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It’s that time of the year again – the sun is starting to shine brighter, the weather is getting comfortably warm, and the skirts on our beautiful ladies are getting shorter to the point where it’s very easy to lose your focu... wait, what was I saying...
But maybe that’s not what pops into your mind when I say that summer is here. Maybe instead you imagine scorching sun, sweating as if you were in a sauna, and uncomfortable, sticky clothes.
As discussed in “Summer Fashion For Men: Your A to Z Guide to Looking Sexy in Summertime”, summer brings a quite distinct set of perks and challenges when it comes to dressing sexy and presenting ourselves in the most attractive light.
From one side, we can finally show off our physiques that we’ve been working on during the winter-time, and thin fabrics are really great at putting sex into her mind just by looking at you; on the other hand, most summer-friendly clothes are quite hideous and make us look boyish instead of sexy. I’m looking at you, shorts.
For this reason I originally prepared the A to Z Guide to Looking Sexy in Summer-time, to help you make the most of the benefits that come with this time of year and to work around the drawbacks as much as possible.
With this article I’d like to dig into the specifics and offer you concrete outfits you can use during summer and look very sexy, something we did with “6 Outfits That Will Help You Look Sexy” (if where you live the weather is far from getting warm, this is the article to check).
Comments
Pants > Shorts?
Hey Darius,
I'm curious of your opinion on the subject of pants vs shorts. I've always had the intuition that shorts are...less flattering on most men and should be avoided. And then I stumbled upon a fashion blog where the consultant suggested that shorts should ALWAYS be avoided, except for where they are mandatory (e.g., swimming trunks at the beach).
He then juxtaposed some pictures of men in shorts vs men in pants and almost without fail, pants looked better. The problem with shorts is that on most men, they make him seem shorter than he actually is, which is universally less attractive to women.
If you were to accept this premise, the only other argument I see is one of comfort - pants would get really hot! But as you suggested, men should wear linen or cotton/linen blends and from experience, they breathe well enough to keep a man cool in even very hot environments.
That being said, I no longer buy shorts and only wear pants. I haven't noticed a substantial difference in discomfort, so long as I wear the right material, and all my outfits are even sexier now that my hairy and stubby legs aren't showing :P
What's your take on the subject?
Thanks for your time,
Hector
Pants over shorts
Hector,
Yes, pants should always be worn in place of shorts unless the situation warrants shorts (beach, sports, hot tub, etc).
There are no benefits to shorts from an asthetic point of view. If you're running errands on a mid-summer day in Miami, then yeah, I would opt for shorts. At that point, comfort is pretty damn important to me. But pants will always look more pleasing.
Evan
Shorts suck
To quote from my A to Z on dressing in summer:
"shorts are one of the few pieces of clothing that make even male model look lame."
Indeed, there are very few occasions where shorts should be the go to option.
Unfortunately, it's been so ingrained as a summer item for men that most guys don't even realize how unflattering of an item it is and what they are missing out on.
And yes, they do make you look visually shorter.
Shirtless.
Hey Darius / Chase, can you guys do an article on the effect of women on shirtless men?
If you're shirtless walking around the beach, like all men, you don't stand out from the crowd.
Whereas if you're shirtless out on the public street, you do. You stand out even more on rainy/colder weather.
Do men whom are shirtless get approached more by women than men who aren't?
Though my impression is that shirtless men are more of a turn-on for Latin women.
Thanks.
On going shirtless
In most cities around the world going shirtless would stick out like a sore thumb, not in a good way.
Sure, if you have a great physique women might find it sexy but you're also being a social risk and a big one at that, which will make her wonder about your social calibration.
That said, there are places where I can see it possibly pulled off (cities located near the beaches/on the shore; "party islands"; etc.) but frankly it's too location dependent and I haven't experimented with it to advocate such approach.
The only event where I did experiment with it and had some success was music festivals that were held near the river/lake.
Quick
Quick Question:
http://girlschase.girlschaseinc.netdna-cdn.com/images/summer-outfits-2.jpg
Where can i buy this jackett? it is just so me!
http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS
http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Slim-Fit-Blazer-In-Floral-Print-Co-Ord/Pro...
