Fashion Reverie’s Five Men’s Summer Essentials

Guys, it’s summer, so it’s time to live and love life. No time to be stuck in the house and office; it’s time to be out and about. But while you’re out having fun, make sure you leave a good impression.

To do so, the first thing you need is a good summer scent. This is the perfect time to incorporate a new cologne into your regimen. Fashion Reverie suggests you head over to Sephora (or Sephora.com) and purchase the “Leading Man Fragrance Sampler.” This box set comes with four samples of Sephora’s most sought-after modern men’s fragrances (Gucci Guilty Intense, Gucci Made to Measure, Hugo Boss Boss Bottled, and Lacoste Eau De Lacoste) plus The Art of Shaving’s Sandlewood Essential Oil Shaving Cream. What truly makes this set so great is that it includes a certificate redeemable at any Sephora store for a full size bottle of any of the four fragrances at no extra cost. Did I mention this is all for $55? Yes, a real deal.

Secondly, you need a good pair of sunglasses. Block out the suns rays with style. I suggest a nice pair of aviator frames, either gold frames with amber/brown lenses or gunmetal frames with dark black lenses. I’d stay away from reflective lenses, unless you want to look like a highway trooper.

Next, make sure you have a good, metal watch. Some people may suggest a leather strap watch, but your sweat and body oils can wreak havoc on a leather strap during the summer. A nice sized, well-fitting, rose-gold or black ceramic watch looks great in the summer sun, and gives you a sense of style that subtly sets you apart from guys wearing more traditional timepieces.

Earlier this year, a good number of people started hitting the gym in anticipation of the beach body season. Some hit the gym HARD, and some of us … not so much. Physical fitness should be a year-round endeavor, and there’s no time like the present to begin your journey. You don’t have time to hit the gym? Do you think gyms can be intimidating? I hear you, but that’s no excuse. A simple solution is to buy pushup bars and a resistance band. You can have them at the office or at home, and workout in private at your own pace and convenience. You won’t get the full results of being in a gym, but with all of the exercises and tips you can find on the internet, you can get pretty close, and you’ll be on the road to a better body. (On a side note; when traveling to stay in shape always pack a resistance ban. It’s a great way to get a quick workout in our hotel room.)

Lastly, what is summer without thirst-quenching libations? Happy hours, rooftop lounges, pool parties … You are bound to be asked the question “what are you drinking?” What’s going to be your response? Vodka and cran? Gin and tonic? Come on man! A man’s choice of drink is a part of his sense of his style, just as his choice of music and art. So this summer, Fashion Reverie suggest you elevate your liquor selection and align yourself with a drink that signifies you are a cut above the average. I’m not saying go as far as always ordering a cocktail with elderflower liqueur, but instead of asking for just rum, request 10 Cane Rum, one of the purest rums on the market, or instead of asking for just gin, ask for Hendrick’s gin, one of the most flavorful gins available. (Bonus points: if you travel to the Caribbean, stop in the Duty Free Shop before returning to the U.S. and secure yourself a few bottles of Hennessey Pure White. It’s smooth, light, and not sold stateside.)

Now that you have your summer fun starter kit, go out and hit the town. Be sure to come back and let Fashion Reverie know how well you’ve worked these items into your life and style.

—Carl Ayers