11 Summer Looks We're Swearing By This Year
One day, we’ll show off fits in real life again, even if it takes a little re-learning along the way. The Highsnobiety Summer Style Guide is here to help, ensuring that lightweight pieces still result in heavyweight looks.
As the final quarter of summer draws to a close and with Fall right around the corner, you might feel as if the clock has run out. Making your summer fashion goals may be damn near impossible. Though it may have been more of a warm-boy summer vs. a hot-boy summer, we are here to tell you that there is still plenty of time to cop and show off your newly acquired summer-style knowledge. But where should you start?
Summer is a time when outfits are stripped to their core, with staple pieces like T-shirts and shorts taking on an even greater responsibility at the wardrobe's foundations. When talking summer style for men, it's important that the pieces you do pick are done so with consideration. With less on display, it's all about making your clothing and accessories count.
Below, we've laid out some of our key summer style principles that'll see you through 2021 and beyond. To shop our favorite items, just click through on the buttons below.
Scroll for our 2021 guide to summer style for men.
Statement sunglasses, chosen by our editors.
Each year, around this time, the clocks spring forward and that first taste of summer hits the air. At around the very same time, fashion labels begin to unveil the latest in the sunglasses sphere. With a new summer season finally here, Highsnobiety staff across the planet, from Berlin to New York, got on Zoom to discuss this season's best sunglasses for men. Click through above to find out what pairs we'll be picking up this year.
Swimwear that's actually cool.
If an early heat wave crept up on you before you had time to update your old high school Speedo, don't worry. We're here with a list of the best swimming shorts that actually fit within the rest of your wardrobe — instead of being a corny afterthought. From streetwear swimwear to high fashion water shorts, we've gathered the best swim trunks out there. Summer style for men just got a little more wavy.
Crochet has come for your bucket hat.
You know how the story goes. We got put under government-sanctioned lockdowns and became obsessed with the art of crochet. But this obsession with all things knit is spilling out of quarantined homes and into actual, real-world style. The burgeoning presence of crochet hats in new collections from an ever-diverse list of labels is the result of a perfect storm. As well as the backing of famous faces like Bella Hadid and Ella Emhoff, we're all sick to death of actually doing it yourself when it comes to DIY.
Lightweight pants that are cool with the temperature rising.
In place of denim and thick grey jersey, we're eyeing up a welcome return to the boundless comfort of linen, nylon, and Issey pleats when the warmer weather sets in. We hit the internet to bring you the best lightweight pants for summer that'll give your legs some room to breathe.
Forget 5-inch inseams, even shorter short shorts are in.
Last summer, TikTok became obsessed with short shorts, namely ones with a 5-inch inseam. Now, however, we have an even shorter shorts inspiration for summer 2021. Milo Ventimiglia (from This Is Us and Gilmore Girls fame) was recently photographed wearing the shortest shorts we've ever laid eyes on — and the internet is excited. If you already jumped on the short shorts trend last summer, perhaps Ventimiglia can convince you to switch up your inseam to something even tinier.
Socks and sandals go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Yes, when it comes to summer style for men, this is actually allowed. It’s clear that freeing the toe is a prerequisite during the hotter months of the year, however, pairing socks with sandals gives you a further level of flexibility — both aesthetically and functionally. To prove that the summer style is here to stay, we’ve rounded up the best sandals with socks combinations.
Summer essentials are different now.
Gone are the days when the only things inside your tote were a bottle of sun cream and an iPhone. Summer essentials in 2021 pretty much amount to a survival kit. With more hot weather on the way, make sure you're prepped with a list of summer essentials for the strange times we live in right now. From the ubiquitous face mask to packable advanced shoes, this is the gear that'll make long days in the sun stress-free.
Hiking boots, but make them summer-ready.
Over the past few seasons, some of the best hiking boots have come from surprising sources. Upstart brands such as ROA, which sit in the space between fashion and functional hiking gear, as well as more tried-and-tested brands such as Timberland and Salomon, have released an eclectic mix of styles. Hiking boots for summer are all about breathability and reliability.
The tank top shouldn't be feared.
As summer style for men staples go, tank tops get a pretty tough time. Mention the tank top and the mind will likely wander to visions of gym bros and mirror selfies. Staying comfortable in the sun means coverage is sacrificed — something some people just won't compromise on, but nothing compares when it comes to keeping you cool. This can be avoided with the right styling. The best tank tops for summer are right here.
Open-toe sandals to let your feet shine.
A big part of that summer feeling is freeing your toes from the confines of toe boxes and giving them free rein. Some of the most popular open-toe footwear brands include mainstays such as Birkenstock, Crocs, and Suicoke, but because the world of open-toe footwear is so vast, there are so many different kinds of options at all ends of the price spectrum. High-end luxury brands, such as Marni or Balenciaga have their own, distinct takes on the style. Similarly, outdoor brands, such as TEVA or HOKA ONE ONE provide more functional options.
Loungewear you won't overheat in.
Though summer is already here, the walls of the virtual workplace look set to stay in place. Despite this, the temperature is one thing that is changing and that means your WFH gear is going to need a cooldown, in the form of summer loungewear. Slippers should be swapped out for sandals or slides. Linen can be welcomed back into the wardrobe. Quality T-shirts are even more essential for everyday use. This is loungewear 2.0.
Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.