Also you might want to check out this guy: http://masfashionsua.wix.com/masfashions he makes very cool custom blazers in similar styles. One of my designer friends noticed his work in a bachata festival and recommended.
Damaged jeans
Hey Darius,
Would you suggest ripping some jeans yourself if you don't want to go and buy a pair?
Cheers,
Will
Sure, that's actually the
Sure, that's actually the cooler way of going about it and you'll have a story when eventually someone comments on them.
Few tips:
-Google how to rip jeans first. There are a lot of videos on women's jeans but it's pretty much the same techniques on men's jeans too.
-Practice on an older/shittier pair because chances are your first try won't go that well.
-Don't go berserk with it. Start small and you can add a few more rips later.
Love This...
Appreciate you, Darius, for the styling tips and ideally what type of Woman/Girls would react to it.
A cologne addition which match the outfits would've been nice. Not complaining as the information as a whole the site provides is valuable.
Look 3 is me without question. Well minus the cuffs but I'm a t-shirt and jeans guy with 13 pairs of chucks and a couple of summer blazers to vary the look. Truth is? That's how I always look. Which other look would be a compliment to look 3? I'm open to exploring all but look 4. Too "International Male" for me.
Some additions. I'm 5'10". I Box and run. Slim-Athletic build. Any suggestions? Appreciate you in advance!
Ecclesiast, I'd say your
Ecclesiast,
I'd say your experimentation with different looks should start at something similar to 2nd look here, an elegant bad boy if you will.
It would be very flattering on your physique and you'd be able to experience feedback you get with dressier looks (something I would greatly recommend to all guys, who otherwise always stay on the casual side) without sacrificing your attitude.
Appreciate the input...
Thanks, Darius.
I'm often stuck in the casual mindset thus my appearance represent that. Truth is? I often feel uncomfortable dressed up with hard bottom shoes. Stuffy even. But I want to give it a go.
Love the belt. Digging the vest. Vest are fashionable, right? Heh.
Again appreciate this article as I can attest to the clothes make the man theory. I've experienced it albeit uncomfortably. Thinking I need to vary the wardrobe a bit to enjoy that interaction more.
Again, thanks.
Being "dressed up" is an
Being "dressed up" is an acquired taste - sure, sneakers and baggy clothes are less restrictive and more comfortable in the same sense that junk food is more convenient and "comfortable".
But the part that will eventually captivate you about being dressed up (regardless if you go for edgier or classier outfits) is the way it will make you feel emotionally - you will feel more confident, attractive and you will notice people (and especially women) treating you differently in turn. And once you will start getting this feeling, you won't want to go back :)
And yes, vests will give you extra style points with nearly every outfit.
Boat Shoes?
Hey Darius,
I noticed the boat shoes in Look 4. In my experience, Latin women tend to be more into them. I think Latinas prefer a preppier look on their guys, since most Hispanic men go with the wangster/tough-guy-wanna-be route. Also, I've noticed women from third world countries like a "softer" preppier look on men because in their countries, that look means having money/security and ties to the Western world.
Are boat shoes still fashionable? I honestly see too many nice guy types/preps/white knight kind of guys wearing them. Never bad boys or guys with an edge or sharp, stylish men. What's your take on this?
Thanks,
Evan
Great question, Evan. Boat
Great question, Evan.
Boat shoes fall into a similar category as polo shirts - technically they are a great piece of clothing and can create sexy outfits, but they both have a "bad" (nice guy/preppy) reputation.
In such situations you can wear those items, but you need to go in different direction that with your outfit than a typical "stylish nice guy" would.
Let's take Look 4. as an example:
-We're using linen, slim fit trousers over preppy shorts.
-We're using white details for high contrast instead of something subtle and safe.
-In the same sense, we're using solid, pronounced colors instead of safe pastel ones.
-A cool slick bracelet instead of a watch (it can be added but only with bracelets).
-Even boat shoes are in a solid navy color (and high contrast) instead of something brown-ish that you will usually see in a preppy look.
In other words, we're taking a preppy/nice idea and "sexify" it.
