After 14 years of shooting my outfits, it’s safe to say I have a lot of summer looks in the archives! Narrowing them down to 30 was not easy, y’all, but these are the ones I keep coming back to. Please don’t come for me!
I love dressing for summer. You finally get to ditch the jackets, peel back the layers, and let the outfit actually be THE outfit. Obviously, dressing for the heat is challenging as hell… because what do you mean the subway platform is 20º hotter than the outside temp? I digress! Because that’s half the fun, right? (Until it’s not.) Give me an easy camp-collar shirt, a great pair of shorts, and something sweat-proof, and I’m a very happy Justin.
I’ll admit that looking through these photos was weirdly nostalgic. Seeing such a big chunk of my ‘online’ life laid out like this was nuts. But enough about me!
…LOL imagine? Y’all, this is my blog so that’s not happening. Without further ado, here are 30 of my favorite fits from the last decade in no particular order! Note: if I could find the exact items or items similar to the ones worn, I linked them for y’all. If it isn’t linked, email me and I’ll get similar links to you
Tell me in the comments, which ones are YOUR favorites?
Wine Down
Florals for spring? You know how this quote ends. But put them on a crocheted top from Abercrombie and suddenly they feel nearly groundbreaking. This fit was from a particularly fab happy-hour moment at my bestie’s house on Shelter Island, NY in 2024.
wearing: Abercrombie shirt + H&M Shorts + Calvin Klein Ribbed Tank + Levi’s Chunky Belt + Amazon Pearl Necklace
New Angles
I know I’m incredibly lucky to have left the corporate world behind a few years ago, but even during my traditional 9-to-5 days, I always tried to keep things work-appropriate with a little extra spice! Would this look fly in every office? Absolutely not… but it certainly worked in mine.
wearing: Zara Striped Shirt + Simon Lextrait Angular Jeans + Calvin Klein Ribbed Tank + Amazon Pearl Necklace + LucasPlus Rings + Samsung Watch8
Golden Hour
Do y’all remember my cowboy hat phase? Well, good news… it still ain’t over! The hats may make fewer appearances these days, but you know you can’t take the Mississippi outta the boy. If I remember correctly, I shot this down one of those off-the-beaten-path East Village alleyways before a Polaroid event. God, I love NYC!
wearing: Zara Shirt + BDG Jeans + ASOS Necklace + Giorgio Armani Sunglasses + ASN Hat + LucasPlus Chain Bracelet
Peachy Chevron
As the self-described “Southern peach in the Big Apple,” I’ve never met a peachy-toned shirt I didn’t love. Is there anything better than a head-to-toe look in sunset colors? Rhetorical question… absolutely not.
wearing: ASOS Shirt (similar) + Bonobos Chinos
Painter’s Palette
I’d love to say I’m an art aficionado, but truth be told my critiques are usually limited to an “oooh, very cool!” I may not always understand the deeper meaning but give me a good color palette and I’m sold! Needless to say, this fit from 2022 was one for the books… or maybe the gallery?
wearing: ASOS Shirt (similar) + BDG Jeans + LucasPlus Necklace
Taxi, Please!
Here’s the thing… in New York City, dressing for the elements is basically a Herculean task. It may be 85º outside, but when you’re living in a microwave made of concrete and reflective glass, it might as well be 100º… so breezy fits like this aren’t just a preference, they’re survival.
wearing: Equipment Silk Shirt (similar) (similar) (similar) + Weekday Pants (similar) + EyeBuyDirect Glasses + Samsung Watch8
Get Shorty
There are quite a few traits I inherited from my parents that I could’ve done without (chronic sinus issues, migraines, etc.), but my legs are not one of them. And when your legs are the moneymakers? You always reach for a pair of high-thigh shorts because they’re just long enough to feel dressed, but short enough to show out. Next question!
wearing: Bonobos Shorts (similar) (similar) + Topman Tee (similar) + ASOS Sandals (similar) + Levi’s Chunky Belt
Boardwalk Baby
One of my favorite late-summer fits, worn during a particularly chilly golden hour in Fire Island Pines. I’m sure you’ve seen this Bare Knuckles distressed sweater countless times on my Instagram… if it wasn’t obvious, I’m absolutely obsessed with it! Pair it with some jean shorts and sandals, and we’re in business, baby.
wearing: Bare Knuckles Sweater (similar in blue stripe) + Urban Outfitters Baseball Tee + H&M Denim Shorts (similar, $36) + WANT Les Essentiels Sandal
Hut, Hut!
