There are those who will don a tank with no sleeves and no hesitation to do so, and there are those who will not, no matter circumstance or temperature. While sartorial convention would perhaps err on deeming the style as a little crude, fashion and style have changed so much that it is possible to pull something together that involves a tank and looking good. More importantly, these won’t peg you as one of the trailer park kids.

Here are some cool tanks to consider:

1)    With no retail stores, online retailer Alternative makes some great tanks, that fit well, are super comfortable and stylish. Alternative makes clothes for men, women and babies.

2)    Great for shorter and smaller men as they carry smaller sizes that actually fit smaller people. Topman has revolutionized fast fashion as we know it, and continues to be a relevant player in the summer tank market.

3)    Urban Outfitters has an impressive tank selection and their collection runs the gamut from the vintage inspired to the classic. You can easily layer their tanks with a blazer or cardigan. Keep your eyes peeled for their J.Press collaboration, pretty impressive.

4)    Michael Bastian’s collaboration with Gant, which debuted in the fall proves a transcendence from the realms of the cold into the breezy spring and summer. This summer tank is appropriately chic, yet fun and nautical at the same time.

Believe it or not, it is not all color and sun faded this season. Visiting Nantucket recently, I was shocked to see that no one wore black, not even in the evening! While colors, prints and linens dominate the balmier seasons; especially at weekend getaway destinations, summer black can be cool and elegant. Drowning in a sea of seersucker, Tory Burch sandals and prints, a solid black hue brings an opportunity to stand out in the crowd. Black can be casual and not necessarily heat inducing, especially in the evening. The things to ponder here are fabric and shade. The most striking thing about black in the summer is that it manages to retain a sense of elegance that no green or khaki pair of trousers can. Think faded black tee shirts, polos or even linen black button downs. Chinos nowadays come in stone washed black and so do braided belts. A black merino cashmere sweater blend is perfect for those breezy summer nights. Best of all you can totally rock this into the fall and winter seasons.

You have probably received the memo. White jeans are the thing this summer and the sartorial possibilities with a pair of these are endless. Along with your shorts, sandals, shades and swimming shorts, you are most definitely beach ready! While it is hard not to associate bold colors with summer, use color in a controlled manner. This does not mean that your clothes can’t be fun. Your sunglasses, shorts and sleeveless tanks already scream summer and one need not don a rainbow of colors per outfit. Incorporate color in your ensemble, but allow it to make a statement without competing with other hues. If you’ve got a yellow shirt on keep everything else relatively somber. The same thing goes if you’re wearing Nantucket reds. This way, color brings a sense of uniqueness and whimsy to your personality. A recent addition to the world of summer is the pocket square with colored tipping or piping. This piece can easily translate into the early fall or spring but it’s debut this summer season signals those Memorial Day sartorial shifts to new territory! Cheers.

Yes, summer is hot, and sometimes all one wants to do is roam the city streets with a sleeveless tee and shorts. But gentlemen, there are sartorial stipulations to consider, even in the summer. It is not impossible to look sharp when the temperatures are unbearable.

Here are some ideas to think about, especially if you’re hitting a cool rooftop bar or pool party:

1)    If you are going to be indoors and know that there is air conditioning, a dark but light cotton blazer or light cardigan, over a tee shirt or sleeveless tee for that matter can up the elegant ante on summer bum.

2)    Try pairing a dress vest with a plain white tee underneath. If you are at a pool party, take a random risk and why not just wear by itself? Pair with dark relaxed denim.

3)    While flip-flops are default in the summer, there are other options. Remember; if you are going to expose your toes make sure you feet are presentable. Consider sandals for a change or even espadrilles. You know those shoes with the straw heel? They are not only for strange looking Europeans you know.

4)     The last thing you want to do is add anything to weigh you down. We all know how the heat can be unbearable. On those hot summer nights, if you choose to accessorize, limit your bling to one piece, like a light chain or leather bracelet.

Many of us are still wearing shorts that look like they’re trapped in the 90’s and no that does not make it a cool retro throwback. Oversized and hovering below our knees, they billow out around our legs, making us look rather foolish.

While shorts come with a sensibility of relaxation and casualness they need not deter from our credibility. Shorts are comfortable and appropriate for warmer temperatures, but today they are also smart and fitted. These qualities are no longer limited to flat front shorts but are to be found on all sorts.

Style Tip: Avoid pockets in places that are typical of cargos and that 90’s rock band that isn’t around anymore. Rejoice gentlemen, we don’t have to hide our legs anymore, look for shorts that are slimmer and shorter. This makes the transition from summer day to night seamless. Dress up with a shirt or even a blazer for those stylish summer nights.

Here are some great places that sell some great shorts:

Bonobos

Topman

Park and Ronen

It is inevitable that when you are from New England and have an affinity for your boat shoes and Nantucket reds, (or a rope belt or anything with an anchor on it) you are going to be made fun of. The truth is, preppy style is a credible movement and a defined American style that has inspired the world over, even the Italians.

The trick is not don all the aforementioned items together at the same time.

Consider the following combinations for a look of great Prep style:

1. Boat shoes, khakis and a grey tee. The combination does not call too much attention to itself and stays in prepster territory sans the Wasp jokes, keeping your integrity intact.