50/50
Well, Darius, there are some really helpful insights into this article, especially the blue/red choice for colors during summer.
But most of it i disagree.
Personally, i prefer not to wear jeans regardless if they are back in trend.
As well as jackets and blazers.
Here is my choice for summer outfits:
Day time, before noon/noon/afternoon
Loafers/Boat shoes
Shorts ( to the knee, not below or upper )
Bracelets that match the belt and shoes
Polos / Shirts with rolled up sleeves
Straw summer hats
Evening / Night time
Loafers/Boat shoes/ A bit classic shoes
Pants
Watches that match the belt and shoes
Shirts with rolled up sleeves
Colors of choice:
Brown/Navy/White shoes
Blue/White/Grey/Beige/Navy shorts
White/Beige Pants
Red/Blue/Light blue/White/Navy shirts
Under no circumstance i will wear Vests, Jackets or Blazers.
But it all depends in which country/region you live in and what kind of temperatures are there.
Here where i live it is 15 C lowest and up to 40 C highest during summer, so it is impossible for me to wear blazers or jackets.
It is just too damn hot :)
Hope my insight will help.
But as you said, it all comes to down to ones persona, preference, physique and style.
Regards.
Alex.
Alex, With all due respect,
Alex,
With all due respect, your outfit choices sound extremely bland and boring. Sounds like something my father and about 75% of guys already wear in the summer.
I'm also not a fan of vests, but blazers are OK weather permitting.
To each his own. Hope your outfits work for you! :)
Evan
...
Maybe, but wearing blazers and pants when the weather is 35+ C is something i find utterly ridiculous.
This is my own personal preference.
Besides, where i live, being overly dressed is as bad as being under-dressed.
Maybe they do sound boring and bland, but when i put on those outfits i regularly get compliments on how fashionable and in tone i look.
I do, however, added straw hats but don`t usually wear them, and i also forgot to add some other pieces of outfit that is in my locker.
Personally, sneakers, ragged up or holed up jeans, a tea and a shirt unbuttoned and loosened away on top of it is just not my thing.
I prefer a classier, simpler look, that would still get attention from the ladies :)
P.S.
In the 3 towns that i regularly visit in my country, i am yet to find people that dress like me, little long 75% of them :)
Only thing i am missing is the right physique :/
Thanks for the reply, Evan.
Regards.
Yeah, whatever works for you
Yeah, whatever works for you in your setting. I don't wear beat up sneakers either. I don't think any self respecting guy does. But I do wear sharp casual shoes, similar to what Darius has above.
Most men in the US try to look "classy" (a term I laugh at because classy people never need to call themselves classy... it's usually used by lower middle class people). The look is just boring in general and it's not something a sexy bad boy lover would wear. I find that European guys tend to dress edgier, which works very well in the US, since most guys try so hard to look preppy (boat shoes, button downs, etc.). These guys are easily pigeon holed as white knights, beta males, and nice guys to most women.
Cheers,
Evan
...
You have a valid argument there.
What do you mean "tend to dress edgier" and "try so hard to look preppy", can you clarify your point of view on the "preppy" side of looks ?
I am from Europe, the Balkans, and i rarely see people here dressed up with casual shoes/classic shoes, pants, shirts, blazers, as people think that is over dressing in a manner.
I do try to keep the balance of not coming overly dressed, but also not being a "beat up" sneaker lover as well.
Maybe i am doing something wrong, and if i do, i sure would love to be pointed out in order to fix it.
Boring Nice Guy Preps from the South
Anon,
I figured you are probably not from the U.S. Sorry to use certain phases without explanations.
I've lived in the U.S. East Coast (New York), West Coast (Los Angeles), and the South (Georgia and Texas), which is where I grew up. Most American men go with a preppy look. That's because there are more people in the Mid-West (a big, boring part of the U.S.) and the South. This is where they think it's cool to look preppy. Although many girls from these areas dress preppy too, the guys in these areas don't seem to understand that what these girls REALLY want is a bad boy who doesn't look like every other nice guy and someone who doesn't remind them of their preppy father or preppy little brother. The preppy style is like wearing a polo shirt, khaki pants, and boat shoes. That's what most 40 year old Republicans dress like... very, very boring.
