Your Guide to Summer Style

Alright guys I know it's been awhile since my last post, but it's time to get back to business. The temperature is rising, the beer is getting colder, and the girls are looking better. This means we need to look better as well. Start dressing for the way you want to be seen this summer, and make it one for the record books. Were gonna go bottom to top as we walk you through everything you'll need to make it happen.

-Shoes

There's nothing more I love than a fresh pair of white kicks on a hot summer day. Some call it basic, I call it timeless. These are the kind of shoes that will never go out of style and can always be used in a crunch. Even better yet, the white shoe works well with any style and build, virtually all guys can rock these and look good too. Great in leather, great in canvas, the great white fleet is here to stay people; So get with the program and embrace the simplicity.

Name: Polo Lander
Price: $65.00
Where to Buy: Macys

Name: Converse All Star Lo
Price: $39.99
Where to Buy: Famous Footwear

Name: Converse Jack Purcell Lifestyle
Price: $49.99
Where to Buy: Journeys

Name: UO Pimsoll
Price: $18.00
Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters

Name: Warrior Classic
Price: $49.90
Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters

Now as much as we love us some white shoes, Real Talk definitely doesn't discriminate against other great colors. Here are some other options that will be sure to turn up your summer swag. 

Name: Bertozzi
Price: $80.00
Where to Buy: Aldo

It's very hard for us here at Real Talk Fashion to condone spending $80 on a pair of loafers let a lone a pair from Aldo, but I promise there is a reason. This loafer is not only the perfect style of shoe for hot summer days but this vibrant blue will take your game to a whole new level. I also love this shoe in black; you just can't go wrong here. I recommend losing the socks on this one, it never hurt to show a little ankle.

Name: Canvas Slip On
Price: $17.90
Where to Buy: 21Men

Slip ons are going to be your best friend this summer. They are simple and easy to pull off. They look good with a solid pair of jeans, shorts, and even board shorts. They come in a variety of different styles but we particularly dig the neutral tones of these slip ons. Always fashionable, always affordable, 21Men hits their mark. 

Name: Classic Flip Flop
Price: $2.50
Where to Buy: Old Navy

The flip flop is about as summer as it gets. A classic staple that will never go out of style, the flip flop comes in a variety of colors and makes. These rubber flip flops are perfect for the wear and tear of hanging out at the beach or cooling off around a pool. It'll be the best $2.50 you spend all summer, we promise. 

-Shorts

Name: Kenneth Cole Cut Off Shorts
Price: $34.99
Where to Buy: Macys

As always the Reaction line of fashion powerhouse Kenneth Cole, comes through big with these tailored  cut off chinos. The unfinished hem gives these shorts a very laid back look while still maintaining their sophistication. Perfect for lounging poolside but works just as well out to dinner. Versatile, durable, classic, it's a win win situation my friends.

Name: Classic Plain Front Short
Price: $10.00
Where to Buy: Old Navy

If you're looking for a more traditional american short, Old Navy offers a great selection. They offer two lengths 10 inch as well as 8 inch, which caters to the old school and the new. Their classic styling will work great with a polo or graphic tee. Durable and coming in well under everyones budget, this is your go to basic short for the summer.

Name: Custom Jean Shorts
Price: Free
Where to Get: Your Closet

It's hard to imagine jean shorts ever looking fashionable, but we will go out on a limb and say they can be fashionable, you just have to wear them correctly. Cut off the pant legs of an old pair of jeans that fit well but maybe are just a little run down. Make the cut about half an inch under the knee cap (or an inch depending on desired length) and fold the unfinished bottom twice to finish off the hem. And walla you have your self some slim fitting fashionable jean shorts.

Name: Express Plaid Short
Price: $38.99
Where to Buy: Express

Keeping it classy while wearing shorts is never an easy task, but these monochrome plaid shorts from Express will keep you on track. Not quite as over the top as most plaid shorts can be, Express keeps it simple and true to form. Rock these with a nice S/S button down and you'll look like a million bucks.

-Boardshorts

One of the most important investments one can make this summer is the board short, both functional and stylish. Try to ditch the over branded board shorts with dragons and skulls. Don't be afraid to go for something bold, just think more mature, and allow the high school boys to play with the dragons.

Name: Striped Boardshort

Price: $19.90

Where to Buy: 21Men

Can't say it enough how much we love these retro board shorts from 21Men. The length of these might take some getting used to, but honestly it's time you stopped wearing baggy shorts. Wear these with confidence and you will definitely stand out in a good way. 

Name: Plaid Cargo Board Short
Price: $22.50
Where to Buy: Old Navy

At first glance you wouldn't be able to tell that these are board shorts at all, and that is genius of these shorts. Still made from the same durable materials as other board shorts, yet easily worn while not near the water. It's the perfect transition short from pool to lounge, no one will ever know the difference.

