6 Easy Summer Outfits for Black Men (And 3 Essentials)

Summer outfits. Ya’ll got em? Let’s speak on it…

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What’s good WDB fam?

We’re in the dead of summer now and no matter where you are, you’re probably feeling the heat. I feel you on that one…

We usually don’t think too much about summer outfits (compared to other seasons). Fellas priorities typically are:

1. Staying Cool
2. That’s it

Congrats if you’re a black man who takes pride in his appearance even during that hot months. That’s wassup. Working with my clients as a stylist, that’s what I’m trying to see – people putting black mens style first and foremost.

When folks tell me they focus on staying cool – on one hand I get that…. on the other hand…cmon.

All it takes is a little imagination.  And putting together some fresh summer outfits both keeps you cool during the hot months and boosts your swag too.

So what’s to lose? Lol…

It’s time to show out during summer. Yeah, staying cool is a priority, but looking good is just as important.

It’s a game and we play to win. Am I right? (I can see yall nodding heads in agreement)

Well then…

Yall already know that we only do it big here, so:

Rest assured we got you….by the time you’re done reading, you’ll have 7 different sources of inspiration for game-changing, head turning summer outfits.

At the same time, these looks are easy and quick to put together…so you won’t spend too much time or cash putting it all together.

Leggo!

Cooler Summer Outfits for Black Men

 

 

Summer Outfit #1

 

An outfit can’t get much simpler and timeless than this.

In this case, although D-frame, thick rimmed shades are necessarily my favorite to rock. They fit well on this outfit.

Why?

Simple style, with essentials that never go out of style, look good. And D-frame shades are just that – no matter what the era, they always look good. So, you can’t go wrong with a pair.

Of course, this simple summer outfit for black men doesn’t stop there. It goes a step further.

You should have at least one accessory, maybe more, if you’re clean cut and preppy as this – if you prefer on putting bolder – more fashionable looks first, it’s a different story. He’s got the bracelet so he’s good there.

The board shorts being dark and understated also help, especially when going with a short sleeve white dress shirt.

Although you can’t see the bottom of this outfit, I’d recommend having some light-colored desert Clarks or boat shoes that mix in white laces / soles.

And that’s all you need.

 

 

Summer Outfit #2

 

This fella right here has it going on as well. I’m not crazy about low top white Chucks, cause everyone has a pair…but they work and always fit within a casual outfit.

So, continuing from the ground up, making sure you don’t let your socks show is always a style plus during the summer – wearing low top socks is the way to go.

The blue button down having a pattern is a nice touch but not necessary. And the gold rim shades + fedora make this outfit work.

Again, more preppy than I know a lot of fellas are rocking, but there’s nothing wrong with it at all.

This is a great summer outfit for black men- simple, timeliness, doesn’t take too much effort to throw together and keeps you cool during the heat.

 

 

 

Summer Outfit #3

 

This outfit is dope too. What’s you’ve got going on here is a look with contrast. That is, mixing in pieces from different looks – while, at the same time, they go together and work.

Back to the D frame / hipster framed sunglasses this time, along with a button down white oxford. But tucking your oxford into blue jeans shorts is new territory – I dig the look.

It also helps that what completes this outfit is the footwear.  Dark color belt, contrasts with bright color shorts, which contrasts with dark color shoes (that goes nicely with the belt)

And no visible socks. This is a fresh as hell summer outfit for black men.

 

Warmer Summer Outfits for Black Men

Now that’s we’ve covered some simple summer outfits that look good and don’t take many layers or pieces…

In the 2nd part of this topic, I decided to swing back around and show you a few more outfits. These are slightly different…

Namely, these summer outfits aren’t “cool and breathable” as before – in terms of keeping you cool when the thermometer is pushing 100 degrees.

These are a bit hotter in terms of fabric, layers, and apparel length (i.e. pants instead of shorts).

If you’re in temperatures a bit lower right now, you can consider rocking looks like this.

It’s all good though…these are a few more example-type summer outfits that I’ve been designing for my clients lately.

Take a quick look below and let ya boy know what you think – reply back!

 

 

Summer Outfit #4

 

This is money. White chinos, dark leather belt…that’s two check marks right there.

Then a gold watch helps liven up the outfit – gold accessories typically stand out in ways that others just don’t. That’s a fact.

