or skinny fits, pleated pants are a great way to pull off straight- and wide-leg pants with ease. We love them for warm weather because they don’t cling to the skin and allow plenty of room for comfortable movement.
Ideal for warm weather, the cut keeps the refined feel but the comfy stretch means you won’t have to worry about overheating and pulling at your waistband during occasions that call for a slightly smarter look.
For the best summer style, opt for a looser leg and a light tone that can be paired with any kind of top, from T-shirts to Oxfords. The versatility means you can pull off a pair of drawstring-waist pants at the beach just as easily as a summer wedding.
Like a sporty look but not into sweatshorts? Enter: summer sweatpants. Loose, light, and ideal for guys who are concerned about sweating in summer, this flattering fabric retains the casual look you love, without the thickness of jersey.
For extra summery points, pick a relaxed fit with lots of pockets for all your gear. They still feel laid-back and perfect for lounging, and are easy to style up for days out with friends or neighborhood cookouts.
Need to wear pants in the summer and have to move around a lot? We feel you. The good news is, it’s not so hard to find a pair of slim- or straight-fitting pants that have the look of jeans without the heavy feel.
Cotton or polyester pants offer a wider range of movement, which isn’t just great for your everyday comfort, but makes them perfect for summer when you’re more likely to find slim pants restrictive. Look for pants made with elastane, which will keep them moving without rubbing.
One of our favorite things about summer dressing is that anything goes. It’s a season of laid-back self-expression. So if you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to dip your toe into a more exciting style of dressing, this is it.
Stripe prints are perfect for spring and summer – but we think they can work just as well in winter too. So seize the season to invest in a cool, loose-fitting pair of striped pants and you can integrate them into your wardrobe just in time to make them a year-round favorite.
Special thanks to Thursday Boots and Nothing New for supporting Primer’s mission and partnering with us on this post.
When it comes to summer style, the right shoes can make all the difference. And the good news is, you don’t need a closet full of options. With just two carefully chosen pairs of sneakers, you can elevate your summer outfits and stay comfortable in the heat.
The classic white minimalist sneaker is a decades-long enduring style and the perfect way to anchor any summer look in the smart casual territory. Smart casual is my home base – it bridges the gap between formal wear and casual streetwear, blending comfort with a more polished aesthetic. What does that mean? Think of it as the sweet spot between dressed up and dressed down – you’re putting in effort, but you’re not too dressed up in contrast to the people around you. A crisp white sneaker can take a simple shorts and t-shirt combo and make it look clean and put-together. The beauty of the white sneaker is its versatility – it can adapt to almost any outfit and occasion, instantly giving you that effortless style vibe.
But sometimes, you want a little more color and personality in your summer footwear. That’s where a great pair of retro running shoes comes in. And we’re not talking about the vibrant, overly sporty styles that make you look like you’re headed to run club. We’ve specifically chosen a pair with a classic silhouette, a sophisticated dark green, blue, and white colorway, and minimal branding. These details bring a different kind of versatility to your summer fits – they allow the shoes to add visual interest to your outfit without overwhelming it.
There’s an elephant in the room when it comes to men’s summer footwear. Comfort. Let’s face it, as much as I love the look of a sleek loafer or a leather sandal, they’re not always the kindest to our feet. And in the summer heat, the last thing you want is to be hobbling around in pain. The retro running shoes are an opportunity to maintain don’t-have-to-think-about-it comfort in your summer footwear, something flat-soled sandals and flip flops are not known for until they’re worn in.
But this specific pair, because of its colorway, retro design, and lack of ornate sporty logos, takes a timeless silhouette in a classy color palette, and combines them with the comfort of an athletic shoe, all while keeping your outfit looking sophisticated – not like a guy who wore his 5k runners to a summer baby shower.
Picture any season but summer and think about what you would default to wearing if you wanted to look put-together and sophisticated. It doesn’t have to be dressed up, but it’s dressier than casual. I feel safe guessing that it includes some type of jacket like a blazer, bomber, or trucker, some form of long sleeve button up shirt, nicer pants or darker denim, and some kind of boot or dressier shoe.
Now picture what you would wear if you had to go to the same dress-level destination in the sweltering summer heat on August 1st. Maybe it’s a work function. Maybe you’re going to a four dollar sign restaurant while on a tropical vacation. Maybe you got invited to some trendy launch event from a friend of a friend.