However, men from NY, LA, and Miami tend to have a cooler, edgier style and overall look.
Overall, American men have a preppier look compared to other places of the world. That's because, aside from there being more people in the Mid-West and South, the preppy look as we know it, is an American invention. To understand what the preppy look is, think Ralph Lauren Polo or Vineyard Vines. It's a very conservative, clean-cut look, but it very much lacks sex appeal and doesn't have an "edge." Preppy is like wearing a button down Oxford shirt, red khaki shorts, and boat shoes. This is what most nice guys dress like.
An edge or edginess means having a bad boy/mysterious quality. Chase has discussed this at length. Dressing edgy is like wearing leather jackets, torn jeans, eye-catching button down shirts with the top buttons undone, wearing bracelets and other accessories, etc. (and also a lot of what Darius has pointed out in the article). Think about what a bad boy would wear. That's edginess. Edginess gives you some mystery/sexiness. Dressing preppy has no mystery to it. Preppy looks too "nice" and lacks that edginess that you should have.
Apart from Europeans, Latin and Middle Eastern men also tend to dress very edgy compared to Americans from the Mid-West and South. I've noticed Canadians, Germans, and UK men tend to dress more conservative, unlike men from Spain, the Balkans, and Italy who dress edgier.
Wearing a blazer and casual shoes is NOT preppy. Blazers are a classic, elegant look. It's neither preppy nor edgy. Casual shoes are also neither. It's just trendy depending on the look of the shoes.
Brands that specialize in edgy stuff tend to be from Europe or from New York or L.A. That's why most guys in NY, LA, and Miami dress edgier than men from the U.S. Mid-West and South. That's also why preppy guys from the South don't do well with women in places like NY and LA. I can tell you LOTS of stories of my friends from down South making fools of themselves with LA women, regarding their boring, nice guy look. Also, men from the U.S. South are known for being "gentlemen"... I grew up around this lifestyle. It wasn't until I left the South that I realized how stupid it is and how much it makes you into a boring nice guy.
I think the best compromise in terms of clothing, is "trendy" stuff that combines classic, elegance with an edgy touch. H&M is a good example of this. Their stuff isn't too preppy not is it too edgy.
Hope that helps clear things up. Let me know if you want me to clarify any points.
Evan
I thought that is what you
I thought that is what you meant.
Well, the situation is a bit complex.
That Preppy look as you say, is not present where i am living.
Rarely will you see people here wear boat shoes, mokasins, khakis and polos or shirts.
Often people here wear beat up sneakers or some random Nike running shoes with shorts either jeans shorts or some other colorful random shorts, classic mainstream holed up jeans and a random t-shirt with some colorful or artistic design on it.
Or when they choose shirts, they go for short sleeved shirts buttoned to the very last button without a tie.
I rarely see people with long sleeved ( rolled up ) shirts, unbuttoned with the last 2 buttons, or some cool bracelets, slim fit pants or shorts.
That is what i like to wear ( for the summer ).
I like to wear mokasins ( as we call them here ), because they are just too comfortable.
I like to wear shorts during day time because it is too hot.
Pants for the night outs, because of the elegant look and because shorts at night just does not cut it for me.
I prefer long sleeved shirts with rolled up sleeves and buttons unbuttoned.
I wear watches, but bracelets most of the time.
I do wear polos on occasion, part due to the fact that i haven`t got a big muscular physique to wear a plain t-shirt.
You see, that preppy look as you say it is more common in the West ( US ), it is very uncommon at the Balkans.
We here are years and years behind the fashion industry and style of the West.
In fact, we are years and years behind EVERYTHING in life, that you enjoy in the US.
I always look sharp, edgy and always get complimented from those not so conservative people.
But the thing is, here the atmosphere is REALLY conservative.
And rarely will you see some cool fashioned people.
Ties ? They don`t even own one tie in their locker.
People here are hardcore mainstream and don`t even know what to wear.
Most of the time they put on their Nike running shoes, their tracksuits, their adidas man bags and off they go running about their day, going to the mall, coffee shops and all the other cool places where people usually hang out.