Then you have a black button-down oxford – since this contrast well with the white chinos is a fine choice. The fit works, even if a bit tight, and it’s a step up to tuck the shirt in as well.

The shades don’t really add to, or take away, from the outfit other than the fact they are:

• Essential to wear during the summer
• Dark brown tint – nice touch not being pitch black

Although it’s hot to wear chinos during the summer, this look is a great summer outfit for black men.

 

 

Summer Outfit #5

 

This is money. White chinos, dark leather belt…that’s two check marks right there.

Then a gold watch helps liven up the outfit – gold accessories typically stand out in ways that others just don’t. That’s a fact.

Then you have a black button-down oxford – since this contrast well with the white chinos is a fine choice. The fit works, even if a bit tight, and it’s a step up to tuck the shirt in as well.

The shades don’t really add to, or take away, from the outfit other than the fact they are:

 

• Essential to wear during the summer
• Dark brown tint – nice touch not being pitch black

 

Although it’s hot to wear chinos during the summer, this look is a great summer outfit for black men.

 

 

Summer Outfit #6

 

Top class.

A blazer can work during warmer weather, although it’s a bit difficult (you may wanna consider being indoors).

Then there’s the fact that a blazer + t-shirt combo is a great look for the summer. The white horizontal stripe tees look great.

The Panama Hat of course is what makes this all come together…

A bright, eye catching straw hat or fedora is essential during the summer like no other time of year. But the Panama hat is my favorite.

Mix it all together (with a pocket square for good measure), and you only need 3 color shades to pull it off? (white not counting).

That’s masterful. This is a great summer outfit for black men.

 

Summer Style Essentials Black Men Need

 

How’s your summer wardrobe coming along so far?

Now when the calendar turns to June and the sun is shining down…you’ll need the following essentials to stay fresh AF despite killer temperatures.

Don’t get caught lacking…you need a few pieces to feature prominently in your summer outfit.

 

 

 

My Pick: Halogen Straw Panama Hat (Nordstrom)

 

Essential #1: A Panama Hat

When the sun’s shining and rays in your face all day, you need that UV protection first and foremost!

Yessir. A good hat will take you far, and nothing beats a fedora or a straw hat for making the magic happen, totally revamping even a boring outfit.

A Panama hat, often known as a straw fedora, is lightweight and eye catching, especially on a darker complexion.

This is a summer hat that stands the test of time, and mixes in well with summer outfits.

Style it With:

Almost anything – from polos to button downs. Even a tank top in some situations -depend on the occasion.  it’s as versatile as it gets.

My Pick: PRIVÉ REVAUX Designer Round Sunglasses (Amazon)

 

Essential #2: Gold Rimmed Rounded Shades

“John Lennon Lenses” yeah man you just straight up need these.  Absolute money. Also known as hipster shades. Look great and easy to rock with summer outfits.

Retro style inspired of the 70’s and 90’s is making a comeback right now. What can I say…hop on the wave…

Get you some round gold-frame shades if you don’t have a pair already.

These can easily be transformed into prescription shades as well.

 

Style it With:

Face types of narrow, medium and angular. Folks with a round face may want to invest in a different classic look like aviator or D frame shades.

 

 

 

My Pick: Margaritaville Men’s Reel 3 Eye Boat Shoe (Famous Footwear)

 

Essential #3: Boat Shoes

That preppy aesthetic is what they say… Nothing says “lazy summer afternoon” like boat shoes. No socks, low top classics that keep your feet as cool as possible on a hot day.

For shoe polish, make sure you have a water-based one that you can regularly apply to protect the leather and make it last.

In terms of design I love dark leather, white-sole boat shoes the most. That’s what I recommend my clients, and black men everywhere, rock em.

Style it With:

They’re super versatile and go with anything – long as you’re wearing shorts of course!

Make sure to rock a belt that 1) contrasts with your shorts and 2) matches the color of the boat shoes you’re rocking as closely as you can.

 

Now to conclude:

There you go…the above tips should help you out when it comes to summer outfits for black men.

Now what you need to do next, if you haven’t done so already…

Take the Black Men’s Style Quiz so you can understand 1) what looks good on you in the summer and 2) What your style type is.

Once you know that you’re all set. Plus…

After taking the quiz, you’re signed up to the WDB email list where we provide sick advice on black men’s style all year long.