If you’re mind goes blank, you’re not alone. Dressing well in summer is one of the most common things I get hit up about. For guys that live anywhere with more than two seasons, we default to layers and thick, textured fabrics – and lots of them – to build refined, cohesive outfits.
In summer, all of that goes out the window. But, here’s a little fun motivation: learning to dress well with the limitations of the hot season will noticeably improve your overall style for the rest of the year.
Here are 7 of my summer principles for making my summer uniform more put-together for dressier occasions:
1. Wear more refined versions of your summer go-tos
For many of us, sneakers are the shoe of summer, and there are some classics like canvas options from Vans and Converse that will pound pavement for you through your sunny months.
But when it’s 7PM and you’re getting ready to go somewhere, you may find paired with your pared down summer clothing, a pair of Vans Classics doesn’t seem put-together enough for the nice place you’re going.
In that case, swapping the canvas Vans for black suede slip-ons keeps everything you like about your just-kickin’ it shoes, but noticeably augments the outfit to something more intentional.
Similarly, keeping everything else in your outfit the same, swapping out your flip flips for a leather sandal immediately upgrades the look from oceanside to an evening appropriate outfit.
2. Lean on simple, enduring styles
I often see guys end up doing too much because they’re trying to make up for a lack of layers and material choices. A bright coral pink linen shirt with an intricate and colorful swim suit. Vivid shirts, shorts, and canvas sneakers all in completely different colors. I’m not opposed to bold colors, but when looking to build an outfit that looks more refined, as they say, less is more.
Just like with our recent Chris Pine outfit rebuild, starting with items that are classic and simple naturally create a more sophisticated outfit. To whatever degree that feels “boring” to you can be augmented incrementally, as Pine did with his rectangular watch, braided leather belt, and fuller cut chinos.
Bold or vivid colors and patterns are right at home in summer. To do it well, consider employing an emphasis hiearchy. Choose a bold item to highlight in your look, and build out the rest of the outfit with more subdued pieces that enhance the bold item, instead of fighting it or compounding it:
In summer, that could mean a uniquely patterned short sleeve shirt with neutral-hued shorts or pants. Or it could be bright teal chino shorts with a white oxford shirt and brown loafers. If you’re ever looking in the mirror and unsure if you’re attempting to do too much with your summer fit, try swapping just one item for a more subdued alternative and check again. If it feels balanced and cohesive, you’re good to go. Repeat as necessary.
3. When you want more splash, turn to vintage/retro trends so you’re calling on menswear from past eras, which are inherently more dressy
The summer months can feel a little repetitive: Polo, shorts. T-shirt, shorts. Short sleeve button up, shorts.
When you want to inject a little punch into a summer outfit, my personal move isn’t to go wild with bright colors or trend-chasing styles, it’s the opposite. I like to lean on vintage or retro designs, calling on past eras from menswear.
Lots of great options have become increasingly mall-accessible over the last few summers. Knit polos with interesting textures and tipping take your standard polo look from sporty to suave. Grail brands like Todd Snyder are the go-to for celebrities and the otherwise financially inclined but more affordable options are available if you’re willing to look.
Abercrombie & Fitch has become one of my favorite summer shirt stores thanks to their rotating offering of unique, retro-inspired knit polos and button ups. The Tie Bar is probably the safest, budget-friendly option, which is something I’m excited to see.
The pattern is intricate, so using trick 2, I balance it with dark charcoal chinos and brown suede loafers
For bottoms, flowier pants like the linen ones we recently featured instantly add a touch of retro Riviera. For shorts, going with a shorter inseam, cuffs, or pleats all introduce visual callbacks that enrich the way your shirt and footwear appear in your outfit.
PRIMER SPONSOR:
4. Add Structure to a Structure-less Season
With traditional professional and formal wear, there is an emphasis on structure and silhouette, with both virtually absent in summer clothing. On the far end of formality, with things like tuxedos, dress military uniforms, overcoats, crisp standing shirt collars, and perfectly knotted ties, sophistication is delivered with a detailed balance of rigid form and elegant drape. Drape is the quality of how clothing hangs and moves on your body.
With summer, all emphasis is placed on a flowing and rakish drape. Classic summer menswear staples include loose linen shirts and fluid, unbuttoned silk-like resort shirts. The looseness and thin material allows movement and airflow.
But sometimes that thin material can look too casual, for instance, in the collar area because it flattens out under its own weight.
