It’s safe to say that the more famous you get, the more open you become to making each and every wrong decision about how to dress yourself. That’s why it’s always refreshing to see a man who can keep his head among all the fierce loyalty to the bootcut jean and “funky” vests of Hollywood. So without further ado, a few of the best (and worst) practices for this summer:
Chris Colfer and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
As noted in my previous post on weddings, formal-ish wear is a dangerous game in the summer months. While young Mr. Chris Colfer isn’t doing anything anything overtly terrible here, he still manages to look like he’s the alternate for his high school’s Junior Statesman of America team by trying way too hard to dress down what was already a dangerously casual (nearly “funky”) blazer. The always well-appointed Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes it look easy on the other hand by building upon a truly solid foundation: a slim, stone grey tropical wool suit and white poplin shirt that get just the right amount of attitude with a skinny rep tie and what can only be an indie band pin.
Tom Hardy and Zac Efron
Summer sweaters sound counter-intuitive but when deployed correctly in lighter fabrics they can add another dimension to your go-to tees and denim. Like this great loose knit cotton one draped over Tom Hardy’s serious shoulders. The beach goth look as demonstrated by Zac Efron is one of the many ways this can go just…terribly…wrong.
Steven Tyler and Nick Jonas
The length, tightness, and general attitude of a man’s shorts can mean the difference between looking like the leering ghoul who offers kids licks from his popsicle on the boardwalk (Steven Tyler) and the guy that everyone wants in their twosome at the country club (Nick Jonas). The most important thing to keep in mind: you can never go wrong with a khaki pair that hits about 2 to 3 inches above the knee. Extra points for cuffs.
Jared Leto and Ryan Gosling
The tank top presents another possible minefield of pasty skin and lecherous connotations. Unless you’re reading this in 4 point harness chances are you’re already in better shape than Jared Leto. What we can all learn from Ryan Gosling on the other hand is to avoid anything that anyone could possibly be mistaken for underwear and a little bit of classic surf appeal won’t hurt either.
Evan Widhu is a mens wear buyer in New York. He holds strong moral opinions about square toed shoes.
