Sometimes in the midst of keeping up with all the latest fashion trends people can forget about the most basic of items in their wardrobe. It is for this reason we rounded up the troops to highlight some of their favourite summer basics/must haves. From swim trunks to footwear, here is a great collection of items you should have no matter your fashion prowess.
Gotstyle Stylist Mallory
Venroy – Iranian Tile Lined Aussie Swimming Shorts Paisley $145.00 Shop Now
The Venroy trunks have great colour and an interesting pattern but still look masculine. I think any guy would be confident to wear these on their own by the lake or with a t-shirt while by the campfire.
Parke & Ronen – Slim Board Short Blue $138.00
These shorts offer length for the guy who isn’t quite ready to bare his whole thigh in a European cut swim trunk. The pattern also reminds me of Turkish mosaic tiles which could be a great conversation starter pool side. 😉
Ted Baker Boara Par Print Swim Short Cord Tie ASSRT $125.00
I went to summer camp growing up so the reason I enjoy these shorts is purely nostalgic. The pattern reminds me of paddles we used to paint, shellac and then go canoeing with. Ted Baker is a very playful brand and I think they have Hit the nail on the head with this design.
Gotstyle Stylist Joel
Luigi Sardo Classic Canvas Shoe (White): $60
I think everyone needs a white canvas tennis shoe, it’s as classic as it gets and can go with anything. I would wear this all summer with shorts, denim or even a nice cotton suit.
Rivieras Tour du Mond Mesh Slip-On: $85
Perfect for weekends in the city or at the cottage. Casual but slick enough to dress up. Again to be worn with shorts or denim (white jeans for summer!)
Tiger Of Sweden Vince Raffia Leather Shoe: $229 Shop Now
Classic with a twist. Classic shape and cool mix of navy and black makes them very versatile. Woven to make them stand out in the crowd.
Gotstyle Stylist Jenna
John Varvatos Coated Baseball Cap: $85
Whether you’re on the golf course or at the stadium everyone needs a ball cap in the summer and this John Varvatos interpretation blends the functionality of the garment with the rock-star edge that you’ve come to expect from the NY designer. It’s wax coated cotton outer shell helps to keep your noggin’ from frying in the summer and the leather embellished bottom of the brim helps you to keep your eye on the ball stylishly. The inner lining is the Varvatos pinstripe and the strap back makes it adjustable for all head sizes, so you’re girlfriend will look cute wearing it as well.
John Varvatos Ivy Flat Cap: $85
Nothing screams summer like cruising down the road in a convertible but if you’ve got some flow you need to keep it off your face so that you can keep your eyes safely on the road (and the pretty ladies on the sidewalk). This iteration of the classic driving cap sports a light weight and breathable denim top with a cool felt brim to keep the hat from looking stale and boring. Small details like the stars on the back and the Varvatos pinstripe on the inner lining gives this timeless classic a cool and relevant kick.
Goorin Hammond Square Crown Flip Up Fedora: $40
Whether it’s Long Beach or South Beach the straw woven fedora is a staple of warm weather destinations around the world. This black straw Goorin Bros. fedora is an edgier take on the hat that your grandfather wore when he vacationed south during the colder winter months. What makes the straw fedora such a key component of any guy’s summer headwear collection is that it goes great with a tank top, shorts and flip-flops or with a blazer and dressy shorts. Rock it tilted back with a pair of shades to keep your lid cool and your style cooler.
Gotstyle Stylist Sam
Vito Scoop T-Shirt: $38
Everyone should a have a white t-shirt in their summer wardrobe and this Vito t-shirt is perfectly designed to fill that niche. It’s more sartorial than your plain t-shirt that comes in a pack of three that you can buy from any big box store and that’s why we love it. The wide crew collar and bing pocket take it from a basic to a stylish staple. It’s cut trim and the sleeves are slightly shorter to keep it proportional and the cotton that Vito used to produce it is very light-weight and super soft. It pairs great with a pair of jeans or shorts or under a fun summer button down making it a versatile and fundamental element of any casual summer outfit
Sol Angeles Zissou Tee: $60
Sol Angeles makes some of the softest cotton t-shirts on the market. This t-shirt is perfect for the guy who wants a fun graphic t-shirt without channeling his inner “Bobby Bottleservice”. The Zissou graphic is a plays on the nautical motif which is standard for summer apparel by referencing Bill Murray’s deep sea exploring character Dr. Steve Zissou from the film “Life Aquatic”. In addition to being extremely comfortable the Sol Angeles t-shirts sport a flattering, trim fit and a slightly higher v-neck collar so that you can rock a V without feeling too “on display” and vulnerable.
Alternative Apparel Camo Contrast Crew Neck Tee: $45
Who doesn’t love camo? Alternative Apparel has taken the camouflage shirt and made it more chic and less consignment. With a super soft, pre-washed cotton it feels and looks like your favourite summer t-shirt but doesn’t look or smell like you bought it in the back room of a Kensington market surplus shop. With the fluorescent orange crew neck no one will mistake you for a drill sergeant either. We recommend pairing with a cool khaki short or washed out denim.
Gotstyle Stylist Eli
Zanerobe Sureshot Relaxed Chino Cut Shorts: $95 Shop Now
These are fun, casual shorts in a jersey material and are cut off to look like you just cut off the legs from an old pair of sweat pants. Great for kicking around the house, doing groceries or walking the dog. They differentiate themselves from the average casual sweat pant because of the drop crotch that we’ve come to expect and love from Zanerobe’s pants. These shorts help to make the point that super casual and super stylish can indeed be synonymous.
Ted Baker Flamingo Embroidered Chino Shorts: $165
These flamingo embellished shorts from Ted Baker and cut trim through the leg and hit just above the knee and are an extremely versatile summer garment. The fit and deep navy colour make them very easy to dress up with a fun sport shirt and wear out to dinner with a slick pair of driving loafers or you can throw on a fun polo and a pair of boat shoes and go strolling through the Distillery on a sunny weekend afternoon. As with all Ted Baker the devil is in the detail so in addition to the flamingo embellishments the inside of the cuff of the short is lined with a cool chambray that adds a fun element without overwhelming the senses.
Moods of Norway Arild Sunde Pinstripe Linen Shorts: $165
How do get dressed up in the summer while still staying well ventilated? A dressy pair of shorts is the answer that any guy who schvitzes during the warm months. By cutting this short just above the knee and with a slim leg complete with a pinstripe Moods of Norway has made a short that should be worn with a blazer (preferably the corresponding one from MoN that we carry), a dress shirt and a pair of cognac coloured lace-ups, proving that you dress up your shorts without looking like a school-boy.
