Style Essentials For The Beach

As soon as the sun comes out and the weather gets warmer, you'll likely want to go to the beach after suffering three months of cabin fever. You'll need to get a few things to keep yourself looking good once you get there, though; your daily suit and tie are far from comfortable beach styles. Here are some things you'll want to have on your shopping list.

Shorts on the Seashore
Nothing spells summer like a pair of shorts, and you have to have a pair regardless of the trends and fads that are in the shops. Shorts are to the beach as the necktie or briefcase are to the office: indispensable.

What kind should you have? There's the ever-reliable khaki short to consider; they're essentially your usual daily chinos cut to your knees instead of your ankles. Denim pairs - cutoffs in particular - are also popular summer style options, even if they're usually seen as fashion faux pas circa the 1990's. Light suiting fabrics like linen and cotton blend will work equally well when executed as a pair of shorts on the beach.

Board shorts (and men's shorts, in general) tend to be very long, with many ending at or just below the knee. Since it's warm and you plan on being comfortable, though, you may want to consider slightly shorter options that end as high up as four inches from the knee. Not only does this give off a more laid back and appropriately summer vibe, but it also gives your legs a little more room to breathe (and tan) during the warmer months.

Pick your shorts carefully. The right pair can be an excellent investment because you can wear it even when you've packed up and gone home. A pair of neutral shorts with the right length and fit will never go out of fashion.

Coloring Up Summer
The shift from winter to summer in the fashion industry is a very stark one. From the typically structured and somber pieces of fall to the brighter, airier pieces of spring, men's fashion designers create clear distinctions between the seasons. Color is one of those things that set summer apart.

Pastels and light shades usually make their appearance around this time, each and every year. If you have a good collection of pastel shirts, you should be able to get considerable mileage from there during summer. Light pink and powder blue are always favorites, but greens and yellows are great choices too. It's not just shirts getting colored up, though.

Bright colors are emerging as a men's style trend this season, and it only takes the usual palette even further. By adding color to everything from your boat shoes (extra points if they're leather) to your wristwatch, you immerse yourself in the season and make your outfit all the more eye-catching. Even pieces that are already colored - neckties and pocket squares, say - are being rolled out in bolder, brighter pieces than before.

Beach-Ready Accessories
Dressing up for the beach isn't always easy. You have to strike that balance between making a fashion statement and keeping things relatively simple and fuss-free. After all, you likely went to the beach to relax and unwind and not just to show off your clothes.

Start with your footwear. Leather isn't a very good idea at the beach, what with all that moisture and salt in the air. If you really want to wear shoes to the shore, a pair of espadrilles - jute soles with a canvas upper - or canvas shoes should work, as both of them can dry when they get wet. Otherwise, a pair of slippers will do; trendy brands like Havaianas start at around $15 a pair.

Another option is the straw fedora, which is a much more versatile style piece than it'd seem. One with a moderate brim and a neutral shade should keep you relatively cooler than most of the other men at the beach. After you've gone home, though, you can still wear this spring staple with jeans and a tee, or a shirt with a casual tie.