2. If you’re going to wear anything with an unmistakable nautical theme make sure it’s the only nautical thing you’re wearing. For example, if you’re into those rope belts then pair that with flat front grey or tan shorts and a simple button down shirt.

Stripes

3. Stripes are considered heavily nautical, French and preppy too. Due to their classic propensity, we now seem them all year round. A sweater with wide horizontal navy stripes is a great look with chinos and a trench.

4. Whimsy is fun. Anchor prints on a tie or a shirt or even whales repeating on trousers or shorts are fun. Just pair with solids and don’t overdo the bright colors. Stick to one fun element and keep everything else restrained. It will make you more interesting and actually highlight some whimsy but in an understated way.

While one is cooler than the other, it makes sense to consider spring and summer, together when planning your wardrobe.

1. While it’s an all year round sort of thing, denim is appropriately cool during spring and summer. Choose a style and wash; dark indigo is dressier and crisper versus lighter shades and stick to it. Avoid anything too sandblasted or acid washed. Also, skip anything with holes or paint drops on it.

2. Oxford button downs are great shirts to own in your wardrobe. Moreover, they are appropriate for balmier temperatures as they evoke a New England sort of prep, which has its nautical connotations. Untucked and or rolled up they can work either way.

3. Every guy should a plain gray tee. They are so effortless, so comfortable and so cool. They can be dressed up or down whichever the mood and require no fuss or finesse.

4. A long sleeved crew neck or Henley is also a great mainstay. Layer with a tee for texture and dimension or wear on its own, either way these look simple and cool.

5. A thin light v-neck sweater is luxurious and stylish for those cooler nights. Keep it simple with a v-neck tee underneath or nothing at all. Consider, in a vibrant hue for a twist on a classic.

During the month of June I tweeted one summer style tip per day.  For those of you who missed a day or two, here’s a recap starting with June 1st:

1. A madras pocket square will impart attitude into any summer ensemble. Just keep everything else simple and solid.
2. White flat front Chinos are classic and back. Pair with a plaid shirt and you’ll instantly be summer chic.
3. Avoid 100% linen as it wrinkles quickly and easily. Opt for a linen / cotton blend as it won’t wrinkle as much.
4. Give the sweaty leather watch a rest this season. Invest in a canvas or grosgrain ribbon band watch.
5. Leather belongs on your feet and not your face, so don’t forget the SPF! I suggest at least 30 in summer weather.
6. Nothing says summertime like white suede bucks. Be sure to watch the weather before wearing and avoid crowded bars.
7. Yes its hot, but you don’t have to smell sweaty. Wear a cool & crisp scent with subtle notes of citrus and grass.
8. Adding a deconstructed, unlined linen or cotton blazer will amp up any summer outfit. Try pairing with shorts.
9. Seersucker & summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. Invest in one & you’ll be ready for all those weddings.
10. Headed to an outdoor evening party? Bring a lightweight cable-knit v-neck pullover for those unexpected chills.
11. Wearing less leather and more canvas will instantly make you look season-appropriate.
12. Looking for an alternative to cotton this season? Bamboo is a soft & luxurious fabric that is great for these temps.
13. Going sockless this summer? Use a foot antiperspirant like Gold Bond Foot Spray to help fight sweat & bacteria.
14. It’s okay to be a bit crumpled and rugged this season. As long as you know how to do it so that you still look good.
15. SPF isn’t the only thing to help block the sun’s rays. Top off your look with a straw fedora. Ur head will thank u.
16. Must have 3 pair of sunglasses – Oakley’s for sports, aviators for work, plastic bold frames for sunny afternoons.
17. A durable canvas tote is perfect for a day at the beach or a night away. Avoid cream or white and opt for a zipper.
18. When ordering a drink, ask for cubed ice as opposed to crushed ice. It will melt slower thank crushed or shaved ice.
19. For a look that’s Trad and true, nothing is more spot-on than Bass loafers, oxford button-downs, and twill khakis.
20. When wearing all white don’t try to match the shades. Instead, make an effort to vary the textures and tones.
21. Love wearing black? Exchange it for gray in the summer months…a superlative alternative to the usual safety color.
22. OJ isn’t the only option for bubbly. Try a splash of pineapple and a slice strawberry and walah…heaven in a flute.
23. When summer suit shopping avoid padding or lining that might prevent your body from breathing. Try a unlined suit.
24. Be on the hunt for linen socks. Twice as strong cotton, it absorbs moisture well, wicking sweat away from your skin.
25. When ironing black or navy linen, turn the garment inside out. You’ll prevent that unsightly shine that we all hate.
26. When wearing a dress shirt, a gentleman always dons a white t-shirt, regardless of how warm it is outside.
27. Guys, pedicures aren’t just for women. If you’re uncomfortable getting one with her, locate a men’s grooming salon.
28. V-necks are great for the summer. Just make sure that the V doesn’t come down to your belly button.
29. A good khaki suit lasts a long time. A great khaki suit lasts a lifetime.
30. Drink lots of water, use sunscreen daily, don’t overdose on white, get a pedicure. Enjoy the summer!

photos: gq.com, veritasimage.com, swipelife.com