Don’t get caught wearing the same clothes all year round. Summer is the show off season. It’s why people workout all year and what colors are made for. In case you haven’t done your summer shopping yet, here’s the man’s guide to summer shopping. (Next week we’ll post for the ladies.

Fabrics
Hide your wool and corduroy. Not only will it be far too hot, it doesn’t match the season. The right summer fabric will allow you to layer properly without dying of heat. Seersucker is excellent for breathability and comfort. It’s meant to crinkle, so ironing becomes less of a concern than with wool. If you really hate ironing, then linen will be your best friend this summer. Linen is supposed to be wrinkled. Cotton is an easy go to, except it retains moisture so its not ideal if you perspire a lot. Silk is another great fabric…but only for the bold.

Colors

Pastels are the summer color scheme. You can’t go wrong with a little plaid either. Make sure to stay away from colors that are too sharp or too dark. A good guide is that if the color fits in a Monet painting, it’s probably ok.

Shorts

Summer isn’t summer without shorts. The 2013 rules of fashionable shorts are all about creating a quality silhouette. This means no excess fabric. No cargo pockets! The shorts should get just about the knee. If you’re slender, try shorts that taper in to create a more gaunt lower body expression.

Shoes

Sock free is the way to be. Go for loafers. Boat shoes are a great way to go and can easily be coordinated with shorts. If prefer laces, make sure you’re socks don’t show, or else be made fun of. Long socks with shorts is almost on par with socks and sandals.