I may have went out of line putting in my first comment, before realizing what the situation in the US is, but a lesson here is learned, and i truly thank you for it.
It was a really nice conversation. :)
Regards.
Alex.
Do your thing, Alex
Alex,
Glad you took the time to write back. I think in your situation, you should just look different and more stylish than the other guys where you live.
You're saying that most people where you live don't care much about fashion. That's a good thing! I've lived in U.S. cities where the competition with other guys can be tough. You clearly care enough about looking good and so you can use it to your advantage. In places where most guys don't care about appearance, you will stand out and women *will* notice you.
Since I don't live in the Balkans, I can't say what women there consider to be sexy. But in many underdeveloped countries (and I'm not saying yours is underdeveloped), I've noticed that women do like the clean-cut look more, since it's associated with the West and with money/security. If that is the case with the Balkans, then definitely go with it.
Regards,
Evan
Moccasins
By the way, I forgot to mention "Moccasin" is a Native American word. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moccasin)
Moccasin is very American, and so naturally, here in the U.S. we use the word. However, moccasins are not boat shoes. Boat shoes *can* be moccasins, but moccasins in general are not boat shoes. Boat shoes tend to be inspired by the moccasin look, but they are slightly different.
Evan
Find a Role Model
Anon,
I've grown up in Southern California all of my life, and especially in San Diego, we get lots of transplants from other parts of the country out here. Often when these transplants come from the Mid-West, it reminds just how far ahead in fashion we are...
Anyway, I'm often told that I look like Colin Farrell, and I don't mind the reference because Colin Farrell has a great "bad boy" style that is both universally classy and edgy. I often emulate many facets of his fashion style.
Find some Hollywood actors that you consider "bad boys" and search Googles for images of them. Brad Pitt is another "classic" example worth viewing, but there are many more who are great role models for fashion as well.
- Franco
Do not look like James Bond... DO NOT
Great points, Franco. Being an L.A. transplant myself (originally from the South), it took me a bit to adjust my style and relearn everything.
I used to dress like a preppy Southern frat boy. Women literally laughed at my style. I went to a friend's pool party when I first got to L.A. wearing a Ralph Lauren button down Oxford, pastel shorts, and boat shoes. A girl at the party made a few jokes at my expense. Most of the guys there were definitely trendy Hollywood types. That pool party was the last time I ever dressed like that again! ;)
Anon, Franco makes an excellent point about mimicking actors and celebrities who exude sex appeal. Google these guys and check out how they dress. It's usually an edgy, bad boy look.
Do not, by the pain of death, look up what James Bond wears. I want to smack every guy who brings up James Bond in the forums. James Bond is a FICTIONAL character. Ian Flemming wrote him to be a ladies man. Flemming could've made him wear sweatpants and still get pussy. That doesn't mean a man who dresses like him would get pussy in real life. Dressing like a professional/business type wherever you go, will not get you women. Go with the edgy, yet refined look. Again, I don't use the word "classy" because it's a very trailer trash word to use.
Anon, happy hunting, and I hope you delve more into the bad boy look.
Cheers,
Evan
Preppy = Nice Guy
Darius,
Thanks for clearing that up. You're right, these shoes are very different than other boat shoes (the blue is a bold choice) and everything else in that wardrobe adds an edgy appeal. So the shoes soften up the overall edginess of the entire outfit. The jacket with that shirt is definitely not soft or preppy and even the model in the one pic has tattoos. So the overall look is a refined bad boy look.
I lived in the South for a few years (now I live in LA) but I noticed that nearly all my guy friends from down South all dress preppy and have the whole white knight look going. It's so funny how they think that's cool, even though they dress like Dads! Most guys down South also have this dorky bang thing going with their hair. Only about two or three of my friends from the South have an edgy look, and they go with the whole leather jacket bad boy look (think Damon from Vampire Diaries). These edgier friends get way more pussy than my preppy friends who wear Vineyard Vines and Ralph Lauren (a brand that no one in NY or LA ever wears anymore).
When I moved to LA it was so funny to see that only nice guys and softees have the prep look going and they nearly always get friend zoned.