Sliding a Slick Collar under the collar gives this soft, linen shirt more structure.
A dead-simple way to dress up your summer clothing is by adding structure. For example, wearing a polo with floppy collars looks casual and possibly even sloppy. Having a linen shirt’s collar go any way it wants in the sun is fine but casual.
You can instantly add more structure with a Slick Collar, which keeps it standing tall and intentional without reducing any of the comfort we expect in summer. In fact, I always forget it’s there when I wear it.
Slick Collar requires no sewing or alterations, and is adjustable so you can use it on all of your shirt collar sizes and types. You just flip up your collar, slide it on, and flip the collar back down.
With the collar flipped down, the Slick Collar is completely invisible, even on thin white fabric like this linen shirt
Instant structure – plus it stays in place all day and its completely invisible to anyone and undetectable by you. Each flexible Slick Collar kit comes with 3 separate sizes: Regular, for most shirts, Slim, for polos and thinner collared shirts, and Athletic, for larger shirt collars and neck sizes.
The kit also comes with 10 traditional shirt stays and is packaged in a small, metal travel storage box to make packing, even in the smallest luggage, a breeze. Primer readers save 15%!
5. Shop from the middle out
Personally, I prioritize buying things that “live in the middle.” Either because of their design or how they interact with the other outfit elements, these items can be dressed up OR worn casually. I refer to this as “shopping from the middle out.” I still buy only-casual or only-dressy pieces sometimes but I’m always drawn to this priority of versatility.
I do this all year, but it’s especially important in summer.
Unless you live somewhere hot and sticky most of the year, your summer-only clothing likely gets worn more frequently but for less of the year. This makes the case for buying not only designs that are versatile, but also nicer versions of these things. The benefit is you can then incorporate these into other seasons (linen shirts in spring, knit polos year round) even further justifying investing in these better versions.
Now you’ll start building a wardrobe that is not only easily pairable with one another within a specific season, but also when building outfits in other seasons:
Shopping from the middle out for your summer clothes makes them more easily worn in the rest of the year as well.
One of the best parts about shopping from the middle out, is “how dressy they appear” is controlled predominantly by what footwear you choose for a Getup.
Wear a retro-inspired knit polo with beat up white vans and you have a cool, casual day look. Pair them instead with a premium suede loafer and the entire outfit feels refined and evening ready. Generally speaking, it requires more effort and expertise to take a very casual or very dressy item and pull it the other way. Beginning with a middle out mentality requires a lot less computing power when you’re rushing to pack before summer vacation.
6. There are 2 ways for combating heat when making summer outfits
More than any other season, getting dressed in the summer prioritizes reducing the discomfort of making a hot sun hotter.
You have two options for optimizing being comfortable in high heat while maintaining some semblance of your personal style: Wear different, summer appropriate items (e.g. shorts over jeans):
or wear the same thing as always but with swaps for their summer versions (e.g. linen pants over jeans):
In this outfit, I’ve swapped the white long sleeve dress shirt for a silk short sleeve camp collar shirt, the cotton dress pants for linen pants, and brown suede boots for suede loafers.
In summer, swap your…
…for:
jeans
chino shorts, pull-on shorts
chinos and dress pants
linen pants
Wool suit
linen or cotton suit; linen blazer over a polo with lightweight chinos
button up oxford shirt
Short sleeve resort shirt; knit polo
dress shoes or boots
leather loafers or leather slip on like huaraches
Sweaters
loose knit button up shirts or polos
Jackets
Unlined cotton or linen versions
7. Embrace Jewelry
Lots of guys stop at sunglasses, wedding ring, and a watch, but accessories can add a lot to an outfit, especially a low key one, like the rectangular watch and bold sunglasses in the Chris Pine outfit I mentioned earlier.
For a long time, men’s jewelry in specific forms has only been embraced by certain subcultures, economic classes, or the fashionably fearless. In the last few years, the guardrails have really come off on what is and isn’t “acceptable” for day-to-day wear.
And it’s not just “who” can wear it, it’s how to wear it. Wearing both metal colors, multiple rings or bracelets, and simple chain necklaces can be mixed and matched as desired.
Nobody does that better than Primer style contributor Daniel Baraka, who regularly includes multiple pieces of jewelry in the outfits we feature to great effect. It never feels flashy or out of place, and we’ve previously discussed his personal connection to some of the pieces, which make wearing them that more meaningful.
