Summer Wardrobe Basics for Men

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"You can add character to a solid summer suit or sports coat by placing a polka-dot or striped pocket square in the breast pocket."

— Caroline Watson, Celebrity Stylist

The Casual Shoes

When the days get hotter, the pants get shorter. What shoes go great with shorts? Fashion expert Clare Mukherjee says TOMS are a must.

"They are lightweight and incredibly comfortable and are the perfect men's casual daytime summer shoe," said Mukherjee, a regular on Style Network's "How Do I Look?" and whose styling has appeared on the pages of "Vanity Fair" and "Flaunt."

Celebrity stylist Caroline Watson agrees -- casual shoe is "it" for footwear. Her favorite is Tod's My Colors Gommino loafer in sea blue or sunflower yellow.

"Casuals look so cool teamed with seersucker shorts, rolled-up jeans or chinos for that daytime, laid-back feel," said Watson, who has styled David Beckham, Matthew Morrison and P. Diddy, "Then at night, wear them with a sharp-cut summer suit to give that uber-cool, slick 'Miami Vice' look."

One rule to remember when rocking your casuals, according to Watson: "No socks allowed!"

The Jackets

Although the temperature is hot during the day, summer nights can get pretty cool, making a jacket both stylish and appropriate. The more casual dudes can give a green Army jacket a go. "It looks like you haven't tried too hard," said Mukherjee. "It's also really practical, with multiple pockets that are great for stashing wallets and phones."

The budget-conscious guy should try his luck at a local Army surplus store. For those who want to splurge, Mukherjee suggests shopping designers such as A.P.C. or Rag & Bone.

On the other hand, a navy sport coat adds a bit of dapper to any closet. "It has to be my favorite item for men this summer," said Watson. "Whether it be single- or double-breasted, a classic navy sports coat is a key piece that every man should not go without."

Watson suggests styling the versatile navy sport coat with chino pants or shorts, a polo shirt, and moccasins for daytime. At night, dress it up with a crisp white button-down shirt, dress pants and brogues. The finishing touch: a polka-dot pocket square.

The Sunglasses

From aviators to Wayfarers, sunglasses are the coolest way to add style to any outfit. "For the classic soul in you, go for Ray-Ban Wayfarers -- so timeless," said Watson. "You can wear them with shorts and T-shirt, or to add that special va-va-voom, pair them with your sharp tailored suit."

Another iconic sunglass maker, Persol, has released a new sunglass called the Roadster, a favorite of celebrity stylist Jenny Ricker. "It's a very cool sunglass because it's modeled after a 'Boardwalk Empire'/prohibition kind of era," said Ricker, whose clients include Jon Hamm, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zac Efron. "They look great on most faces, which is amazing."

The Splash of Color

Summer is no time to be ho-hum -- bright and cheery is the way to go. A neck scarf, pocket square or tie is the perfect way to add a splash of color without looking like a character out of Rainbow Brite.

Ricker suggests pastel or bright-colored linen ties. Her favorites are from Gentry. "It is reminiscent of that preppy, East Coast vibe," said Ricker. "All guys can wear them. And it's a great way to add a dash of color at night to get dressed up but still keep it very summery." Ricker says this look works best with khakis and a linen shirt.

An alternative to the tie is a pocket square or neck scarf. "You can add character to a solid summer suit or sports coat by placing a polka-dot or striped pocket square in the breast pocket," said Watson. "Or tie a small scarf around your neck to jazz up a T-shirt or button-down." Either way, you will be ready to hit the pool party in style.

The Swim Trunks

Perhaps the most important summer basic for men is the most difficult to find: a great pair of swim trunks. They are essential for pool parties, weekends at the lake or playing hooky at the beach.

However, most don't fit properly; they're overly baggy, too long or have obnoxious designs.

This summer, let your thighs get a little sun. Keep the length above the knee, not below. Opt for a flat front to avoid the elastic bands that can highlight any extra pudge. Make sure they are not too large and don't balloon. And to keep looking hot, stick with classic surf designs and colors.

To stay chic in the sun, Ricker suggests Sundek swim trunks. The collaboration with designer Neil Barrett makes this amazing trunk a definite summer plus.

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