Not too long ago I went with the preppy look. I was getting WAY fewer women and when I ditched the preppy/clean cut look for the edgier bad boy look, I got a noticeable increase in pussy and women just looked at me differently. They looked at me like I'm a bad boy who will take them to bed, not some nice guy Dad type.
Darius, you have an excellent eye for what is aesthetically pleasing. I've noticed most European guys tend to have an edgier, cool look, which is why so many American women like them. Too many American guys look like preppy softees. Thanks for the article!
Cheers,
Evan
Informing Stuff
Perfect article, hands down. One question though... since I am 17, is it 'socially acceptable' for me to apply a classy/elegant look?
Girls in your age bracket
Girls in your age bracket won't "get" the look, for the most part. Girls your age are more into the pop culture look. Looking elegant might come off as nerdy to girls your age. Older guys can pull it off because wearing elegant clothing is normal in professional/older settings and women in that age bracket like the look more.
Going with an elegant look would make you look less socially calibrated. Think of Paul Finch in "American Pie"... he dresses and acts like an elegant older guy but comes off looking doofy and nerdy in the eyes of his peers. If your entire social clique dresses like that, especially the girls, than you can pull it off. But that's a rarity. In most cases, you'll look like you're trying to be something you're not and will look odd to your peers.
Hey Franz, You should tone it
Hey Franz,
You should tone it down significantly to a more casual side. Being too dressed up can backfire.
summer fashion for me!!!!
first of all thank you darius , it is indeed a good read and i m taking a lot of ideas with me by reading this. keep being this good brother and plz try to post more frequently :) :).
Secondly since every body is sharing their ideas i just felt free to join the party :P. Since i m from kolkata,india where annual avg temp is around 28-30 degree so i think i can suggest something which may help others little bit .Since this first time i am suggesting about fashion so i will also love to know what darius thinks about these looks. Here we go......
i personally prefer semi-edgy cloths since classy dresses are not for me( i am yet to get a job, so cant spend a fortune in expensive cloths) And i love accessories( linen scarves, leather and rope bracelet, necklace etc).
these are following ideas of mine to dress sexy in summer.
1.) classic slim fit white shirt and blue slim fit denim.i wear this in two way,
a. i keep three button open and wear my black leather necklace with it, sleeves roll up , shrit untucked and dark tan leather bracelet in both hands.
one of those bracelet is really attention grabbing. i wear a stylish casual dark tan shoe with this.
b. shoes are same as above but i replace necklace with a red linen scarf , two buttons open. and a dark tan watch in right hand (ohh i prefer wearing watches in right hand :P :P )
2.) a solid black slim fit polo( nearly skin tight ) with heavily washed distressed denim(slim fit).shoe i use a lil bit rugged looking black one. Rope bracelet, black and a attention grabbing leather bracelet. I use this look after sunset.
3.) my another fav look is a skin tight solid black shirt with slim fit blue denim, 3 button open . black necklace . with this look i tucked my shirt, dark tan belt with dark tan shoe. bracelets of leather ,color dark tan. Evening look.And yes facial hair is a must.sleeves roll up
4.) i own a very good looking solid light pink slim fit shirt( yes u heard right :P). i wear it with a pair of solid black slim jeans. 3 buttons open, brown shoes,belt and bracelets and brown watch. with this look i half-tucked my shirt in a very casual way like james marsden or david beckham.Time : any. Ohh btw!! sleeves rolled up :)
5.) a floral printed white slim fit shirt, slim fit beige cotton pant, brown boat shoes, light brown bracelet. before sunset look.
6.) either black or white slim fit round neck t shrit, blue denim( for black t shirt) or black slim fit denim( for white top). i use cool looking beige scarf with this look. shoe a cool looking black converse.
7.) grey ( more on charcoal side with black button) slim fit shirt, blue denim which is some what washed. Burgundy linen scarf. lot of leather bracelet in both hand and brown leather shoe. this look is inspired by a look created by darius( see his web site) with little modifications.shirt is suppose to be two buttons opened, untucked.facial hair and a glass is must. This look is bit artistic. And it is one of the most successful look of mine :P.
Any ideas or improvement will be much appreciated, i m also here to learn :) :)
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