6

Summer Style Mistakes
to Avoid

We get it. When it's hot out, you don't want to put a lot of thought into what you're wearing. You just want to throw something on and go have some fun. But if you fall prey to these common pitfalls, you won't look your best. And then you won't feel your best. So read up and beware of these mistakes so that you can look sharp, feel great and have fun this summer.

 
1

Shorts That Aren't Short

A pair of shorts should be just that—short. Those baggy, oversized pairs that are long enough to skim the bottom of your kneecaps just look dumpy. They visually shorten the legs and make you look like a kid with skinny legs. Instead, choose a pair that's comfortable but tailored with an inseam anywhere from seven to 10 inches.

Linen Stanton shorts, $75 / $52.50 (with code YESPLEASE) by J.Crew

 
2

Forgetting
the Season

You don't have to wear a tank top and espadrilles, but when it's nearing 90 degrees outside, you shouldn't be wearing a knit beanie cap, bulky lace-up boots or a heavy jacket. At best, you're going to look out of place and, at worst, you're going to look like a sweaty, uncomfortable mess.

Linen Stanton shorts, $75 / $52.50 (with code YESPLEASE) by J.Crew

 
 
3

Rogue Sunglasses

Wear your shades in the sun. Take them off when you're indoors. That much is simple, but when you're not wearing your sunglasses, place them in your chest pocket. If you don't have a pocket, hang them on your collar or through your pants' belt loop. Do not wear them backwards, place them on top of your hat or hang them off the back of your shirt collar.

 

$59 by Nice Laundry

4

Not Going 'Sockless'

There's something attractive and inherently summery about the flash of ankle below the hem of a trouser. It makes it easy to pair nearly any shoe with what you're wearing and also makes wearing shorts look downright grown-up. Of course, going commando will send your shoes to the seventh circle of smell so be sure to sport invisible "no-show" socks. Nice Laundry makes special designs for sneakers, dress shoes and loafers.

 
5

Heavyweight Pants

Now is not the time to wear your thick twill chinos or heavy wool dress pants, no matter how air-conditioned your office. The summer isn't the best season to break in some new selvedge denim, either. Opt for lightweight and breathable cotton or linen pants, which are not only cooler in temperature but also come in more seasonal shades. And embrace the softer, washed and worn-in denim that's popping up everywhere these days.

 
6

Flip-Flops Far From the Water

Unless you're lounging by the pool or padding around the boardwalk along the beach, flip flops should be avoided. The constant slapping sound is anything but gentlemanly and there are more stylish sandals you can wear.

FYI

The "dog days of summer" refer to the weeks between July 3 and August 11 and are named after the Dog Star in the Canis Major constellation. The ancient Greeks blamed it for the hot temperatures, drought and sickness that occurred during summer.

 
 

Linen Stanton shorts, $75 / $52.50 (with code YESPLEASE) by J.Crew

6

Summer Style Mistakes
to Avoid

We get it. When it's hot out, you don't want to put a lot of thought into what you're wearing. You just want to throw something on and go have some fun. But if you fall prey to these common pitfalls, you won't look your best. And then you won't feel your best. So read up and beware of these mistakes so that you can look sharp, feel great and have fun this summer.

 
1

Shorts That Aren't Short

A pair of shorts should be just that—short. Those baggy, oversized pairs that are long enough to skim the bottom of your kneecaps just look dumpy. They visually shorten the legs and make you look like a kid with skinny legs. Instead, choose a pair that's comfortable but tailored with an inseam anywhere from seven to 10 inches.

 
2

Forgetting
the Season

You don't have to wear a tank top and espadrilles, but when it's nearing 90 degrees outside, you shouldn't be wearing a knit beanie cap, bulky lace-up boots or a heavy jacket. At best, you're going to look out of place and, at worst, you're going to look like a sweaty, uncomfortable mess.

Linen Stanton
shorts, $75 / $52.50
(with code
YESPLEASE)
by J.Crew

Linen Stanton
shorts, $75 / $52.50
(with code
YESPLEASE)
by J.Crew

 
 
3

Rogue Sunglasses

Wear your shades in the sun. Take them off when you're indoors. That much is simple, but when you're not wearing your sunglasses, place them in your chest pocket. If you don't have a pocket, hang them on your collar or through your pants' belt loop. Do not wear them backwards, place them on top of your hat or hang them off the back of your shirt collar.

 

$59 by Nice Laundry

4

Not Going 'Sockless'

There's something attractive and inherently summery about the flash of ankle below the hem of a trouser. It makes it easy to pair nearly any shoe with what you're wearing and also makes wearing shorts look downright grown-up. Of course, going commando will send your shoes to the seventh circle of smell so be sure to sport invisible "no-show" socks. Nice Laundry makes special designs for sneakers, dress shoes and loafers.

 
5

Heavyweight Pants

Now is not the time to wear your thick twill chinos or heavy wool dress pants, no matter how air-conditioned your office. The summer isn't the best season to break in some new selvedge denim, either. Opt for lightweight and breathable cotton or linen pants, which are not only cooler in temperature but also come in more seasonal shades. And embrace the softer, washed and worn-in denim that's popping up everywhere these days.

 
6

Flip-Flops Far From the Water

Unless you're lounging by the pool or padding around the boardwalk along the beach, flip flops should be avoided. The constant slapping sound is anything but gentlemanly and there are more stylish sandals you can wear.

FYI

The "dog days of summer" refer to the weeks between July 3 and August 11 and are named after the Dog Star in the Canis Major constellation. The ancient Greeks blamed it for the hot temperatures, drought and sickness that occurred during summer.