Taking the best of men’s fashions off the runways and red carpets and incorporating them into casual and dressed-up outfits that are fashionable and trendy, without seeming overly self-conscious is a delicate art. You never want to look like you just stepped out of the pages of a men’s fashion magazine, but you do want that cool, of-the-moment vibe that comes from appropriating just the right fashion trends into your look. Luckily for you, blogs like The Urban Agent and magazines like Esquire and Details can help you translate designer looks and celebrity ensembles into fully wearable outfits.

1. The Denim Shirt. The faded, casual denim shirt has ridden to sudden prominence as the number one thing for a guy to wear this summer. Urban Agent recommends a chambray shirt with a tailored fit to wear with a blazer and nice jeans and another looser denim shirt to pair with khakis for the weekend. Esquire suggests that you keep the look less cowboy and more “off duty rock star” with a casual, classic denim shirt from Levi’s.

2. Boat Shoes. If you want to pull off the huge summer trend of going sockless with dress shoes (and Urban Agent and GQ suggest that you do) you will need a pair of classic all-American boat shoes to carry out the look. You don’t need to go all Ivy League about it—no popped colors, no salmon coloured pants—just a pair of classy boat shoes, some light pants, and a killer preppy attitude.

3. The Canvas Backpack. When you are juggling a cell phone, camera, iPad, and maybe an energy bar or a spare deodorant, it can be tempting to just throw everything into a reusable shopping bag or a “murse” and call it a day. But fashionable men are reclaiming the backpack from the kids department and transforming it into the ultimate practical accessory. Urban Agent suggests a classic or vintage rucksack-style backpack for all your essentials, while Details touts canvas as the perfect summer alternative to classic and boring leather. A cream-colored canvas backpack with rich leather accents is the perfect carry-all that is both manly and practical.

4. The Leather Jacket. No, this one isn’t new, and chances are you already know that the leather jacket is the ideal fall and spring transitional piece. But you can also wear a leather jacket in the summer, provided you keep it cool and casual with a v-neck tee, some man jewelry, and a perfect pair of shades. Esquire even suggests that you abandon the classic black and simple brown jackets and dare to wear the coloured leather jacket—camel, navy, and even Michael Jackson red are all big trends for 2011.

5. The Espadrille Sneaker. Popularized by the charitable organization and shoe designer that is Toms, these casual canvas shoes have become the go-to shoe for any fashionable guy. Lighter than traditional sneakers, more mature than Converse All-Stars, and more respectable than sandals, espadrille sneakers are easy to wear with everything—even shorts.

6. The Summer Sweater. There are plenty of occasions that call for something more than a t-shirt, but you really don’t want to wear a full suit. Those are perfect times to wear the ever-popular summer-weight sweater, which can actually be more comfortable than a dress shirt if you choose a light fabric and weave. Esquire suggests the nautical look of the classic navy and white striped sweater or the crisp preppiness of a trimmed tennis sweater like the classic Lacoste ribbed v-neck.

7. Diamond Jewelry. Most men do not buy diamonds for themselves, and probably never expected to wear diamond jewelry in their lifetimes. But subtle, masculine diamond jewelry is gaining popularity, and not just rappers’ earrings. Diamond rings can be used for everything from wedding bands to signet rings to a powerful fashion statement, and a dog tag necklace with a diamond chip has just the right combination of edginess and classic appeal.

8. The Light Suit. If you are going to any weddings or formal occasions this season, it’s time to retire your classic black suit in favour of something much more summery. There is the cool-guy approach to the warm-weather suit of an all-white ensemble of white tee, jacket, and skinny jeans. Or you can opt for something more classic and refined with a linen suit in stone, beige, or light gray, finishing the outfit with a dress shirt in a tropical-inspired color like a not-too-bright but strong blue. GQ recommends that you wear a linen suit with confidence—the wrinkles are part of the look. Don’t forget to finish off your look with brown shoes and vintage shades.

9. Huarache Loafers. If you are going to wear sandals, which were seen all over the runways this year despite being a somewhat controversial footwear choice, Urban Agent recommends that you choose the Brazilian sandals known as Huaraches. Woven leather sandals that expose only a bit of skin while still keeping you cool and comfortable, huaraches are a far more classy and manly choice than flip flops, Adidas shower shoes, or the strappy men’s sandals recently marching down the designer runway.

10. Short Hair. Long, floppy locks may look good on celebrities who probably spend more time and money on their hair than your girlfriend and all her friends put together, but short-cropped hair can be just as sexy and puts you at much less risk of looking ridiculous. If you are going to an important event like a wedding, get your hair cut one week before so it will have time to grow out just enough to look natural.



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