Image via Complex Original
As Director of Content Strategy for our big brothers over at Complex, Joe La Puma (verified, ya bish) is responsible for making sure all of the network's sites are producing fresh stories that keep you clicking and us cashing paychecks. While JLP's been around this shit since Al Gore invented the Internet, most people know him as the dude at Complex with the next, next level sneaker game, which he pairs with an eclectic mix of iconic and new wave streetwear. His signature wardrobe is what makes him one of the most stylish men in media and the perfect candidate for the second installment in our "Summer Style Tips" series. Above, LaPuma weighs in on how to keep your summer looks fresh without sweating your dick off (or worse, through your favorite kicks).
1lapuma
2lapuma
On Hating On Leather...
"NBA stars and R&B artists may be ODing on the trend, but the outcry from the style community talking heads is getting tired at this point. The difference between leather and, say, all-over prints is that certain leather pieces will always be in style. Your dad's vintage perfecto is as cool as any offering from Mr. Porter and brands like En Noir are making pieces that are going to be new classics in a few years."
3lapuma
On Going Sockless...
"It's summer and the only thing better than walking around the suburbs barefoot is wearing sneakers that you can wear without socks. Flyknits and Roshes are the move all summer long."
4lapuma
On Emojis...
"So you're telling me that I failed at life if my latest Instagram didn't receive a full 3 out of 3 "100" Emojis? FOH. This is not a pass or fail type deal. If you're a male you should probably stop using Emojis all together."
5lapuma
On Fashion Parody T-shirts...
"Parodying high-fashion brands by using the same font on T-shirts is getting a little played. No shots, but some brands (SSUR) mastered the trend, while others tried to cash in to no avail."
6lapuma
On Mood Boards...
"They're collages. Enough of this bullshit. That fancy term you gave to the cork board in your office isn't fooling anyone. All you did was print out pictures you liked on the Internet because you wanted to milk the clock at your job for three hours. If you are looking to be inspired by constantly glancing at a picture of someone dressed in head-to-toe black making a constipated face you should just quit whatever you're doing. I should know. I tried to do one of these a few months ago and looking at it just made me more dumb."
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On Pretending To Be DONDA Material...
"The closest thing you came to designing a stage was your 4th grade dinosaur diorama. #You're #never #going #to #be #on #the #payroll."
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On The Death Of All-White Bro Sneakers...
"I grew up in Long Island and in the summer I go back there on the weekends because it's nice to be in the suburbs sometimes. All my fellow bros really need to stop with the seven straight summers of all white sneakers. Your K-Swiss classics make your Armani Exchange cypher complete? Vinny Guadagnino is collecting #influencer checks because of you."
9lapuma
On Instagramming Everything You Get For Free...
"You got invited on a press trip? That's great for you and everyone is proud of ya, but no one cares about a filtered pictured of the welcome card/very rare miniature Snickers bar the concierge left for you or your all access passes to an event. Also, you gotta stop referring to junkets you're on as '[insert tastemaker] does [insert city].' This isn't Debbie Does Dallas.
10lapuma
On Sticking To A Uniform...
"This is actually, a real style rule. Find the perfect pair of jeans (mine are a pair of ripped A.P.C Butler's) and wear the shit out of them—every day if you have to. Build an outfit around the perfect pair of jeans, or hoodie, or T-shirt and beat to death those Jordan 3s you love so much."
