The Stylist's Manifesto

Alot of people have been skeptical about rocking black in the summer (about as skeptical as many are about wearing white denim), even after reading my previous post ‘black on black’ done a while back. Truth is, black brings a dark sexiness to the summer wardrobe as well! You do have to be careful of fading since this can completely destroy the beauty of it. Also, like any color, this is not to be overdone. Goth isn’t a good look for anybody. If you’re trying to ease into it, try swapping some black denim in for an outfit where white denim was yor first choice. Or trade a black top/dress where you were going to wear a gray one. This time I’ve decided to display entire outfits as examples, sound good? Good. Now let’s begin

Ejemplo A :

Statement tee. Simple. Sexy.

Black cuffed shorts go perfectly with the edgy statement tee. Swap the heels for some hot sandals or hightops if desired.

This reversible jacket perfectly compliments the tee’s red accents and simutaneously stops the world from knowing you’re cold, dig?

Ejemplo B:

Pair this plunging v-neck with either of the following bikini tops for a perfect way to stand out this summer without being too outrageous.

Or…

Then add this chunky geometric bracelet…

And finally top it off with super skinny denim that bunches at the bottom!

Ejemplo C:

Joan jett all the way baby! Start it off right with this bangin’ jacket! Then…

This pink/white/black tee or…

This multi-colored/black/artsy one. Next…

In keeping with the rocker aesthetic, these studded hoops.

Add this huge diesel bag (almost duffel-like in appearance, no?)

This is a purely optional piece, but since you’re a rockstar, why not?

Now for us…

Number 1:

College lettered cardigan gives you a ‘home for summer break’/ ‘Almuni’ vibe. The white tee that dude is sporting is great for summer because if it gets warm, ditch the cardigan and the rest of the outfit will still keep its freshness.

Maintain that student/professor look with this key-charm KR3W necklace. Not sure why, but it just looks great with that particular cardigan.

These raw black jeans and classic kicks are the finishing touches (notice the patent detail on the denim).

Number 2:

The exposed and contrasting pocket makes this tee stand out from the rest of the gents living in t-shirts this summer.

Graphic watches are to be done in moderation, but this one meshes well with this ensemble, trust me.

Washed black is very different from crap that got faded because you washed it wrong. This is more of a charcoal and breaks up the deep black of the previously mentioned t-shirt without contrasting as much as a black and white combination.

End it with these super-slick onitsuka tigers with ‘Tokyo’ right on the back.

Example 3:

This example starts with a modern fit black suit and white button-down with an optional tie (there should be no need for explanation for this one)…

The ensemble takes a turn with patent hi-tops. Make SURE they’re patent! Since patent leather is more suit/tuxedo like, it won’t be as ‘out-there’ as normal hi-tops.

I’d personally go with this rubber player for a break from the normal leather. The shine of the diamond as well as the hardened crystal face will match the shine of the patent kicks.

Some materials are season-specific (I’m of course speaking for areas like chicago/new-york/etc that experience climate change). This can definitely be said of canvas. It’s usually regulated to warm weather, at least when it comes to footwear and accessories. I’d love to see more of either sex in this stylish material because it’s not only different, but mad chic as well! Instead of rocking the traditional leather (belt/bag/shoes/wallet/etc.) why not try canvas? It’s much more breathable and lightweight (great when it comes to those shoes at the summer wedding or eight that are coming up), and will definitely show off your fashion-versatility. Check out the following examples.

PS: If you’re wondering about when it’s appropriate to go sockless gentlemen, remember this rule of thumb: If the shoes have no lining, you can do without the socks. This includes dressier varieties such as oxfords, etc.

(These L’UNO’s in black or white by Gourmet are perfect for summer! I can’t get over the unique design with the cutout sections. Sick and stylish.)

(The nixon Time Teller P is great in any color but this canvas variety is specific for the warmer weather. Rock this with a canvas belt at the summer wedding. It’s black on black so it’s a more subtle statement.)

(The canvas belt is a great alternative to the heavier leather. When wearing to the office, wear one with a color or two that’s reflected in your jacket. The slick way a canvas belt can highlight a color elsewhere in an outfit is a definite head-turner!)

(A simple change in upper material can completely change up an outfit. Check out these canvas oxfords that would go well at the office, at the wedding, or even with denim on a night out with your baby! And yes, the same sockless rule applies here.)

(For a more dramatic statement in canvas, try a bold striped band timepiece like this one by lacoste.)

(If you notice, the belt for this dress is full-canvas. Since the belted dress is so hot right now, why not change the normal leather or patent belt out for a canvas one?)

(Canvas doesn’t have to be regulated to regularly found places either. Just look at these sexy red strappy sandals!)

