STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Unbuttoned for Summer

I definitely don’t miss walking to class in -15 degree weather, that’s for sure. In the wintertime, it’s so cold that everyone just wants to bundle up as much as possible. One of the most common trends that I’ve seen for the past few winters is fully buttoning button-downs, maybe even to the highest button for maximum warmth and a more structured look. However, now that it’s summer, the button-down trend seems to have relaxed. A layer over a tank top or T-shirt is still necessary where I live because summer weather here can get a little chilly, especially inside stores and restaurants or at night. Button-downs, flannels and cardigans are all being left open for a cooler and more relaxed vibe.

This trend applies to both males and females, but this Fashionisto’s outfit embodies the ideal open flannel look for summer. Every piece of the outfit is very basic, but they all come together for a casual, trendy look. Starting with the star of the show, the flannel, he is wearing a red and black larger print one. He chose to pair it with a black T-shirt to match with the black in the flannel. This is a foolproof way to make sure a flannel doesn’t clash with your outfit; just wear a shirt underneath that’s the color of a portion of the flannel. It also adds a hint of a cool, monochrome feel. It’s okay to just wear a plain T-shirt underneath, but this Fashionisto added a bit of his own personality into the look by wearing a black T-shirt that has the emblem of one of his favorite bands on the pocket. It’s a great touch and an awesome way to let your personality shine through your clothes.

For pants, he is wearing some khaki shorts, which I feel are a staple for any guy’s summer wardrobe. These are neutral and can really go with any color or pattern, but the contrast between the black and red and the khaki adds a bit of an interesting color-block visual. To finish the look off, he is wearing a pair of black lace-up Vans (also a must-have for any season), a beaded bracelet, a watch, his everyday glasses and a nose ring. This outfit is interesting because the red and black plaid, the glasses and the nose ring are usually customary of a more music scene, grunge style, but the wrist accessories and pocket T-shirt really help in making the look a bit less music scene-inspired and a bit more relaxed. The khakis are so versatile that they can really be worn for all styles, from preppy to grunge.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Wear stuff that you like and are drawn to. Just make sure to ask your girlfriend or your mom if it looks okay before you leave the house.”

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