Two truths and a lie: I’m a huge sports fan, my name is Justin, and I write this blog. It’s a hard one, I know lol. Call me a poser, but what I lack in die-hard sports enthusiasm, I more than make up for with my fervor for dressing with a sporty edge… and honey, this outfit hit every mark.
wearing: Urban Outfitters Jeans + Topman Mesh Tee (similar) + Bonds Ribbed Tank Top + Thursday White Sneakers + Ray-Ban Sunglasses + Amazon Baseball Cap + Samsung Watch8
Out Of Office
This is how your email found me… relaxing on a balcony in Puerto Rico somewhere between a nap and a sunburn. I love to be on-the-go when I’m traveling (gimme an intinerary and I’m golden) but that hour and half before it’s time to get dressed for dinner – this is exactly where I wanna be!
wearing: Thrifted Hat (similar) (similar) + Calvin Klein Tank Top + Abercrombie Jeans (cut into shorts)
White Rabbit
Is it just me, or is there a certain mmhmm that comes with dressing monochromatically? Head-to-toe brown, white, grey, or black just adds a little extra boost of confidence. Maybe it’s because monochrome makes getting dressed so easy, but damn if we don’t all look good doing it!
wearing: ASOS Cropped Shirt (similar) (similar) + Simon Lextrait Jeans + Amazon Tank Top + WANT Les Essentiels Sandals + VANLINKER Retro Sunglasses
Short & Sweet
As I’m sure is wildly clear by now, I love a short short. And in peak summer heat, you ain’t gonna catch me in anything longer than a five-inch inseam. These Hammies corduroy camp shorts are still one of my all-time favorites for weekend excursions… both in the city and beyond.
wearing: Hammies Shorts + Abercrombie Knit Shirt (similar) + Amazon Tank Top + Converse Chuck 70 Sneakers + Amazon Baseball Cap
Path Well Traveled
Truly, the grip that earth tones have on me should be studied. I’ll forever love shades of green, gold, brown, and blue… and this fit, which I shot in Finland back in 2024, has three outta four!
wearing: Topman Knitted Polo (similar) + Urban Outfitters Jeans (similar) + ASOS Sandals (similar) + Levi’s Chunky Belt + Amazon Pearl Necklace + Samsung Watch8
Watermelon Sugar
Nothing pairs better with a monochromatic look than a watermelon margarita, am I right? I wore this to an outdoor dinner with the COS team up in Beacon, NY. And yes… the cocktail was absolutely delicious!
wearing: ASOS Mariner Cap (similar) (similar) + COS Cardigan + Scotch & Soda Pants + Etsy Necklace (similar)
Great Escape
In New York City, we consider our fire escapes makeshift balconies. I’ve spent countless hours out there just watching the city buzz around me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Scratch that… add an ice-cold beer, and then I wouldn’t have it any other way.
wearing: Charlie Tank Top + Bonobos Linen Shorts (similar) + COS Cap (similar) (similar)
Green Machine
Can you guess my favorite color? Okay… like any good New Yorker, my closet is filled with black, but like any good Taurus, green comes in at a very close second. I’m not even joking… I’d wear it head to toe every day if I could. Forever a favorite!
wearing: Quince Shirt + Bonobos Shorts (similar) (similar) + Levi’s Chunky Belt + ASOS Sandals (similar) + LucasPlus Necklaces
No Sweat
I don’t often wear sweatpants while I’m out and about in the city (those are usually reserved for my sofa or laundry days), but sometimes the sweats are simply too good not to show out in. This Fear of God pair gave an otherwise simple layered look some extra oomph!