(This is one of the better examples of canvas I’ve seen. This lightweight bright dandelion jacket is just what the doctor ordered for the summer!)

BAGS:

With so many bag options I decided to devote the last section to them. Enjoy the following examples.

(The vertical sling is for those men that can pull it off ONLY. Otherwise, you’ll look like you’re carrying a man-purse.)

(This may be one of my favorite messenger bags ever! Carrying this and you’ll look like you just came back from south africa on a business trip. Very ‘Upgraded Indiana Jones’ looking, no?

For whatever reason, I’ve been extra into purple for the last few years. In most of it’s different shades, for either sex, purple has been and will continue to be a staple of every style-conscious individual. Even in biblical times, purple was hot!

(It definitely takes some swag to rock this purple cardigan! But with a crisp white tee underneath and indigo denim, the choice is spectacular!)

(This light purple nixon adds a nicely feminine splash of color to your outfit.)

(I would definitely suggest this purple nixon belt with a crisp button down or polo. This is when you definitely want to tuck the shirt in to show it off! Try some white oxfords to complete this twist on the classic summer ensemble.)

(Pair this with super dark, super skinny jeans and some sky-high stilettos and make the scene!)

(These shades speak for themselves.)

(Stripes are great for summer and thankfully this hoodie is pretty lightweight so you won’t be too hot when you rock it this season.)

(This purple nixon time-teller is very modest and would be right at home with that khaki suit/lavender shirt combination you’re planning on going with for that upcoming summer wedding! The pricetag is equally modest at only $55.)

(Instead of dropping $150 on a fossil, why not do something different and go with this purple Rubber Player by nixon? It’s mad unique (color-wise), and you get a real diamond at the 6 marker just to add a touch of elegance.)

(This purple-striped shirt is great with jeans or with the aforementioned suit! Some perfect companions? White accessories as demonstrated on the model.)

(Why can’t Ms. Spears rock stuff like this instead of that crap she usually does? Show off those legs in a jersey dress like this one and enjoy the nightlife!)

(This beautiful form-hugging belted dress is perfect for those dates with the hubby and girls night out with your bff’s!)

There’s just something about orange! It’s super versatile and depending on the hue, can be worn in nearly every season. Bright for summer, more subdued for fall, it works and works well.

(classic orange and blue combo. Pair with denim or khakis and a vintage tee of either color.)

(Sexy and bright, these are perfect for summer!)

(White button-down/the following shoes/this watch/light wash denim.)

(These shoes with the above watch.)

(Chunky bag in burnt orange goes great with a mainly white ensemble.)

(Pair with gold hoops and gold heels and enjoy yourself!)

(The maxi is a classic and essential piece that also looks great in orange!)

(Mrs. Beckham does it again! Orange strappy heels and this plunging dress are gorgeous!)

(This orange nooka looks straight outta cloud city! And only $150 at spots like karmaloop.com and turntablelab.com.)

Some colors just never go out of style. These hues seem to reappear year after year, season after season. And you know why? Because they’re not a fad, they’re timelessly chic! One such color is aqua (which for the purpose of this post will include hues such as sea-foam/turquoise/blue-green/etc.). It works so well with a variety of skin tones whether it shows up in apparel, footwear, accessories, make-up, or jewelry. It even works well outside of fashion. Why not a lamp? Or a chair? Or an accent table? Perhaps it dominates a work of art or some other statement piece in the home? This color family has many creative uses and begs to be experimented with! If an 80’s neon is too bright, you can always try a little color variation with the aqua colors.

(Both of these wesc headphones are less than $150 at turntablelab.com, and if you remember my post on headphones as a fashion statement, will look amazing around your neck with that long-sleeve tee!)

(What would I be without a G? This recently added colorway of the classic G-Lide is perfect for summer!)

(Why can’t Ms. Hilton look like this all the time?! Such a vintage/hepburn ensemble.)

(A staple of EVERY men’s wardrobe should be the polo! If you are a dude without a few polos in your closet, something’s wrong. Seriously wrong.)

(Classic heels in this beautiful shade work wonderfully with a variety of looks.)

(Chunky jewelry is smokin hot right now and the preceding two turquoise pieces are beautiful!)

(Chunky bags are as sick as chunky jewelry. This turquoise bag is a perfect example of how this color can really pop no matter where it is!)

(This bikini looks so great in that color, you hardly realize it’s a zebra print!)

(This enamel anne klein watch is only $75 at nordstrom.com! And how could you not love the color? Imagine it with that white tennis skirt and matching colored polo! Game. Set. Match.)

(Just for the boardwalk. Pair with a nice wedge or sandal and enjoy the festival in style!)

(Murk mediocrity in this simple aqua tee by LRG.)