Summer is one of the hardest seasons to get dressed in simply because deciding what to wear means choosing less pieces. With fall and winter, layering is the name of the game, and you can just build on a basic T-shirt and jeans wardrobe with jackets, button downs, and plenty of accessories. When the mercury's up there your choices pretty much become "shorts and a tee or tank top?"
There's still plenty of ways things can go wrong. Having less style choices doesn't mean it's completely impossible to mess it up. Fit and comfort still play a big part of getting dressed when it's hot out, and plenty of dudes still don't get it. Before you leave the house, beware of these Common Summer Style Mistakes Guys Make, but don't worry too much—we also tell you how to fix them.
RELATED: 10 Signs You're Overdressed for the Summer
RELATED: 12 Reasons Summer Style Is the Worst
RELATED: How to Easily Ruin a Good Outfit
Summer is one of the hardest seasons to get dressed in simply because deciding what to wear means choosing less pieces. With fall and winter, layering is the name of the game, and you can just build on a basic T-shirt and jeans wardrobe with jackets, button downs, and plenty of accessories. When the mercury's up there your choices pretty much become "shorts and a tee or tank top?"
There's still plenty of ways things can go wrong. Having less style choices doesn't mean it's completely impossible to mess it up. Fit and comfort still play a big part of getting dressed when it's hot out, and plenty of dudes still don't get it. Before you leave the house, beware of these Common Summer Style Mistakes Guys Make, but don't worry too much—we also tell you how to fix them.
RELATED: 10 Signs You're Overdressed for the Summer
RELATED: 12 Reasons Summer Style Is the Worst
RELATED: How to Easily Ruin a Good Outfit
Sweating Through Your Shirt
The Fix: Put on an undershirt.
Plenty of guys have problems with pitstains. That's why an undershirt can come in handy. In addition to creating an air pocket between fabrics to ensure your body can breathe a little, companies like Thompson Tee even use technical fabrics to block sweat from seeping through garments, while keeping the rest of your body nice and cool.
Shorts That Are Too Big
The Fix: Get shorts that fit.
Shorts that fit more like pants are a problem. Optimally, shorts at their longest should stop at the end of your kneecap. Any longer than that, and you're in capris. Don't be afraid to get a pair that's a little slim too. We're not saying super skinny, but tailored enough to no one thinks you're running around in a cut-off pair of J'NCOs.
Cologne That's Out of Season
The Fix: Change up your scent.
Woodsy, earthy scents are more associated with the cooler climes of fall and winter. Summer is all about freshness and vibrancy, so your cologne should share that notion. Opt for scents with notes of citrus like orange and grapefruit—"notes" don't mean "smell exactly like." This L'Occitan scent takes a bit of lavender and balances it out with nutmeg and burnt wood.
Denim That's Way Too Heavy
The Fix: Switch to chinos or light jeans.
Breaking in a pair of raw denim when it's over 80 degrees is a surefire way to get heat exhaustion. How about making the switch to lighter chinos or even washed denim instead? Your legs (and crotch area) will thank you.
Wool Snapbacks and Beanies
The Fix: Opt for cotton caps.
You don't wear wool jackets or wool pants when it's hot out, why wear wool caps? Save those snapbacks and beanies for the winter and get a couple made from breathable fabrics like cotton or a mesh trucker hat. It'll regulate the temeperature on your head a lot better.
Flip-Flops Off the Beach
The Fix: Wear lightweight sneakers or sandals.
Can we all agree that flip-flops are annoying for too many reasons? In addition to the sound they make when any guy attempts to walk fast, let alone run, they're the bare minimum of footwear. At least sandals have the decency to strap on at the heel in order to stay on your feet. Even better, sneakers like these Nike Tennis Classics are made from really breathable mesh, which means you can go barefoot without sacrificing street cred.
Athletic Sunglasses Worn Casually
The Fix: Get a pair of classic shades.
You don't wear your gym gear to go out, why would you wear the sunnies you use for running and cycling when you're trying to stunt? Classic shades from brands like Ray-Ban and Persol are timeless for a reason. Meanwhile, newer companies like Warby Parker crank out less expensive versions of versatile shades that are still high quality.
Tees That Show Sweat
The Fix: Wear light-colored T-shirts.
Heather grey and other dark tees show sweat way too easily. Fight the funk by wearing white or other light colored T-shirts. There's nothing wrong with stocking up on white tees for the summer months. They go with anything, feel comfortable, and will never go out of style.
Showing Off Your "Taco Meat"
The Fix: Say no to the deep V-neck.
No one wants to see chest hair. If you've got taco meat peeking out from your shirt, it's time to get a new shirt. There's nothing wrong with a V-neck tee, but it shouldn't go all the way down to your solar plexus. Take it up a notch or two.
Unbuttoning Too Many Shirt Buttons
The Fix: Button up or get a T-shirt.
If it's hot enough that you feel you need to unbutton more than three buttons on your shirt, it's probably too hot to be wearing that shirt. Russell Brand and turbo-bro douchebags shouldn't be anyone's style icon. Check the weather forecast before you leave the house, and if it looks like it'll be too muggy to wear your favorite oxford shirt—grab a tee instead.