Start slow and simple, if you’re curious. A narrow metal cuff bracelet or simple chain necklace adds degrees of character to a classic and minimal outfit.
What are some of your summer style tricks? Keep the list going in the comments below!
Gentlemen, it’s summertime. Sun’s out…toes out? Anyway, it’s sandal season, and while we’re all about eclectic style, certain sartorial choices are simply never going to be ok (I’m looking at you, crocks with socks). We threw together a short list of sandals that you can rock this summer for that casual, breathable look, and maybe even a pair or two you could wear to the office.
Let us know which pair are your favorite and if we missed any styles.
I got my first pair of Birkenstocks when I was a junior in high school, and I wore them through college until they literally fell apart. I’m now on my third pair in twenty years, and while they’re not cheap, they’re made well and worth every penny.
I like the Arizona because the suede straps are soft against the skin, and the open back encourages the natural gripping motion of your toes. I wear them with shorts, jeans, chinos, pretty much anything shy of a suit.
Ok, I’ll be honest: When these sandals were first released, I was a nay-sayer. Who in the hell would want foam Birkenstocks? But then I got a pair. You know what you can do in these? Literally anything. Beach day, scoop the dog poop, creek walkin’, backyard baths for your Bernese Mountain Dog (I know I’m getting a little specific here).
The bottom line: These sandals can take a beating and get wet while doing it (And no, you don’t want to get your suede Birks wet). Just rinse them off, and you’re good to go. I’ve said the same pair for two years, and they still look good as new.
Personally, I’m not a flip flop guy, but if there were a brand I’d buy, it would be Rainbow. Rainbow is a classic Apple story, started in a California garage by one man who spent $200 on a sewing machine and enough materials to make six pairs of sandals. When those were sold, he made another twelve pairs, and today Rainbow makes 2M pairs of sandals every year.
Each pair of Rainbow sandals is still made by hand, and this particular model has a nubuck leather upper, which will mold comfortably to your foot. It’s available in eight different colors, but man do I dig this forest green.
A hundreds-years-old Mexican style (Yucantan if you want to get specific), huaraches were originally made from the fiber of agave plants, which was quickly replaced by leather. Your grandad wore huarache sandals when he saw the Beach Boys live in concert, and they’ve been in style ever since.
This pair from Nisolo is woven by the hands of a craftsman who is paid a fair, living wage (a commitment made by Nisolo). The leather is water-resistant, and the no-slip rubber sole will keep you from taking a spill on a wet deck. Huaraches look great with sandals, but because they are closed-toe, they can also be dressed up with summer work wear.
We’ve written about espadrilles before, so I’ll keep this brief. Suffice to say, this is the ultimate summer shoe that’s sort of like a sandal. Originally named for the type of grass used to make the soles, this timeless shoe is now most commonly constructed using jute and a canvas upper. The canvas allows your foot to breathe, and the jute sole protects your feet from the ground.
Espadrilles slip on and off easily and pack flat for that upcoming beach trip. Wear them with shorts, bathing suits, jeans, or chinos. Apart from a suit, they match literally everything.
We’ve also written about the Bostons before, and while clogs aren’t exactly sandals, they’re not exactly not sandals either. The most alluring aspect of suede clogs is that they really are a three-season shoe (four seasons depending on where you live). Not only are these incredibly comfortable (the soft footbed molds to your foot and offers wonderful tactile feedback), but you can style them just about any way your heart desires.
In the summer, the Bostons are right at home with shorts. In the fall, they complement jeans, a sweater, and a pair of fairisle socks. The combinations are endless, and they move seamlessly from being an around-the-house shoe to a run-to-the-store shoe.
If you want a summer sandal that will breathe even better than the Bostons, look no further than the woven city slipper. Half clog, half huarache, half wildcard, these sandals are hand woven in a small village in India, which gets the vegetable-tanned leather from the next village over. Because of the open back, these definitely lean more casual, but you could probably sneak them into the office on a Friday with a pair of slim chinos and a polo shirt.
The secret weapon of these sandals is the crepe rubber sole, which I find the most comfortable type of shoe sole available. Crepe rubber seemingly never gets tired (that’s the best way I can say it) in that it stays lightweight while giving outstanding support.
There’s nothing wrong with those all-foam Adidas slides that you wore in the shower in college, but that’s what all-foams slides are for…the shower in college. And I know what you’re thinking: But what if I get the foam slides that say Balenciaga on top? Then I’d say you dropped $400 on $0.58 worth of rubber.
