Image via Complex Original
It's the age old crisis of style conscience street goths, all-black-everything enthusiasts, and the rest of us who like a little monochromatic steez in our lives face every summer: dare we tempt the sun? It can be hard to go three months and change on minimal black clothes because, let's be honest—black is the best color for any and every item. But no one wants to go through the season as a sweaty gross mess just from sticking to the fresh code. Well, we've got you covered with a few items you could probably get away with if you're not going on a desert hike. Just make sure you've memorized your summer hacks while flossing in The Best All-Black-Everything Clothing Items to Rock This Summer.
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Saint Laurent Paris Low-Waisted Skinny Jean
Buy It Now at YSL, $475
The age old battle. While most back down from the sun and opt for black khakis or lightweight denim, the fearless still bring the black denim out as if it's March instead of July. This pair from SLP is so above trends and of such high-quality that the investment-worthy price tag shouldn't immediately dissuade you. Think of how many summers these jeans will get you through. The gods at SLP continue to keep your upper-echelon flexing on point.
Levi's Vintage Clothing Short Sleeve Shirt
Keep your top rotation well-rounded with this airy, quasi-bowling steez button-up. If you're still sweating profusely in this it might be time to hit the gym harder.
Zara Blazer With No Lapel
Buy It Now at Zara, $90
Even if every day is casual Friday in your office, chances are you'll need to suit up at least a few times during June-September—it's wedding season, after all. This Zara blazer is fresh and forward on that no lapel wave but most importantly, won't fry you for being formal.
Vans Perforated Leather Slip-on
Buy It Now at Vans, $60
These are the only leather item you should dare to rock while the daily high is above 75 degrees. Classic Vans on your feet make the cypher complete and won't trap the heat.
Retrosuperfuture América Black Sunglasses
Buy Them Now at Super, $238
You may not claim street goth colors as a rule, but there's no debate that classic black is the best color for any pair of shades. Block the sun and stunt the way James Dean intended you to with Super's classic América silhouette. Battling the sun and protecting your peepers should never slacken your style.
Comme des Garçons PLAY Black Heart Cardigan
Buy It Now at Totokaelo, $413
Don't underestimate the need for summer outerwear. As the sun sets and things cool off ever so slightly, a good lightweight sweater or jacket is key to continuing to flourish on the block and wake-up without that dreaded summer cold the next morning.
Folk Lightweight Cotton Trousers
Buy Them Now at MR PORTER, $240
Your number one goal for summer should be to eradicate any hint of swamp ass. Jeans and pants are the number one cause of black-in-summer casualties, and even if you're not team all-black-everything, pairing off the alphet with some black bottoms is favored by everyone. These trousers from Folk are lightweight cotton, meaning you can go about your day without two extra pairs of boxers on deck.
Stussy One World Mesh Shorts
Buy It Now at Stussy, $50
Sportswear is the fuckin' move if you're trying to keep it both fresh and breezy this summer. With these basketball shorts from Stussy, you get a streetwear twist on an absolute summertime essential. These are so minimal that they can be incorporated into any sort of all-black 'fit with ease and with very little chance of error.
Hotel Pigalle T-shirt
Buy It Now at V-Files, $85
You're tempting the elements by stepping out in a mostly black tee smack in the middle of July. But body temp notwithstanding, you'll at least look cool in the latest tee from the swag overlords at Pigalle. The stylishly inclined will recognize and the Philistines will think you just came back from summer vacay at a super cool sounding hotel in the South of France. Win-win.
Uniform Wares 300 Chronograph Wristwatch
Buy It Now at Norse Store, $1,311
The timepiece is man's most important accessory no matter what month of the year it is. Those bulky, flashy joints will leave you with more than just a watch tan though. Keep your wrist from being showered in extra sweat with Uniform Wares, which offers understated options that indicate that you're no slouch in the watch game.