Summer Style Do's And Don'ts From 10 Real Girls

Dressing to impress the opposite sex has basically been practiced since the Old Testament. Whether you're trying hard, or trying to not try too hard, there are many ways dudes fail pique the interest of the lady he's after. Why, you ask? Because they don't know what women, especially of those of some prestige and exquisite style, want to see from a man in the summer when the heat is smoldering and there are fewer clothing options available with which to impress.

We gave you rules from the pros on how to start a business, and now we're trying to help you get busy by calling on some of the coolest, most stylish women around (they know their shit) to tell us what they want to see guys rocking this summer—as well as what sends them to the other side of the pool. So, if you'd like to meet some ladies this summer, grab a notepad, put on your best reading glasses, and take heed to Summer Style Do's And Don'ts From 10 Real Girls.

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Do's: There's something about a guy in a plain white tee that I think is just timeless and classic. Sure, it's meant as an under garment, but I find that it's a basic that is also a statement piece. It just confidently says "I've got style and I like comfort." It's perfect for summer and can be worn with just about anything.

Don'ts: If there's anything I dislike most, it's this trend of men being super obsessed with wearing and talking about fashion. Louboutin this, Givenchy that. Men have a right to fashion, but personally, it's a major turn-off when a guy is dripping in trends and can name all the luxury goods I'm wearing by season and designer. Do you boo, but play it cool.

Do's: This summer, I want to see guys rocking some six-packs and tight bodies. That's right, no beer bellies or none of that shit. If you expect your chick to look good in a bikini, you better be looking good yourself. And make sure you aren't wearing ugly ass work out sneakers to the gym. That's not cute.

Don'ts: DON'T be unemployed.

Do's: The short-sleeve button-down shirt is to guys’ summer style as the wedge heel is to us ladies—an easy way to dress up one’s look while remaining sneakily comfortable. Trade up from your standard T-shirt and wait for the ladies to flock.

Don'ts: Tank tops. Sorry bros, I don’t care how much work you put into your delts this winter. This is not the beach, and you are not a lifeguard. (The exception to this rule? Basketball jerseys, but only those of players who’ve been retired at least five years.)

Do's: Floral shorts, gray tee, and Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Sneakers. It's summer time. Flowers are in full bloom and the sun is beating down, so leave the crib in style. Don't be scared to put on a bit of floral. Flowers aren't just for the ladies this season. Keep it cool with some neutral colors, so your shorts can pop. Finish up the outfit with some fresh kicks. Bong.

Don'ts: Wife beater tank tops and plaid shirts, bro! Keep the beater tank tops at home, or under your shirt. And the pastel plaid shorts? Put the funnel down. Don't be a "broooo" dudeeee.

Do's: Boat shoes are always okay because even if you don't actually look classy, it's a good way to irony-up an outfit. Also takes around the same amount of time to put your feet in boat shoes as it does to put on flip flops, so why the fuck don't boys just opt for the classy route?

Don'ts: Knock-off Wayfarers. I CAN TELL, THAT MUST MEAN OTHER PEOPLE CAN TELL.

Do's: There's nothing hotter than a guy in a fresh white tee. I don't care if it's Hanes or Balmain, just as long as it's crisp and clean. Don't forget to carry around a Tide pen if you're a catsup aficionado.

Don'ts: Don't you dare wear a droopy beanie in the summer (or ever). No girl likes anything that looks soggy or soft. Or sweaty. Unless you're doing something hot. Like playing basketball.

Do's: Whether you dress avant garde, preppy, or urban, I'm liking the guys who incorporate a surf-inspired element into their personal style. A Hawaiian print shirt, khaki shorts, and some Vans classics make an ideal summer outfit. One of my guy friends dresses really fashion forward, and lately he'll top his outfit off with a pair of clear-framed Oakley shades. It's fun and a little off beat.

Don'ts: While I'm all for surf-inspired elements, don't over do it. I don't want to see guys walking around the city in board shorts and flip flops unless they are within 10 feet of a functioning swimming pool. Bring it to the beach!

Do's: Wear a fun-patterned 5-panel—floral, paisley, cats, hot dogs, whatever. It gives off the vibe that you can take it easy and go with the flow. I might be biased, but the Eagle 5-Panel from The Hundreds comes in my favorite plaid print of the year.

Don'ts: Steer clear of wearing black. Other than obvious scientific reasoning of "black absorbs the most light and therefore generates more heat," black is too serious. Summer is supposed to be fun and carefree!

Do's: From Burberry to Bape, there's an abundance of amazing prints out there right now and it would be a crying, crying shame if the crazy print era came and went and no guy took advantage. In this moment, there is a rare ticket to rock crazy shit and look crazy cool. The window won't last forever though, and there's no better time than 100 degree weather to say, eff it, and wear a shirt emblazoned with palm trees and gorilla-head-sunsets on it.

Don'ts: Wearing your double monks to pick up the laundry/at the beach/as house slippers. Those dubs dudes saved all winter for what might be the crowning glory of their wardrobe, and rightfully so, but there's nothing more eye roll worthy than a dude that doesn't know when to put the style maven baton down. It's sweaty, and hot and not fancy out there in the summer—please, wear a pair of crappy sneakers or espadrilles when buying gum at the corner bodega and save your Lobbs for something more worthy of their rareness.

Do's: I love a guy in a well-fitting slim suit. It tells me that he has invested in himself and wants to stand out from the pack. There is at least one occasion in every man's life where a suit is required, but to me, suits are best worn often, when least expected, and in a way that expresses his personality. Wear it with an unstable cotton Rick Owens tee, a flower in the lapel, a subtly odd tie, sleep in it, trash it, ride your bike in it but mostly love your suit and people will take notice. For Blackbird, I created The Right Suit to give guys that perfect high quality suit, straight off the rack for 40% less than other brands.

Don'ts: I hate being negative ;) Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks of you. Experiment and find your style.