With winter behind us, you've most likely tossed your favorite sweaters into storage to welcome the warm weather. But as your summer essentials get the spotlight, you might spy some items in your wardrobe that might need an upgrade.
Wardrobe basics aren't always as easy to shop for as they are to wear, so Shop TODAY Lifestyle & Fashion Contributor Melissa Garcia shared with TODAY some ways to upgrade your summer closet. These stylish picks include some of the best fabrics for summer and even basics you can wear year-round.
Whether you're looking to add to your wardrobe or refresh your style, keep reading to discover the best men's style upgrades and summer trending outfits.
Best men's style upgrades seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY
With UV-400 protection and polarized lenses, these Knockaround sunnies offer more than just protecting your eyes from the sun. Many of their styles come in an array of colors that are each water- and oil-resistant for all that your adventures (and summer) may bring.
More Knockaround sunglasses seen on the show to shop:
- Piano Black Songbirds, $35
- Gold/Aviator Green Mount Evans, $35
- Aged Sage/Amber Seventy Nines, $35
- Coyote Calls Brooklines, $35
- Gunmetal/Smoke Love & Haights, $35
- Midnight Snack Paso Robles, $35
- Moonshot Flight Paths, $75
Garcia says "a classic crewneck tee is a 'must' for every guy's wardrobe" and recommends this T-shirt from Gap. Made with 100% cotton, according to the brand, it'll keep you cool year-round, especially for warmer days.
"You can pair these with everything — whether dressed up or down — from shorts, to jeans to under a blazer" the stylist adds.
Garcia calls this unisex Nike waist-pack “not your average ‘fanny pack,’” and we understand why. From its sleek appearance, multiple pockets and versatile ways of styling, it’s both trendy and practical. Plus, prices just start at $12.57, depending on the color.
"Linen is great for airflow and is a material that doesn't smell, even when it absorbs moisture from your body," notes Garcia. That's why the material is an essential for summer.
"Crips linen always looks polished and smart. Pair with denim or linen pants, shorts and more. They really can work for any occasion and styled in many ways," she raves.
A good dress pant isn't just for the office. With the right pair, you can comfortably wear them inside and outside the workspace. The Uniqlo Smart Ankle Pant is a great example of that, offering a tailored silhouette, stretchy fabric and an elastic waistband, so you can feel comfortable while still looking put-together.
Sneakers are reliable year-round, especially during the summer months where you'll most likely be traveling and on your feet.
"White sneakers specifically have seen more than 600,000 searches on Google in the last month," says Garcia. "The right sneaker, like these Sambas, are even acceptable with suits...They're worth it because they're timeless and can last a lifetime if you clean them right." Plus, you can read our review on the viral sneaker here.
More men's outfits for summer to shop
These Wrangler shorts are a true cargo style, with a relaxed silhouette from the waist down and multiple pockets (six in total!) for all the comfort and storage.
Never misplace your wallet again with this slim Amazon wallet. It comes with multiple card slots and a built-in case to fit an AirTag.
Sometimes the jacket makes the outfit. We're loving this bomber from Gap, for instance, to make basics more of a statement.
This H&M Cotton Twill baseball cap has all of the features to make it equally practical and versatile, from its cotton sweatband to adjustable tab fastener.
Content creator and reality television star Paige DeSorbo included this loose windbreaker in her summer fashion trends predictions, calling it a huge trend for spring and summer 2025. It's an essential for brisk summer nights when you need a light layer.
A denim pant might not be ideal to wear for warmer days, so a linen pant like this one is essential for keeping yourself cool and comfortable.
You can never own too many basics (especially at this price). Stock up on this T-shirt that comes in 15 different colors from light blues to baby pinks.
You might recognize these shorts from their recent appearance on the show. They combine performance and style with features like built-in shorts and stretchy fabric for comfy all day wear.
Lucky Brand's crewneck cotton tee is made with 100% Supima cotton (a higher quality cotton fabric), so the comfortable and ultra-soft feel should last way past the first wash.
Andrew Weitz, contributing editor at The Hollywood Reporter, was on the show last year and emphasized the appeal in a set like this because it’s easy to toss on for backyard barbecues, pool parties, parades and more. Available in nine colors, this no-fuss set will keep him cool and comfortable on even the warmest of days.
These EVA sandals are a Shop TODAY favorite because of how easy they are to slip on and head out the door. Plus, they’re simple to clean!
A winner in this year's Travel Gear Awards, editorial director Adrianna Brach says she even wears these “all summer long.”
Reviewers enjoy the “minimalistic” look these sneakers add to an elevated everyday outfit, no matter which of the three colors you choose from.
They also appreciate how versatile they are and say they're able to wear them everywhere from the office to just running errands. Rubber covers the entirety of the shoe, helping them to remain durable.
Meet the expert
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY Lifestyle & Fashion Contributor, professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