If you like slide sandals, go with a grown-up choice like a cross strap. These leather-strapped sandals from Cole Haan are subtle and understated, meaning you can wear a casual style that looks refined and mature.
The key to their elevated aesthetic lies in the pleats, which add a touch of refinement and create a sleek vertical line that elongates the silhouette. Baraka emphasizes their importance: “To me the most important part of these pants are the pleats and that they’re ironed in a way that pleated pants are. They walk the line between the very formal and the abysmally informal.”
But the true value of these pants is their unrivaled versatility. “When thinking about taking them from their natural habitat, which is lounging, to a cocktail party, brunch with friends, or any smart casual or dressed-up event that doesn’t require a super formal outfit – maybe even say a beach wedding, I can pull this off. They’re perfect for any party where adults are gathering and you have to look good and stylish,” Baraka shares.
Memorial Day is here, and it’s the smart time to refill your summer wardrobe with some smart finds. The best part? They’re all heavily discounted. It’s like getting end-of-season prices before the season even kicks off.
These picks cover all the essentials you’ll need for the warmer months. Think lightweight shirts for the office, casual knits for the weekend evenings, and shorts for everything in between. Whether you’re gearing up for a vacation or just looking to stay cool and stylish on Zoom, there’s something here for every occasion.
Now’s the time to snag these deals before you need them and prices are back up. From sweater polos to linen pants, you can upgrade your entire summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.
A blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. Dense, breathable cotton and a windowpane pattern make it perfect for adding a touch of retro style to your summer outfits.
Faded pocket tees are my jam all year round. They’re great on their own or paired with simple chinos for a decade-less look, or layered under an open camp collar shirt.
Charcoal denim has been my preference over dark denim for years now. It easily swaps into the same outfits but can also be styled in ways from rugged to evening appropriate.
Crafted from premium denim sourced from Japan’s renowned Kaihara Mills, these jeans offer a tailored straight fit that’s not too snug. A hint of stretch ensures all-day comfort, making them a versatile choice for all year.
I’ve had this bag (in a different color) for probably 6 years and I use it all the time. It can be used as a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag and has a ton of compartments.
Made from plush recycled cotton yarn, the Wellen Recycled Cotton Cardigan Sweater is a cozy and sustainable choice for cool summer nights. Its rich texture and soft feel will make it your favorite layer. To see how to style it with shorts, check out this link here.
I’ve been wearing Levi’s 501 Original Fit since I bought my first new pair in over a decade two years ago. Now, I have a hard time wearing anything slimmer. They were also featured in this week’s article on how to wear light wash jeans here.
I recently did an article called “My New Favorite Shirt is One I’ve Had for 7 Years,” featuring a similar western shirt from Gap. I also have the darker wash version of this Levi’s one and it’s great.
The Timex Weekender seems like one of the few things that hasn’t gotten more expensive over the last 15 years. Simple style built like a tank that ticks like a bomb.
The worst part about hanging art and photos isn’t the art and photos – it’s how expensive the frames are. Pick up this set of 5 picture frames and make a gallery wall or spread them through your place, all for the cost of lunch.
The ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste with 6-in-1 versatility. Upgrade your summer cookouts with precision temperature control and a large cooking capacity.
These are like the gray textured pair I featured recently to great fan-fare but in a lighter year-round weight. I’m a sucker for chinos with a tab button – it instantly brings up the refined-rakishness.
This piece offers a super cool vintage feel without making you look like you’re in a costume. It’s 70% cotton and machine washable, making it a practical choice for summer.
With a streamlined, buttonless design and a textured knit appearance for added interest, this relaxed fit top keeps you breezy with shorts. In fact, it pairs great with:
For the man who’s looking for something more from his chino shorts style. These have details like the extended tab button, coin pocket flap, and pleats, which have a new found appreciation in this looser fit era.
Todd Snyder is famous for there knit polos – only issue is they’re normally over $200. Made of a cotton silk blend, finding these for less is rare unless they’re in less core colors.
The off-white / natural jean is one of my absolute favorite swaps in the warmer months. Simply take your favorite outfit, slide these in exchange of your darker jeans and bam! Serious summer style.
When we lose layers in hot months, texture becomes a sartorial super pwoer. Simple and subtle, this is lightyears from a white short sleeve dress shirt.
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