10 Summer Style Tips to Help You Conquer the Heat

1. Beat the Heat with an Unstructured Blazer

As the dog days of summer approach, "semi-formal" attire can be a man's worst enemyand a lightweight blazer his boon companion. Choose an unstructured version made from cotton or linen to keep it nice and breathable, and layer it over anything from a tee to a short-sleeved oxford.

2. Step Up Your T-Shirt Game

While you may have made the switch from graphic to solid, the great t-shirt upgrade doesn't stop there. A suped-up tee is the easiest way to look good without adding layers: Color blocking, henleys, and subtle texture are all fine options.

3. While You're at It, Upgrade Your Shorts

Shorts are another summer workhorse with plenty of untapped potential. If your standard khaki and navy numbers dominate the rotation, try mixing things up with a seersucker pair, or keep things cool with some breezy irish linen.

4. Fake the Sockless Look with Loafer Liners

We've always been big proponents of sprinkling powder in sockless shoes, but there's a less messy way to keep your feet cool and dry. A good pair of no-show liner socks will wick away sweat and prevent painful chafingwithout advertising their presence.

5. Swap Out Your Musk for a Summer Fragrance

There's a good chance your go-to cologne features amber, musk, or sandalwood: Great for a smokey cigar lounge, but less so for balmy weather. Try subbing in a citrusy scent for a brisk, refreshing kick, or an earthy, woodsy aroma to channel the far-flung wilderness.

6. Know How to Pick Out a Polo

A polo shirt can be a wardrobe essential or a badge of basic bro-domdepending on how it fits. Learn the key components of a well-fitted polo shirt, and keep them top of mind the next time you're in a fitting room.

7. Stay Cool at Summer Weddings with a Linen Suit

No matter how high the temperatures rise, certain summer occasions will always require a suit. To dress up without shedding your body weight in sweat, try a two-button linen number: They fit great, breathe well, and can pull double-duty as pants or a blazer.

8. Swap Espadrilles Into Your Sneaker Rotation

Great canvas sneakers are a weekend staple, but many summer outfits (like all-linen everything) call for something more...continental. Espadrilles are as breezy as flip-flops, as versatile as Kedsand if you don't believe you can pull them off, you haven't tried them on.

9. Always Carry a Handkerchief (Always)

This may be a move from your father's playbook, but oldies can still be goodies. Between allergies, sweat, and even more sweat, a hot summer's day can get messyand a well-stashed hanky is an easy fix that looks far more classy than napkins. If you're the chivalrous type, you should carry two: One to use yourself, and a second to offer your date.

10. Turbocharge Your Swimwear

When it comes to making a statement, the pool is one area where you can really cut loose. Go bright, go bold, or better yet, go both: Just don't let us catch you in anything olive drab.