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 heavy 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 to the office.
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.
Taylor Stitch The Democratic Chino
Attention sports-loving desk jockeys: Taylor Stitch leaves a little room in the thigh while keeping it tapered below the knee, so guys with an athletic build won’t have to sacrifice comfort to wear today’s more fitted aesthetic.
$98
Uniqlo Dry Pique Striped Polo Shirt
Small pops of color in a traditional print put some extra “oomph” into your everyday work style, while Uniqlo’s dry technology wipes away traces of sweat from your morning commute.
$20
Ministry of Supply Apollo Polo
PARTNERA polo that takes you from work to play? Yes, please. Ministry of Supply’s new Apollo polo is made from the same temperature-regulating knit blend created by the company for their innovative Apollo dress shirt. The popsicle-hued shades will have co-workers salivating.
$65
GANT Rugger Indigo Bamboo Shirt
Bright color? Swoon. With a fun pattern? Double swoon. Amp up your staple chinos with bolder shirt patterns this summer. Stand out amongst your gingham-clad colleagues while ensuring your look is still totally office-appropriate.
$145
Brooks Brothers Melange Knit Tie
Instead of committing to a splashy, over-the-top pattern in your neckwear to get some attention at the water cooler, try a small change in texture to achieve the same effect. As in, a cool knit tie beats a golf ball-bedazzled bow tie any day of the week.
$80
Suit Supply Lazio Blue Check
In a sea of navy and grey suits, a lighter color is a unexpected, but just as easy to style as its wardrobe staple counterparts. The “Lazio” check-patterned suit from Suitsupply is ideal for standing out in the summer heat.
$499
The Essential Pocket Square
Pocket squares are one of the easiest ways to insert a little somethin’ extra into your outfit (and ladies are all about a little somethin’ extra). Pro-tip: when coordinating a patterned tie and pocket square, reference one color from each rather than attempting to mimic the two different pieces completely to avoid looking matchy-matchy.
$38
Shore Projects Morecambe Watch
When I was a kid, I remember having an insanely cool (for a 10-year-old) watch set where I could keep the watch face but change out the straps from red flowers to green polka dots. Shore Projects is a brand with the same concept for adults… minus the flora and fauna. You can switch the band from color to color or metal to leather in a matter of seconds for subtle daily style updates.
$205
Grenson Matthew Shoe
A light brown brogue is a versatile choice that can break up a dark suit as easily as it can pair with a casual weekend look. This tan grain leather gives off some serious football vibes, making it a welcome sporty addition to any dress shoe line-up. Grenson also names and describes each shoe like a real person, bringing a whole new meaning to the question, “Who are you wearing?”
$370
Ernest Alexander The Alfie Briefcase
Having an obscenely expensive leather briefcase is not guaranteed to turn a woman’s head. However, carrying literally anything other than the free nylon messenger bag you got at that training conference is advised.
$245
The Every Occasion Card
This one-size-fits-all greeting card takes your sentiments out of the sappy zone and into the “Wow, this guy is hilarious and considerate” arena.
$15
Dollar Shave Club Big Cloud Good Shake Hand Cream
The meetings, the negotiations, the networking, all of ’em begin with the same thing: a handshake. Having a good hand lotion on hand (there it is) is a solid move to ensure your skin feels soft when in a firm grip. A plus: Big Cloud’s formula absorbs into your skin quickly, so no greasy after-the-fact mess.
$6
