A Guy's Sartorial Summer Survival Guide
10 Essential Items to Get You From Now to Labor Day

With the unofficial start to summer behind us, we want to make sure that you guys are prepared for anything and everything that summer can bring. To make sure your ready to endure anything Summer 2012 can send your way, we have put together these 10 items to help you get from now to Labor Day.

1. The White Jean

Summer is the only acceptable time when a man can get away with a white jean but with so many out there it can get a bit confusing when it comes time to buy one. You have to stick with a true white, no eggshells or off-white will do. Since the color is already a bold choice you have to keep your choice of fit simple. The best choice is a straight leg jean that will show off the junk in the trunk while still giving you enough room to breathe. The white jean will definitely make you stand out in a good away amongst all the other guys in regular denim.

Gap 1969 Straight Fit Jeans
Courtesy of Gap

 

 

 Gap 1969 Straight Fit Jeans $69.95 available at gap.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an important part of a summer kit and your choice in sunglasses says so much about you. The best way to go is with a dark tinted pair in a big oversize style like an aviator. These Alexander McQueen sunglasses with the skull detail on the side are perfect for the entire summer.

 

Alexander McQueen Aviator Sunglasses with Skull Detail
Courtesy of Zappos

 Alexander McQueen Aviator Sunglasses with Skull Detail $345 available at zappos.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
3. The Chilly Night Sweater

A sweater is an important staple in your summer survival kit for two reasons. First, on those chilly nights a sweater can come in handy so you won't be shivering the entire time and secondly, if you aren't that cold you can always be the bold gentlemen and offer your sweater to your lady-friend, this move is sure to help your summer fling game. Make sure to go with a sweater that is soft and breathable, save the wool and mohair for winter. The Mira Mar sweatshirt from Riviera Club is the perfect go-to.

Riviera Club Mira Mar Sweatshirt
Courtesy of Riviera Club

 

 Mira Mar Sweatshirt $140 available at rivieraclothing.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Lab Series Power Protector SPF 50
Courtesy of Sephora
4. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential part of any summer survival kit as a little too much sun can do a lot of harm. To make sure you stay golden tan and not lobster orange make sure to stock up on some good sunscreen. A great one is the LAB Series Power Protector SPF 50. This specific sunscreen provides great coverage and won't leave your skin greasy like so many others out there.

 LAB Series Power Protector SPF 50 $42 available at sephora.com

 

 

 

5. The Tote

Save the leather briefcases and messenger bags for fall and instead spend your summer rocking a great tote. You want to make sure it's big enough to stick all your gear in but not too big that it becomes cumbersome. The Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote is perfect for all your summer needs. The washed canvas makes it sand-friendly and the shoulder strap makes it super easy to carry.

Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote
Courtesy of The Bag Forum

 

Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote  $348 available at coach.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Boss Black Acarto Sandal
Courtesy of Park & Bond
6. Flip Flops

Havaianas may be comfortable and easy to wear but they're not always the most fashionable sandal. If you really want to step out in something worthy of a champagne brunch check out the Boss Black Acarto Sandal. These leather sandals can elevate any look no matter how casual its origins.

 Boss Black Acarto Sandal $117 available at parkandbond.com

 

 

 
7. The Perfect Tee

Summertime is all about showing off your laid-back style and nothing says laid back like a classic v-neck tee. The Lacoste LIVE V-Neck T-Shirts are perfect if you're looking for something beyond your boring white v-neck.

 

Lacoste LIVE V-Neck T-Shirt
Courtesy of Nordstrom

Lacoste LIVE V-Neck T-Shirt $49.50 available at nordstorm.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Gant by Michael Bastian Tennis Short Swim Trunks
Courtesy of Barneys
8. The Swim Trunk

Every guy should invest in a good pair of swim trunks. If you own a pair of floral printed board shorts you should burn them right after you finish reading this guide because you're doing yourself a disservice. With so many great swim trunks out there, there's no reason why anyone should be wearing floral printed trunks (Givenchy swim trunks are an exception to this rule). A great pair to own are the Gant by Michael Bastian Tennis Short Swim Trunks.

Gant by Michael Bastian Tennis Short Swim Trunks $89 available at barneys.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. The Tank Top

Summer time is all about embracing a laid back style and nothing embodies a laid back style quite like a tank top. As usual, not just any plain white tank top will do. You want one that has a little bit of a twist to it to keep your female audience interested. The SLVR Colorblock Tank is the perfect combination of a classic shape with modern details.

SLVR Colorblock Tank
Courtesy of Park & Bond

 

 

 SLVR Colorblock Tank $36 available at parkandbond.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


10. Shorts

Swim trunks may be light and comfy enough to wear everywhere but this doesn't mean you necessarily should. Sometimes the occasion calls for a real pair of shorts. When in doubt head over to Bonobos and check out their wide selection of shorts. With their many color options your bound to find one that works no matter what your event.

Bonobos 9" Washed Chino Short
Courtesy of Bonobos

 

 

 

Bonobos 9" Washed Chino Short $65 available at bonobos.com