With summer only a few short months away, it’s time to prepare for blissful balmy nights and leisurely weekends away. With temperatures heating up, you need to start packing away your heavy winter clothes and transitioning into some stylish, lightweight staples to ring in the new season. Not sure where to start? No problem! We’ve put together a list of five essentials every guy needs for summer.
1. A Polo Shirt
When you can’t escape the office but don’t like the idea of sweating it out in a full dress shirt, a polo shirt is a great option. Thanks to its structured collar, this comfortable piece still fits firmly into the category of smart casual. For summer, white or light blue will give you a fresh feel. Pair your polo with chinos for a look that works on and off the clock.
2. Water Shoes
Ready to escape the grind of the city and head out on an adventure? Whether you’re slogging through muddy streams or kicking back on your mate’s yacht, you’ll need the right foot attire. Check out this recent roundup of water shoes for men for ideas. Unlike your usual footwear, water shoes are made to keep you safe from sharp surfaces, like rocks and coral. They’ll also prevent slipping when you’re sailing, rafting or even just strolling along a slick jetty. Play it safe and don’t spend the summer nursing a broken ankle.
3. A Weekend Bag
Summer tends to inspire us to travel, if only for the weekends. Next time you’re headed camping with the boys or off on a mini-break with that special someone in your life, consider investing in a weekend bag. Less cumbersome than a full duffel bag, a weekend bag is a stylish alternative that can fit everything you need for a brief trip away, from your phone charger to a few changes of clothes. The top trends for summer 2018 include classic leather numbers and contemporary, sporty styles with stripe accents.
4. Sunscreen
It might not be the sexiest accessory, but it could save your life. Don’t risk damaging your skin when you’re out and about in the summer heat. Instead, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your skin approximately 30 minutes before stepping out, then reapply every 2 hours for continued protection. If you’ve got oily or breakout prone skin, look for products that are non-comedogenic (not pore blocking) and don’t contain irritants like oxybenzone.
5. A Great Playlist
It doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you’re going this summer: you can make it 100 times better with the right attitude and an awesome playlist. Put together a list of songs that make you feel mellow and wait for the stress to melt away. If you’re headed away with friends or a partner, have them contribute to the playlist too. Choose tracks that represent amazing summer memories you’ve made together in the past and enjoy reminiscing with a few drinks.
Summer isn’t far away, so start getting into the spirit now by putting together your favorite summer essentials.
