Summer Swagger

A trio of fashion experts offers tips on how to choose and style the season’s best pieces—whether for a first date or a pool party.

Singer-songwriter and Valley dweller Aaron Benward is decked out in a cocktail party ensemble by his stylist Allison Rae Marsh. Canali blue plaid suit , $1,895; Frank & Eileen poplin shirt, $245; Swims Petrol sneaker, $155. All available at Sy Devore in Studio City.

Date Night

Do: Less is more with designer labels. Dark jeans, a smart blazer with an untucked T-shirt and fresh sneakers look super fashionable. Or a button-down. My favorite is from Frank & Eileen and has that natural, wrinkled look that’s so “in” now. No need to dry-clean or iron.
Don’t: Wear sneakers with socks if you’re wearing shorts. Wear peds or “no show” socks underneath.

Cocktail Party

Do: Think of the classic styles of Cary Grant and Fred Astaire: a beautiful khaki or navy suit with a button-down. Or just go for the suit jacket with an untucked polo shirt or a white, crisp button-down. If you wear denim, choose one that has a natural, vintage wear; I like a dark or black. And no need to spend a fortune. H&M has a really well-priced, slim-cut, cotton woven navy suit with flat-front slacks (no pleats). Shoe: a classy, white, nubuck suede oxford.
Don’t: Wear a black suit. Save it for a black-tie event or funeral. Avoid pleated-front suit pants (not flattering) and hole-filled, overly distressed or acid-washed jeans (too contrived).

Allison Rae Marsh,
Fashion/Wardrobe Stylist

FIRST BLUSH Frank & Eileen linen shirt, 245$, Sy Devore

Daytime Wedding

Do: At a daytime summer wedding, wear a suit, a shirt and a tie. Or wear a suit without a tie or even a fabulous T-shirt (James Perse or John Varvatos) with a formal jacket. To add some fun, accessorize with a bold timepiece. Check out the watches by Nixon. They’re great-looking and well-priced.
Don’t: Wear jeans. Plain and simple: It looks disrespectable. With weddings, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

HEAD TO TOE Canali wing tip spectator shoes, $795, Sy Devore

Office Attire

Do: What’s really appropriate is a casual pair of slacks. In some offices it is okay to wear (dark) denim, but remember you’re not at a Dodger game—so dress accordingly. Have several dark pairs that are only for work. Keep the dark hue intact by not laundering the denim frequently; it’s simply not necessary.
Don’t: Wear shorts and a T-shirt (unless you work in the surf industry). Stay away from sloppy, baggy and baseball hats.

Sheryl Marcus, Wardrobe Consultant

Cocktail Party

SOCK IT TO ME An array of fun socks;
from $20, Sy Devore

Do: Choose at least one pop of color like a fun sock (happy socks.com or JCrew). I like a fun T-shirt, a fitted blazer, a nice jean like AG brand and a hip sneaker. For a more formal ensemble, do a fitted button-down or even a skinny tie and a nice trouser. I prefer a tucked-in shirt. No matter what your size, tucking in your shirt makes you look more put together. Do a half-roll on the long sleeve, just below the elbow. Get a hip, vintage belt to add some spunk, or a classic leather one. Footwear: Tom’s slip-on men’s espadrille.
Don’t: Over-accessorize. If you go with a tie, don’t do a scarf or wear a hat. Pick one. And don’t wear anything too tight. No matter how in shape you are, it just looks bad. Ditto for big labels (cheesy).

Pool Party

Do: Think awesome and bold for your swim trunk. Check out the higher-end brands like Vilebrequin and Vineyard Vines. Go with a white linen shirt or fun T-shirt. Accessorize with a straw fedora from Rag & Bone, H&M or Zara. Footwear: a boat shoe (Sperry and John Varvatos have great ones), a clean flip-flop or sneaker without socks.
Don’t: Teeny-weeny bikini bottoms are never OK. I’m also not a fan of tight, white undershirt tank tops, too many jewels and necklaces or socks with flip-flops.