-T Shirts

Not to beat a dead horse but when it comes to tee's, simple is key. As adults it's no longer cool to wear shirts that have what we believe to be clever sayings or crude sexual innuendoes. In fact if you are over the age of 18 and still choose to wear those kind of shirts, they might as well read as follows "I don't get laid, so I try to be funny." Try that one on for size. 

Three must have basic t shirts this summer; The v-neck, the wide neck, and the crew neck. Mix up the colors, just make sure the shirt fits nicely, there's nothing worse than seeing a grown man wearing a white tee two times his size. Last time I checked I didn't get the invite to be in Death Row Records and neither did you.  

Name: Fine Jesery Knit V-neck
Price: $21.00
Where to Buy: American Apparel

Name: BDG Wide Neck Tee
Price: $14.00
Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters

Name: Basic Crewneck
Price: $5.98
Where to Buy: 21Men

Each one of these tees is versatile and can be worn with just about anything. Dress them down with a pair of jeans and some classic sneakers, or dress them up with loafers and a blazer.

Name: On the Byas Baseball Shirt
Price: $12.99
Where to Buy: Pac Sun

Another must have for the season is the 3/4 length baseball shirt. It's a little retro, but always looks good and is a nice way to keep it casual while opting out of the basic S/S tee. Keep an eye out for black, as well as rust red if you're looking to get away from the blues. 

-Button Downs

Name: Cotton Poplin S/S
Price: $34.50
Where to Buy: Express

I have to give credit to one of my buddies for finding this great short sleeve button down. The quality of the shirt is fantastic, and it fits like it was tailored. Also the poplin gives it a little more texture than your run of the mill shirt. Keep this on deck for a nice night out on the town.

Name: Checkered Woven Shirt

Price: $26.90

Where to Buy: 21Men

Honestly we were such big fans of both color schemes we couldn't just pick one. If you want to add a splash of color to your wardrobe this summer, this is an easy way to do that without going overboard. The clean cut checks and slim fit construction make this shirt a perfect candidate for the rising temperatures. 

Name: Marc Ecko Stitch Position
Price: $39.50
Where to Buy: Marc Ecko Cut & Sew (online)

For a little darker toned shirt try going for this Cut & Sew short sleeve. The colors are rich and will give you a nice break from the light greys and blues. Wear this out to your next BBQ with those Kenneth Cole cut off chinos and the Jack Purcells (warning you will look damn good).  Plus right now Marc Ecko is hooking it up with an online promotion of buy one get one 50% off the entire store, doesn't get much better than that. 

-Ties

Name: Madras Plaid Tie
Price: $24.00
Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters

Tap into your preppy elitism with this madras plaid tie from Urban Outfitters. Just because you don't go to Princeton or Harvard doesn't mean you can't look like it. Keep it slim but proportional to your collar, and try to avoid matching shirt patterns, that just gets really messy...really fast

Name: Gingham Bow Ties
Price: $35.00
Where to Buy: Etsy (online)

Name: League Bow Tie
Price: $35.00
Where to Buy: All Saints

Have some fun this summer with your ties and opt for the bow tie. They come in all different colors and sizes but just like with traditional long ties, always try to have the size of your tie and collar of your shirt proportional to each other. Don't be afraid to experiment with a little color, and you'll be glad you don't look like every other Joe Shmoe around the bar. 

-Jackets

Name: Vintage Windbreaker
Price: $33.90
Where to Buy: 21Men

Name: Nylon Taffeta a-way Jacket
Price: $54.00
Where to Buy: American Apparel
(Don't ever wear those pants)

Name: Shruken Blazer
Price: $64.00
Where to Buy: Urban Outfitters

Even though the summer days get blistering hot, it's nice to have a light jacket for walks along the beach or lakefront on those cooler nights.

-Sunglasses 

Name: Ray Ban New Wayfarer

Price: $119

Where to Buy: Lenscrafters

Now we understand times are hard, but if you can spare the cash and take care of your belongings, we can't help but recommend a pair of Ray Bans. Truly their to protect your eyes from UV rays as well as make you look like a badass. These are some of the most well built sun glasses around.

Name: Wayfarer
Price: $5.90-14.99
Where to Buy: Pac Sun, Zumiez, or 21Men

Now if  there is just no way you can afford to drop a bill on a pair of sunglasses there is no need to worry. You can get the same classic wayfarer style for a fraction of the price. Remember though you pay for what you get and some quality may be lacking but overall they look good.

-Hats

Name: Canvas Driver
Price: $14.95
Where to Buy: Gap

Driver caps are the new baseball cap, trade in that beat up hat you wear while cutting the grass and hook your self up with this canvas driver cap from the Gap. 

Name: Summer Fedora
Price: $18.71
Where to Buy: Gap

Gap also hits their mark with this super lightweight cotton fedora. The jersey knit texture gives this stylish hat that summer look, with lightweight fabric to keep your head cool.