Image via Complex Original
More often than not, people overthink the idea of taking things “to the next level.” They end up trying too hard and coming off as just another hungry goon who’s lost his way. At this point, some of you are probably reminded of the last time you forgot to play it cool. I’m sorry, but it’s important to un-bottle those memories or else you’ll keep making that mistake time and time again. Now, let me take a moment here to say that I’ve been there. A lot. I’ve ruined many a potential great nights, friendships, and relationships by going H.A.M. on many a different levels. But every time being lame knocked me down, I got up and never did it again. Well, not every time but hey, lay off, there’s always something new to learn. With that said, it’s time for you to get a lesson in taking the rest of summer up to a level you couldn’t even imagine it could be elevated to. And if these tips don’t get you there, well, you’re probably still going to have a blast in the process.
Always Be Babin'
At this point in life, this should not be news to you. Think of it more as a reminder. Have babes with you, wherever you go. Of course you need a strong ratio to get into a dope spot, that goes without saying, but even beyond that life’s just better when you have great babes around. And this is especially true in the summer. Beach babes. Club babes. Hang out babes. Coffee babes. No matter where you get in or don’t get in, if you’ve got a great group of ladies, you’ll always have an excellent time. A group of happy-go-lucky girls also attracts other like-minded girls. Before you know it, you’ll be like Charlie with his Angels. Actually, how come he only had three angels? Scratch that, you’ll be better than Charlie. You’ll be Chuck.
Calculated Rooftoping
A strong rooftop situation, whether it be a bar or the well-curated roof of an apartment building, is a great look. They are the definitive summer in the city hangout. Great weather, good tunes, and cool drinks on a roof can set an amazing tone for the evening—just don’t wear out its welcome. A rooftop gathering can go from 100 to lame real quick if you try to push it. Start on a roof, end on a roof, or both. Don’t you dare middle on a roof. The aforementioned summer babes hate a roof middler almost as much as I do.
If You Can't Host an After Party, Find One Before Going Out
There’s no worse feeling than walking out of the club because you have to, still being amped to party and nobody whispering those magical words, “I got a spot.” And it’s totally cool if your spot isn’t that spot. Having the right apartment for hosting an after party isn’t up to you, it’s up to the apartment. But if you can, you host it. Not all the time, cause that gets grimy real quick, but host a handful throughout the summer and you’ll have enough juice to carry you through those cold winter months. If you can’t play host, then you gotta find one. They’re out there, every night, in varying degrees of coolness—you just got do some digging. Knowing where a dope after party is just as good, if not better, than hosting one. Knowledge is power and cleaning up sucks.
If You're Not That Dude, Find Him Before Going Out
Enjoying a seamless transition from spot to spot as you gallivant with your crew on a warm summer’s eve is all about who you know. If you’re that dude, you’re good. Keep it moving, there’s nothing in this paragraph for you to know. If you’re not that dude, all good, you just gotta find him. All it takes a little research. If you’ve lived in a place long enough, you know who knows what spots are popping. Maybe you feel off the scene a bit. No matter. The spots change but for the most part, the dudes stay the same. I’m only out there if my dudes are out there and that’s it. If I’m asked to curate an evening and I’m not confidant that I can easily make moves, I’ll push it off to another night. Patience is a virtue. So be virtuous for once in your life.
No Lines, No Excuses
This one should come as no surprise but sometimes we all need a little reminder. Of course if you “know that dude,” as previously mentioned, this won’t even be an issue. “That dude” always knows his way around lines. But maybe you don’t know him. Maybe you aren’t him. And maybe you just can’t say no and need to get out there no matter what. Well, then get creative with it. Remember, your reputation is always on the line if you’re trying to lead the pack. And you wouldn’t be reading this article if that wasn’t part of your summer objective. There’s plenty of dope spots that aren’t clubs that will accommodate a group of beautiful people ready to enjoy some pink bubbly. Know them and keep a mental list on the ready before going out. If you don’t want to make the effort to sniff them out, then I don’t know what to tell you. The next level of crushing summer isn’t just going to fall into your lap, nor should it. It feels better earned, like playing professional sports. I assume.
A Little Gaudy Goes a Long Way
Flaunting a little bit is perfectly fine. You want to flash a chain or a watch or a five-figure belt, sure. Do you. Just don’t overdo you. This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way. My Lord if you scrolled to the bowls of my Facebook photo albums, you will see some horrendous decisions captured for all eternity. But, like I said before, I learned and put those nightmares behind me. And the biggest lesson I learn is that if you’re looking to make a power move with your fit, make one and only one. There’s only room for one strong, gaudy statement in an outfit. Trust that people will see, take note, and appreciate it. The summertime also opens up a lot of options since you can layer-up at your leisure. Me? I’m a gold Figaro kinda guy. You? Well, you tell me.
Sunglasses Off at Sunset
I can’t believe I even have to say this, but based on what I continue to see in these streets, the sunglasses at night epidemic still runs rampant. What is the attraction with this move? You can’t see a damn thing, anywhere, especially in the club, and everyone knows you’re doing it as a “fashion” statement. All you’re gonna do is attract other idiots who make equally as terrible decisions. And given that it’s summer, this sentiment extends into other scenarios in which shades are forced upon. Swimming, being the next culprit. Take the damn shades off before you take a dip. You’re not Cyclops; you don’t need to wear those things everywhere you go for fear of destroying everything around you. In fact, the only thing you’re destroying by wearing them is your reputation.
Day Rosé FTW
It’s summertime so you don’t have to just get it in when the sun goes down. In fact, it’s arguably a lot more fun to have your kicks while the sun is shinning. Rally up your crew for some day rosé champagne gatherings at least once a month, if not more. At the beach. Back to the rooftop. Hell, even on your stoop. The city is alive and jumping during weekend summer days so take advantage of that energy. It’s also a good look to start early because then you can transition into a smaller, more intimate group at night. That way you can you take an hour off to regroup, change up the outfit and hit the streets for a low-to-medium key night with the right folks or folk. Summer is short enough, make every day as long as possible.
Own Everything
No matter when you do it, what you do, how bad it seems to be going, or how good it seems to be going, own it. Confidently own every move you make and things will be just fine. Confidence goes a long way. It’s contagious and can save many a questionable evening. If something is starting to look lame, recognize it, switch gears, and keep it moving. Confidently keeping a solid flow to your daytime (or evening) shenanigans will ensure that the group homeostasis is maintained and smiles are kept on faces. Think about all the famous, no-talent hacks out there and you can’t for the life of you figure out why. It’s because they confidently owned every decision they’ve made up until that point, and every decision they’re going to make moving forward. It might be easier said than done so just skip saying it and do it and it won’t be a problem.
Celebrate Everything
Make every evening a celebration. Of what? Doesn’t matter. Make it up. It’s the summer, there are plenty of reasons to turn just another evening out into an all-out celebration of life. There’s one right there. Life. How about just summer? Or Summer Fridays? Or fresh tans? Or a sick haircut? People get amped when there’s something to rally a night around so give them a reason and keep reminding them of it. A bottle of rosé champagne is delicious any way you cut it, but it’s even better when it’s raised over your head while everyone screams, “Cheers to 72 degrees! Cheers to 72 degrees!” At the end of the day, it’s summer. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy it but there is a right way to make it a summer you’ll talk about forever. You’ve got two months left. Get off this computer, pop a cork and make a couple unforgettable memories already.