Dog Days: How to Dress for the Hottest Months of Summer

As you are fully aware, we are about to enter into August, the hottest month of summer in many parts of the country. There are those nights where even after the sun goes down, you are still sweltering in 85+ degrees, wishing you had a fresh shirt on hand. But with a few key items in your late summer wardrobe, you can say goodbye to discomfort and hello to embracing the heat. Because you know come December, you’ll be wishing you hadn’t complained as you bundle up to face the cold. Check out our guide below so you can stop sweating and start savoring.

Related: Tabor Made’s Dark/Summer Elevates Casual Clothing

Tank Top
Before you freak out and claim you would never wear such a thing, hear us out. There is a time and place for a tank top, and you do have the right to bare arms if you follow a few guidelines. This is a good area in which to use common sense. For example, tank tops at the beach and outdoor concerts: good. Tank tops in the office, a restaurant that doesn’t provide lobster bibs or a wedding: bad. Buy something with a relaxed fit but not so big you’re swimming in it either. We love how the neutral, simple Melange Tank Top from H&M goes with everything from denim to khaki shorts.

Shorts
Sure this is a no-brainer, but not all shorts are created equal. We know you have the essentials on hand already, but what about a pair that can literally take you from ocean to tiki bar? That’s right, staying cool and looking good at the shore doesn’t need to mean a wardrobe change in musty beach bathrooms. Just grab a pair of shorts like Selby’s Chambrays, throw on a t-shirt (or tank hint, hint) and you’re ready to go.

Sunglasses
Nothing is more uncomfortable than a morning, afternoon or evening squinting into the blazing sun. Not only is it not a good look, UV rays are harming your eyes. As much as we wear sunglasses to accessorize, they serve a much bigger purpose than blocking out the haters. How about a pair that looks fly, protects your eyes, and are good for the environment. These Earth Wood Coronado sunglasses are made from fully recycled and biodegradable wood and feature anti-fog measures, so you’ll be seeing clear without all the wiping.

Hat
You might be thinking, but what about hat hair? You would be wrong to worry.  Aside from the possibility of a few tangles in your tresses, a hat is perhaps the most functional accessory in a man’s summer wardrobe.  A wearable shield against sun, wind, and whatever else the season can throw at you, this Straw Puritan hat by Topman is the perfect top-off to a stylish summer outfit.

Shoes
We’re sorry (not sorry) to be the ones to break the news to you, fellas, but no one wants to see your rugged man feet in a skimpy pair of sandals. But a closed-toe shoe mustn’t mean a sweaty foot either. There are plenty of options out there that both look stylish and keep you cool. We’re sure you have a pair of canvas sneakers or even a classic boat shoe, both of which we 100% support as summer footwear. But we really dig these Rivieras Cotton Mesh Slip-Ons, designed to be both lightweight and good looking.

Related: The 5 Best Stylish Sandals for Summer

Updated 07/19/2016 by Chase McPeak