Image via Complex Original
Ask Beyoncé who run the world, and the answer would be pretty damn obvious. The same would go if you asked Michelle Obama, Angela Merkel, and aspiring presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. But politics aside, when it comes to style and fashion, men are more wont to listen to the advice of women than say, anonymous dudes on the Internet. That's why we asked some of the smartest, most talented, stylish, and funniest women we know for summer style tips guys can use. Just because #AllMenAreTrash doesn't mean you have to dress like it. Heed their wise words.
Aleali May
Occupation: Stylist/Blogger
Instagram: @alealimay
Do: "Buckets, five panels, and Just Don hats are the perfect accessories for a simple summer fit."
Don’t: "Kill all the layers! Keep it cool by not over-accessorizing. You can’t let em’ see you sweat—literally."
Ashley Outrageous
Occupation: Multimedia Personality
Instagram: @aoutrageous
Do: "I love a guy who keeps it simple, but at the same time can have us ladies do a double take. Either a crisp black, white or grey tee with something like a pair of RIDEAU terry shorts and CDG Converse sneakers does the job. Top it off with a statement accessory, a chain or wrist piece, and a scent like Le Labo and you'll be sure to get real life eye emojis."
Don't: "The mixture of sandals/slides and crusty looking toes—that is one big NO, NO, NO. I can't even give any further details, just don't do it!"
Rox Brown
Occupation: Personal Shopper/Stylist, VFILES
Instagram: @rox_brown
Do: "Nike Huaraches because they're comfy and I think they look great on guys in warm weather. A coaches jacket for a cool summer night, and above the knee shorts. Nothing too sexy, though."
Don't: "Mandals. I hate man sandals. Some men aren't good at taking care of their feet and they are always the ones with mandals. It's gross. Also, Nike Air Rifts. I looovvve this shoe for myself, other women and children, but when I see men in them they remind me of a schoolgirl shoe or Ninja Turtle toes. Oh, and cargo shorts. You don't need all those pockets."
Mary H.K. Choi
Occupation: Writer
Instagram: @mujupu
Do: "Coke white everything, from Ultra Boosts to a blinding-white cotton tee. There's something so ostentatious and future about a clean look devoid of distraction or aesthetic crutches. On the flip, I love a monochrome summer black ensemble especially if it skews sportif. It's sleek, compellingly health goth in a Rick Owens manner and both all-white and all-black hint at an acceptance of the pain-in-the-ass factor of having to carry a Tide stain stick or suffering swamp-ass for a cohesive look. Dedication is super-appealing."
Don't: "There's just something amateurish about predictable 'whimsical' summer textiles. I'm talking madras or seersucker. That said if you are the rare transcendent swag lord who knows how and when to deploy linen, DO IT. Always highly impressive. Also, bucket hats are great for sun protection but absolute murder on any grown woman's desire to have sex with you. Additionally, and this is a tricky because it flouts practicality, but if you're going barefoot in a closed-toe shoe (since you acknowledge that dudes in flip-flops are LOL) make peace with buying some On Your Toes bactericide foot powder and use that shit. Dude-peds, those teeny-tiny socklettes are useful but weirdly off-putting in an older-lady-who-works-in-HR way."
Emily Oberg
Occupation: Editorial Producer, Complex
Instagram: @emilyelaineoberg
Do: "Have the perfect signature scent. Girls love when dudes have a certain smell. That way whenever they smell it, they'll always think of you!"
Don't: "Don't try to flex too hard by wearing a ton of designer labels. I'm pretty low key with my brands and I wouldn't want a guy to be wearing more brand names than I am. After all, you can't buy taste!"
Amina Blue
Occupation: Model
Instagram: @amina.blue
Do: "Neutrals are are always a yes. Neutral colors make it easy to mix, match and layer for all seasons and all occasions."
Don't: "The whole 'how much does your outfit cost?' thing is so old. Your outfit doesn't have to be the most expensive brands. As long as the outcome is nice, rock it."
Marleigh Culver
Occupation: Designer, Need Supply Co.
Instagram: @marleigiela
Do: "My taste isn’t for plebeians. I’m a lover to the stoner dad look: War vet/stranded on an island vibes, trudging through the 6 with his nostalgia. Your summer ‘Do’ dude is doobie king Doc Sportello in PTA’s Inherent Vice: Birkenstocks, Westerlind Hat and an Arpenteur/Orslow/Engineered Garments get up."
Don’t: "I think Shia LeBeouf is an attractive man ruined by style choices. His looks make me want to do the opposite of 'JUST DO IT!' No, I don’t want to do it. Not when you’re wearing shit like that. You look like a Play-Doh-eating five-year-old trolling a playground. Just don’t."
Winnie Harlow
Occupation: Model
Instagram: @winnieharlow
Do: "Be stylish yet comfortable. A ton of gold chains or tons of layers aren't practical for the summer, but gold bottom grills and light wash ripped jeans are. Depending on each item, any simple outfit can be swagged out. Tip: always carry a light jacket so when a hot girl is chilly you can be chivalrous."
Don't: "I can't stand feet, so when a guy wears flip-flops, I want to puke. There are soooooo many other options. Boat shoes are a great summer alternative. Flip-flops on men are a no-no—and not dressing for the weather! The forecast is your best friend, and rain is the enemy, so be sure to dress accordingly."
