Summer is a stylistic balancing act. You want to look good (obviously) but you also want to feel good, and that can be tough when temps approach triple digits. Since layering is out of the question, each individual piece you choose becomes even more important. Luckily, we turned to Megan Collins, the founder of Style Girlfriend, to help you out with those selections. This is what your girlfriend wants you to wear this summer when you’re relaxing.
Megan Collins is the founder of Style Girlfriend, a men’s lifestyle site that offers guys friendly advice from a female perspective. In addition to personal style, Style Girlfriend covers topics like food, fitness, travel, and home. We recommend signing up for the Style Girlfriend Newsletter to receive tips right in your inbox.
Penfield Mitla Hula Print Short Sleeve Shirt
This shirt from Penfield has travel vibes written all over it (quite literally). Pair it with anything from solid chinos on a date to your bright swim trunks at a pool party.
$64Veja V10 Low - White
They’re not called classic white sneakers for nothing. The footwear workhorse can slide into any casual outfit and even sneak into a suited look (when styled well). The Veja V10s give off Air Force One/Stan Smith vibes but with a welcome twist in the off-white sole.
$145Mack Weldon underwear
PARTNERMack Weldon’s crazy high-tech mix of materials makes these boxer briefs the underwear equivalent of Iron Man’s special suit…but for your unmentionables (ability to fly and deliver witty quips on command not guaranteed).
$24OLIVERS All Over Short
PARTNERConsider these bad boys gym shorts for the modern man. Performance-oriented construction means you can get your workout on, while a slim fit and stylish colors mean they work just as well on your “off” days.
$68Anderson's Woven Textile Belt
They say your belt should match your shoes, but what if you’re seizing summer in a loud pair of floral print slip-ons? Solution: a multi-colored woven belt, like this one from Anderson’s, an Italian company making leather belts since 1966.
$69The Banks Focus Tee
There’s a lot of talk about when men should “grow out” of the graphic tee phase, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to phase these tees out if you style them right. A tasteful graphic t-shirt paired with chino walking shorts and a cool pair of sneakers is a great way to nail the grown-up look without the groans.
$35LEVI'S 501 Slim-Fit Stretch-Denim Jeans
While it’s easy to default to dark denim on the daily, don’t discount the power of a light wash. A tapered fit will give you the same slimming effect of dark rinse jeans, helping you escape any accusation of “dad jean” vibes.
$80Theory Light Puffer Jacket
Clear eyes, full (online shopping) carts, can’t lose. Coach Taylor was definitely on to something between his record-breaking pep talks and seriously stylish nylon button-ups. Tami Taylor knows what’s up.
$325Club Monaco 7" Baxter Sketchbook Short
Treat chambray like a neutral and you’ll never go wrong—yes, even with other denim… just make sure the shades are different.
$69MGCO. 3rd Edition Deck
Whether you’re displaying these on your coffee table or playing dealer in late night poker, a sleek deck of cards always comes in handy.
$15Sperry Bahama Chambray Sneaker
You definitely don’t have to be on a boat to wear boat shoes. This chambray pair serves as a sturdy alternative to flimsy flip flops and the more expected typical brown leather boat shoes.
$65Duvin Journeyman - Traveler
Pumping up travel style isn’t just about what you pack, but what you pack it in. Adding a pop of retro print to your duffle with the help of Duvin’s coastal aesthetic will leave ladies wondering if you’re en route to a secret surf break.
$45DropCatch Bottle Opener
Gone are the nights of grabbing an ice cold beer out of the fridge and then wondering where someone left the bottle opener… again. DropCatch’s bottle opener not only mounts to the wall, but it magnetically catches the bottle caps as they pop off. A bottle opener that doubles as decor? Minimal clean up? We’re in.
$40The Motley x Thread Experiment Room and Linen Spray
Men’s bedding company Thread Experiment teamed up with the guys over at The Motley to create a refreshing room spray to keep your home smelling fresh, even if it’s been a minute since you’ve cleaned it. Especially if that’s the case, actually…
$38