ALL IN THE DETAILS: Summer Blues

June is the perfect the time to give your khakis a rest and try a less traditional but equally classic look. Men this means you. This summer’s “must wear” hue is blue, in all its amazing shades. This Fashionisto perfectly paired several shades of blue, including my absolute favorite, pastel blue chinos, to create a standout summertime look that gives this Wisconsin University sophomore that certain, “I want to get to know him better” quality.

The look consists of a few essential but interesting pieces; remember when mixing different shades of the same color be sure they compliment each other well. Experimenting with clashing colors can be tempting, but pulling them off can prove to be difficult. Start with basics. Remember, sometimes simple is the way to go when working with bright colors. The shirt is a classic white Oxford from Gap. This button-down is made from a lightweight, more breathable fabric for summer. The shoes are brown leather Sperry Top-Siders; known for their comfort and versatility they work well for almost any outfit, casual or dressy.

The silver-buckled belt is from J.Crew. The focal point of this outfit is the pants, which provide an unexpected pop of color that adds interest without being overwhelming; each accessory was chosen to accent the bold color choice. The J.Crew pants are lightweight, slim fit, cotton chinos. They are coupled with a navy blue Oakton blazer with gold buttons and paired with a slim chambray J.Crew tie whose width matches those of the lapels. To bring the look together he added an electric blue Fossil watch fitted with an interchangeable strap.

How To: Afraid to don a pastel blue pant? Ease into more daring colors by starting with a sedate summer tone—the J.Crew broken-in chinos in smoke red.

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