Can I get away with not wearing a shirt and tie? It’s too hot!
In the summertime, I am especially grateful that I can wear flowy skirts and sleeveless dresses to keep me cool in the heat. I can’t imagine what I would do if I had to wear a shirt and tie. Just thinking about that combo in 8o-plus degrees makes me want to open a fire hydrant. While discussing graduation outfit options with someone, I suggested a Guayabera. I took to twitter and demanded that there be a resurgence of the classic Latin American shirt in menswear, and within seconds menswear guru Paul from Manshion.com answered my plea with this example:
Gabe Alonso of Pleats are for Lovers photographed by Justin Chung.
All of the men in my family own guayaberas. Whether it’s paired with a light-weight pant for playing dominos in Panama or with dress pants for a rooftop party in NYC, it is a versatile way to look cool while staying cool in the heat. I would love to see more guys take risks and abandon the traditional collared shirt and tie this season (of course, only if it’s appropriate for the occasion).
Gabe is the man–check him out here: http://pleatsareforlovers.tumblr.com/ and Justin Chung drops gems here regularly: http://blog.justinchungphotography.com/