Stripe Shirt

Stripe Shirt

Look stylish and smart in men's casual shirts this summer

For most men, the ideal outfit for summer weather is a t-shirt and shorts. But while this classic pairing has its many merits, it can lack a certain element of style. If you're hoping to add a little class to your summer wardrobe - or you want to revamp your man's look - don't overlook casual shirts as a suitable alternative to a plain tee.

The quintessential design for a casual summer shirt is one with short sleeves, a collar and buttons at the front. This differs from a formal men's shirt primarily in the length of its sleeves (ending at the mid-upper arm rather than the wrist) but also in the looseness of its fit. If you want to veer away from a collar altogether, you can also find collarless casual shirts. These differ from regular casual shirts in that the collar is replaced with a flat, wide hem that is not dissimilar to a Nehru collar. This style may also sport two or three buttons near the collar area, rather than a traditional button-down shirt design.

When you've settled on a style of casual shirt that best suits your shape and neckline, it's time to think about patterns. While plain casual shirts in white or pastel colours are a great summer look, patterned shirts are becoming more and more popular, with flattering results whatever your size. A major trend for men's and women's clothing in summer 2011 is stripes and vertically striped shirts can certainly have a slimming effect on larger men. Try on a range of shirts when shopping in order to find a striped pattern that best suits you. For example, thin stripes or shaded stripes in different colours may be more flattering on slim or mid-sized males, while large men may look better in a chunkier pattern.

Another classic design for casual shirts is a checked print. Checked prints have been popular with men for decades and as a result come in a range of colours. However, if you're picking out a checked shirt for summer wear, stick to lighter pastel colours. Yellow, light green, pale blue and - if you're feeling brave - pink are all valid options for summer casual checked shirts, while reds, blacks and browns are more suited to autumn and winter.

Once you have an array of casual shirts ready for the summer, it's important that you know how to wear them. Jeans or chinos are classic pairings for casual shirts, and these can be worn equally well with trainers or sandals for an everyday summer look. And if you're heading to the park or the beach to enjoy the sunshine, don't underestimate the flattering effects of wearing a casual shirt with shorts, instead of a t-shirt. Casual shirts may also be suitable for night-time social occasions in the summer, especially barbeques, outdoor gatherings and relaxed cocktail parties. However, a casual shirt is almost always best avoided at a summer wedding, when a formal suit is usually expected.

About the Author

Isla is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with brands like Bhs. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.

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