It's a Guy Thing: Men's Summer Fashion Essentials by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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It's a Guy Thing: Men's Summer Fashion Essentials

Is your guy not that into fashion and still wearing slinky knits and leather jackets? A few gold chains here and there? Well, now's your chance to give the man in your life a special style update. June is definitely a "man's month" — full of graduations, Father's Day, weddings, Men's Health Week and the official start of the summer season. So, what's a guy to do (or wear)?

Start with Father's Day. Whether your father's a conservative or casual dresser, every man should have certain items in their closet to help them look their best, says fashion industry expert Tom Julian, who wrote "The Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style" (Chronicle Books, $19.95).

Julian believes that "the essential shopping list for your father should be built around modern pieces." We're not talking baggy shorts and floral shirts. Instead, Julian recommends outfitting your Dad with some key items that he may not have in his wardrobe: the flat-front pant, the trim shirt (versus full cut), the long lean shoe (versus square toe) or the trimmer tie. The younger the age of your Dad, the skinnier the tie.

Do you notice a "theme" we have going on here? "Trim" is the word when it comes to men's fashion trends. From pants to shirts to jackets and suits don't think "tight," just more fitted.

If there's a graduate on your list that wants a few fashion finds, think about helping him with his work wardrobe that is probably almost nonexistent. "It's not enough to have a starter suit," says Julian. "You need to prepare your wardrobe for your first job the same way you would prepare yourself for a test."

What items does a guy need when developing that all-important career wardrobe right after graduation? Julian picks the navy blazer as the definitive item for investment dressing as well as the modern two-button suit. "From the classic soft-shouldered style to the new shrunken silhouette, the navy blazer can work for many different lifestyles," adds Julian. "The same thinking applies to the purchasing of a navy two-button suit."

Whatever the occasion, this summer is the perfect time for men to re-evaluate their wardrobes and make a good impression among friends and potential colleagues ...

especially if interviewing for a job is a top priority. For Julian, cotton is the stylish summer staple for tailored clothing pieces, including jackets and suits.

"Polished cotton, cotton canvas and cotton seersucker can all work for dress up and dress down," says Julian. "The cotton suit with a polo is ubiquitous for warm weather dressing. Stay away from heavy soled shoes and socks though."

Guys can always learn a few tips when packing for summer vacations, according to Julian, who travels at least two weeks out of every month. This fashion expert has packing for a stylish trip down to a science. His travel wardrobe consists of a navy suit, a flat-front chino, a dark denim jean, a lightweight, five-pocket casual pant, three dress shirts, one lightweight V-neck, a few V-neck T-shirts for layers, as well as gym pieces and accessories.

Here are Julian's top 10 summer essentials:

— Flat-front khakis

— Driving shoe with no socks

— V-neck T-shirt (can be worn under layered item and next item)

— Camp shirt in earth tones with textured stripes (no tropical prints)

— Gingham check shirt (long sleeve to play off of the prep/geek chic trend)

— Check or stripe-patterned summer shorts with 7-inch inseam (flat-front)

— Polo shirt (classic like Lacoste or Burberry)

— Shirt jacket (to act as a blazer) with half-lining and four open patch pockets on front of jacket

— Lightweight knit: partial to a cardigan or vest (to play off of the prep/geek chic trend)

— Boxer-style swimming trunks in a novelty print (inspired by Italian lines of Etro or Vilebrequin)

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.