The 10 Style Risks You Should Take This Summer

Don't play it safe this summer.

Jun 22, 2011
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original

Are you ready to bring the heat this summer? Or are you unsure of which trends to rock? There is definitely no shortage of trends this season, but be ware. Some of them scream WTFWYW?. Still, a few of those borderline-faux-pas and questionable duds can be turned into hits. Forget what you thought about colored chinos and shorts shorter than shants. That’s right, we’re embracing some of summer’s risky trends. If you want to look fresh in this blazing weather and are feeling adventurous, look no further.  Check out our 10 Style Risks of the Summer.

Reflective Sunglasses

With the right shape (we prefer Wayfarers), reflective sunglasses can go from crazy-looking sunnies to a hit with the ladies.

Colored Chinos

Think red (or green or mustard or blue). Just not head-to-toe. The key to doing color below is keeping it simple up top.

Tank Tops

Show off those guns in a striped tank top and stay cool with the ladies. But remember to leave the muscle tanks at home.

Going sockless

Pair your cuffed chinos or shorts with boat shoes, espadrilles, oxfords or canvas sneakers for the perfect summer look.

Trilbies

Lean with it, rock with it. Pairing your trilby with a casual look will be enough to get you attention from everyone, everywhere. We DON’T need you to go Frank Sinatra on us.

Denim Shorts

Mid-length denim shorts, cuffed or not, Pharell co-signs the look.

Floral Prints

Real men wear floral prints. Wear them up top if they’re small and muted.

Leopard print

Wear it with confidence.

Espadrilles

Put your best foot forward, sockless, of course.

Nautical Bracelet

Who says men can’t wear bracelets? We like them braided, stacked and sometimes colorful. Make sure you keep it simple with a basic tee and jeans.

 

 

Mid-length denim shorts, cuffed or not, Pharell co-signs the look.

Lead

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Most trends are whack. That’s a simple fact. That’s why they’re called trends. But not all of them. There are plenty of ways you can use them to your advantage and gain some extra style points for your summer looks. You might have to step outside of your fashion comfort-zone, but take our advice and take a few risks this summer—you’ll thank us. Just not all at once. Check out The 10 Style Risks You Should Take This Summer.

chinos

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Colored Pants

Think red (or green or mustard or blue). Just not head-to-toe. The key to doing color below is keeping it simple up top.

denimshorts

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Denim Shorts

Mid-length denim shorts, cuffed or not, Pharrell co-signs the look. And you can make them yourself. Just keep the inseam closer to your knees than your nads.

espadrilles

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Espadrilles

Go sockless, of course. And try some crazy prints and patters. They won't last you more than one summer, anyway, so go nuts.

shades

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Mirror Sunglasses

They can be obnoxious, but that's what's awesome about them. Find a shape that fits your face— Wayfarers or Frogskins work for most people—and get crazy.

bracelets

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Nautical Bracelet

Who says men can’t wear bracelets? Braided, stacked, hand-tied, colorful—just make sure you keep it simple with a basic tee and jeans to keep things balanced.

sockless

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Going sockless

Pair your cuffed chinos or shorts with boat shoes, espadrilles, oxfords or canvas sneakers and show some ankle for the perfect summer look. Just cop some Gold Bond and you're good to go.

floral

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Floral Prints

Real men wear floral prints. Wear them up top and keep the print small and muted.

tank

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Tank Tops

There are a few rules for rocking tank tops, most importantly they should not be worn to work, they should be cut for a man, and, be honest with yourself, if you haven't gotten any sun or exercise since last summer, you might need to keep the sleeves on until you're ready.


leopard

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Leopard Print

We've seen a lot of animal print lately—both high fashion and low, from Supreme to Christian Louboutin. As with any print, don't mix and match, and keep things subtle.


trilby

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

Trilbies

Pairing your trilby with a casual look is the way to go, and it's a nice break from fitteds and snapbacks for the summer. Black is classic and works with just about any style.

Style GuideStyle

Latest in Style