How to Pull Off the Most Stylish Summertime Trends, According to a Stylist

The dog days of summer aren’t over just yet.

From the office to date night, throwing on the right fit during the hottest months of the year comes with about as much pressure as having to perfect the pommel horse to secure a medal in the Olympics. (Alright, maybe getting ready for the day doesn’t come with the same amount of stress, but you get the idea.) Luckily, there are a few foolproof fits that get the job done, no matter what the humidity and weather forecast has in store for you this afternoon.

The short of it is this: You don’t need to sweat your summertime wardrobe. To help us narrow down our late-summertime uniforms (and beyond), we consulted a few of the most stylish people we know to help you save some time on picking out the coolest summer trends to wear this season. Best of all: You might already own a few staples that’ll have you looking – and feeling – cool as hell this summer.

What to Wear This Summer

Picture this: It’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit on your commute, 60 percent humidity, and there’s a 100 percent chance of happy hour brews in your future. If you’re puzzled on which pieces to grab before heading out the door, we’ve got a few go-to styling tips – directly from the pros.

Dressing for the Office…

Now, if you have to dress up for the office during the hot-weather months, you still have some solid options – and yes, you can dress it up. “Even though we’re in a business casual world, don’t be afraid to wear a tie,” says Vanessa Powell, a celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles. “They aren’t just for full suiting anymore. Throw a loose tie on a plaid button-down and pair [it] with denim and top with a zip jacket and cardigan.”

Tie Bar Solid Texture Midnight Tie
$24

That said, if your office has more of a suit-and-tie dress code, Powell suggests looking towards your shirting as your sartorial compass. “Don’t be afraid to play with mixing prints and textures. Just make sure the color palette falls in the same family with one another,” the stylist explains.

If you’re after something that’s not quite as predictable, Warren Alfie Baker, a stylist based in L.A., offers another trend of the moment. “I love a western-style denim shirt with a suit and no shirt,” he says. “Could read a little casual and will [work] better maybe in a creative space. Gives a cool take on a suit’s style that’s slightly different.”

… And for Every (Casual) Day in Between

Some summer trends just hit it out of the park – and a warm-weather uniform that always works happens to be one of the easiest combos you can put together. “You can never go wrong with linen,” Powell tells us. “I don’t call this a trend because it’s a classic, summer staple year after year. There’s something incredibly cool about a simple white linen button-down with the sleeves cuffed, and paired with cream or khaki pants.” The neutral mix never fails – and you don’t have to be on vacation in Italy to rock it either.

For Baker, the celeb stylist looks to dreamy, retro California vibes for a little style inspiration, explaining that pants with a tucked-in shirt and a tank will do the trick. “An ode to the classic summer Palm Springs trends of old. Simple elegant menswear.”

Just as it should be.

The Coolest Summertime Pieces to Wear Right Now

From our fashion pros’ advice to our own shopping go-tos, here are a few no-brainer style picks worth picking up for warm days this season.

Modern Fit Casual White Oxford
$55
Our favorite dress shirt for the office this summer? While it’s not quite linen, this white button-up shirt checks all the summertime style boxes. We love its textured, casual look – the neutral color perfect for, as our pros suggested, pairing with khaki pants. Take it up a notch with a pair of loafers for date night and boardroom days alike.

Shop more Tie Bar dress shirts.

Tie Bar Chambray Shirt
$55
For a spin on the traditional dress shirt, follow Baker’s lead and go with a western-style denim or – one of our favorites – a timeless chambray button-down to wear with your suit jacket or chinos. The best part about a chambray shirt is its versatility during the warm-weather months, fit for everything from meetings where you want to look like a boss, to beers with the crew at sunset.

Tie Bar Vertical Stripe Cardigan
$88
It may seem like an outlier, but that’s why it works – especially unbuttoned for a casual outing or happy hour. “Layer them over a ribbed tank or plain white tee and pair with loose linen, denim, or even shorts and you have the perfect summer evening outfit,” Powell says.

Shop more Tie Bar polos shirts.

The Wells Vintage Olive Pant
$98
The do-everything pants for summer? You’re looking at ‘em. Whether you go with khaki, olive, or another neutral tone, these chinos pair best with a jacket, a knit polo, a white tee, or a casual white dress shirt. And when it’s time to head to the farmer’s market on the weekend? Pair it with a ribbed tank and your hottest short-sleeve button-up or textured polo.

Shop Tie Bar pants.

Tie Bar Full Placket Pointelle Ivory Polo
$65
Ditch the sleeves when the temps are soaring – and up your style in the process – with a classic-yet-casual knit polo. “I love textured, short-sleeved polos,” Powell says. “Whether you go for crochet or ribbed knit, a textured shirt adds another dimension to your outfit.These are great for layering over tanks.” Not sure just how to style it? The celeb stylist recommends pairing it with a set of cargo or linen pants, denim jeans, or chinos.

Parting Advice