Image via Complex Original
Summer may seem like the season of few options when it comes to style, but you'd be surprised what you can do with a minimal wardrobe when you're willing to take a few risks. You may not have all the outerwear and accessories to layer like you do during the cooler months, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on what you wear entirely.
You don't need to wear half your closet to mix up different colors, patterns, fits, and textures in interesting ways. Just make some well-considered decisions about how you mix things up and what risks you take, else you look like one of those outrageously Pitti Uomo streetstyle peakcocks you see on Instagram.
Yes, summer is all about throwing on some shorts, a tank, and some simple sneakers. We're not saying you should change that. But you don't want to be mistaken for the lifeguard when you're trying to stunt this summer, so mix up your basic 'fits with one or two of these Style Risks You Should Take This Summer.
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All-Over Print T-Shirts All Over Again
Did they ever go anywhere? Yes, they did. But all trends are cyclical, and the de facto steez of streetwear's recent past is having a resurgence. Avoid cartoonish graphics and opt for something artistic and geometric.
Buy it Now at Sangue, $77
Cut off Chinos (Chorts?)
Yeah, we know you got the jorts game on lock. But what about chorts? Bonus points for cutting off a pair of chinos you wore to paint your apartment or landscape your yard. The more lived-in, the better.
Camo + Dots
Simple math here: Take two interesting patterns, wear them together, and you get an interesting look. Dotted and camo-printed pieces stand out on their own, but keep the silhouette classic and pair them together for an undeniable combo.
Color-Blocked Shorts
The cool thing about color-blocking done right is that it totally complicates the proportions of your outfit in an interesting way. Don't be shy about colors—the less likely the combo the better.
Mandals
Men should never wear mandals, but the best part about fashion is breaking all the rules and making bogus shit look awesome. Put together a uniquely fresh look and your weird strappy sandals won't stand out at all—they'll look just as natural as the awesome scooter you're riding.
Tie-Dye With a Collar
Tie-dye has been trending for a minute now, but take it beyond T-shirts to pop-overs and oxfords and suddenly you've got a menswear/streetwear hippie-dippie mash-up that is undoubtedly cool. Under a blazer? Yes. With some crisp chinos and loafers? Yes. Paired with your favorite frayed jorts? Definitely.
Buy It Now at Engineered Garments, $185
Buy It Now at Sid Mashburn, $195
Buy It Now at 10 Deep, $74
Matching Top and Bottom
It's easy to criticize someone for being too matchy-matchy, but push it to the max with a loud and bright pattern and you've got an unfuckwithable 'fit. Keep the rest simple. White sneakers always look clean, and any other accessories should be as nondescript as possible.
Printed Pants
Put your camo chinos on hold for a weekend and try something completely different—floral, paisley, polka dot, whatever you can find. Just go with a subdued hue and keep the top basic. A blue oxford shirt always works.
Combine Streetwear With Traditional Tailoring
Mixing high and low is a classic menswear move, but rocking branded streetwear with traditional tailoring requires a special eye and a knack for juxtaposing ideas. Keep the color palette minimal, and have some fun with it—extra wide lapels and a cut off shirt collar give the whole look some surprising cohesion.
Mixed Stripes
Striped tees and seersucker sport coats are nothing new for summer, but mash them up together with different colors, and stripes of different widths in different directions and you get a unique look. Stick with stripes on white in primary colors and you won't fuck this up.