Men’s style: guide to What to Wear This Summer

Shopping for summer clothes as a man can feel like walking into a party where you don’t know the dress code. One minute you're trying on a tee that feels like it was made for a teenager, the next you're sweating through a shirt you just steamed. If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or totally uninspired by your closet lately, you’re not alone.

The good news is Summer 2025 is all about easy polish, quiet confidence, and clothes that actually make you feel something. Not louder. Not trendier. Just better. Here’s what’s fresh this season—and how to wear it effortlessly.

The Quiet Luxury Vibe Is Still Going Strong

You’ve probably heard the term “quiet luxury” thrown around for a while now, but this summer, it’s found a home within menswear. Think: buttery-soft knit polos, perfectly draped linen shirts, clean tailoring with no logos in sight. It’s less about being noticed and more about being remembered.

If you’re shopping, lean into neutrals, earth tones, and elevated basics. A pair of olive drawstring trousers in linen? Yes. A cropped button-up in crisp cotton? Absolutely. And when in doubt, a well-fitting tee in a heavyweight fabric will take you farther than anything with a label splashed across it.

Tailoring Meets Comfort—Finally

One of my favorite shifts this season is how menswear is blending structure with softness. You don’t have to choose between looking sloppy or sweating through a suit. Summer tailoring this year is all about relaxed silhouettes in breathable fabrics—drawstring pants that feel like joggers but look like trousers, or unlined blazers that move with you, not against you.

For the guy who wants to look put-together without trying too hard, this is your summer.

The Open-Weave Shirt: Breathable, Bold, and Surprisingly Versatile

This summer, men’s shirts are getting an upgrade with texture and airflow in mind. Enter: the open-weave shirt. Whether it’s a crochet-style knit, a breezy mesh, or a gauzy loose-woven cotton, this shirt is quietly dominating summer 2025. It’s the perfect blend of statement and comfort.

What makes it work? First, it's breathable—literally. The weave allows for airflow, making it a no-brainer on hot days. But more than that, it’s a visual texture that elevates even the simplest outfit. You can wear one over a tank for a relaxed layered look or buttoned up with tailored trousers for something more fashion-forward. It's one of those rare pieces that walks the line between sexy and subtle.

Look for styles in off-white, mocha, black, or muted pastels for maximum versatility. And don't overthink it—this shirt does the work for you. Pair it with crisp shorts, lightweight pants, or even denim. Just keep the rest clean so the texture stands out.

Modern Cargo Pants: Functional Style, Grown-Up Energy

Modern cargo pants are one of the most useful menswear updates happening this summer—and no, they’re nothing like the baggy, pocket-heavy pairs you wore in high school. This season’s cargo pant is all about refinement: a clean silhouette and just enough utilitarian detail to feel current without veering into try-hard territory.

The cut is key here. Look for a straight or slightly tapered leg—nothing oversized or slouchy. These are pants you could wear to brunch, a casual meeting, or even a night out with the right top and shoes. Most of them hit right at the ankle or slightly cropped, which helps keep the silhouette sharp and intentional.

Color-wise, think understated: olive, stone, navy, sand, or charcoal. These tones pair easily with what you already own—white tees, washed black polos, striped shirts, denim jackets. You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe to make these work.

Sandals You Can Actually Wear Outside

Flip-flops are getting a grown-up glow-up. From sleek leather slides to minimalist rubber sandals, the footwear scene is all about open, breathable styles that don’t scream “beach day.” Whether you're heading to a summer dinner or walking the dog, the right sandal brings an effortless polish to your look.

Stick with black or brown leather for versatility, and skip anything too bulky or logo-heavy.

Pastels, Earth Tones & Muted Color Pops

If color usually freaks you out, this season’s palette will feel surprisingly approachable. Pistachio, lavender, butter yellow, and dusty rose are showing up in everything from linen shirts to suiting, and they’re shockingly easy to wear when paired with neutrals.

Start with a pastel tee or overshirt and layer it into what you already own. Or go all in with a tonal look—light khaki pants, a soft green shirt, clean white sneakers. It’s a subtle shift that makes a big impact.

Seersucker, Boxy Tees, and Fabric That Breathes

Summer 2025 is leaning heavily into fabric texture—think seersucker that feels like a breeze and boxy cotton tees that don’t cling to anything. These pieces feel premium but relaxed, and they’re built to carry you through long, hot days without a lot of fuss.

This is where fit really matters. A boxy tee shouldn’t swallow you whole—but it also shouldn’t be skin-tight. Go for a clean shoulder line and a little room through the body. You’ll feel cooler instantly (in every sense).

Playful Prints & Retro Touches

There’s a playfulness in men’s fashion right now that I genuinely love. Think retro-inspired prints, vintage stripes, micro florals, even graphic tees that nod to ‘90s or early 2000s nostalgia. And no—it doesn’t have to look like a costume.

Pair a slightly patterned camp-collar shirt with tailored shorts, or layer a graphic tee under a blazer for a cool mix of polished and personal. This isn’t about going full Y2K—it’s about adding a wink to your wardrobe.

Accessories That Feel Intentional

It’s not just about what you wear—it’s how you finish it. This summer, accessories are subtle but impactful: thin chains, beaded bracelets, rimless sunglasses, leather belts in chocolate or black. Nothing too loud, just thoughtful details that pull your look together.

And don’t underestimate a great pair of sunglasses. They’re mood, mystery, and polish all in one.

Grooming: The Foundation You Didn’t Know You Needed

Yes, grooming counts. No, you don’t need a 15-step routine. But a good moisturizer, sunscreen, and hair product that works with your texture? That’s style, too. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to feel like work—it just has to feel good.

And if you’re investing in nicer fabrics this season (which I recommend), learn how to care for them: steamers, fabric brushes, storage tricks. These little rituals turn your wardrobe into a lifestyle, not a headache.

You don’t need to reinvent yourself. You just need a reset. Start with one piece that excites you—a tee that fits perfectly, a pair of shorts that make you stand taller, a sandal that feels you. Build from there.

Try a mini style experiment. Wear one new thing and pay attention to how you feel—not how you look in a mirror, but how you feel moving through your day. That’s the energy we’re dressing for.

With all the style and love you deserve,

Monica