wearing: FoG ‘Essentials’ Sweatpants (similar) + Topman Sweater Vest (similar) + Madewell Tank Top + Converse Sneakers (also here)
Sun’s Out
…guns out, I know that’s right! As is evident, I’m very fond of a sleeveless vest. This one got a lot of use back in 2022 and 2023 – I was always pulling it out when I had beach trips like this one out in Montauk with one of my exes.
wearing: ASOS Knit Vest (similar) + Thrifted Pants (similar) + ASOS Sandals (similar)
Pattern Play
This is still one of my favorite outfits from last summer! It’s got some grit but is softened up by the butter yellow shirt and these cow-print clogs. I’m thinking it’s about time I snagged a few more pairs of animal print shoes, right?
wearing: Reclaimed Vintage Shirt (similar) + H&M Shorts + ASOS Shoes (similar) (similar) + ASOS Bag (similar) + Samsung Watch8
Fresh Squeezed
Like they say… when life throws you lemons, you slap ’em all over your shirt and wear it proudly. That is what they say, right? Well, either way, give me a hella fruity top any day.
wearing: Topman Shirt (similar) + Amazon Essentials Chinos
Seeing Red
A good T-shirt (in my opinion) should be one of two things: sleek and fitted, or oversized with a little weight to the fabric. This Zara tee was the latter, and in this arresting shade of red, it always made a statement… and y’all know I love a little statement!
wearing: Zara T-Shirt + Bonobos Shorts + LucasPlus Necklaces
Truck Stop
This late-summer look is exactly the kind of thing you’ll catch me wearing on any given weekend. The breezy cargo pants and cropped utility jacket are almost outdone by the pop of red from my Goorin Bros. trucker cap… and yes, the front says Bad Boy, which is oh so fitting.
wearing: Weekend Cargos (similar) + ASOS Jacket + Goorin Bros Hat + Thursday Sneakers
Thackery Binx
As a lifelong Hocus Pocus fan, I’ve always been a little partial to how its 17th-century teenager-turned-cat dressed. To be clear, I mean in his human form. A loose white shirt with pleated rust-colored trousers? That may just be my ultimate form.
wearing: ASOS Shirt (similar) (similar) + Thrifted Trousers (similar) + Zara Sandals (similar)
Coastal Cowboy
You may have heard of coastal grandma, but allow me to introduce you to coastal cowboy: rich brown and burnt orange beachwear with just a hint of yee-haw! Like I said… you can take the boy outta Mississippi, but you can’t take Mississippi outta the boy.
wearing: Urban Outfitters T-Shirt + Onia Swim Shorts (similar) + ASOS Sandals (similar) + Thrifted Hat (similar) (similar)
Bay Side
You know those late-summer days when the sun starts to set and it gets just chilly enough to throw on a sweater? Those are my favorite. Give me a beach backdrop at sunset, a cozy sweater, and a cold margarita… trust me, you’ll never see a more content Justin.
wearing: Collusion Sweater + Lucky Brand Shorts (similar) + LucasPlus Jewelry
Mouse Trap
Listen… I’m not a “Disney Adult” by any stretch, but I do love a good graphic tee, and this cropped, distressed Mickey Mouse version easily ranks among my top five. Paired with these paint-splattered baggy jeans, it made for the perfect fit to meet up with friends for a day in the park!
wearing: Disney Mickey T-Shirt + Tanaka Jeans + WANT Les Essentiels Sandals
Mortal Combat
If you spot me in the wild (read: on the streets of New York City), this is the kind of outfit I’ll be wearing about 70% of the time. It’s casual and simple enough for even the hottest summer days, but still has a healthy dose of stylish grit… a winning combo.
wearing: Bonds Ribbed Tank Top + Lucky Brand Shorts (similar) + ASOS Combat Boots (similar) + Dagne Dover Fanny Pack
Plant Daddy
This was shot during one of my favorite summer trips: Fourth of July 2022 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. I had just gotten these incredible nautical-inspired trousers from The Salting and paired them with a cropped knit vest… apologies, I was going through a phase and simply had to show out.
wearing: The Salting Pants (similar) + Topman Sweater Vest (similar) + ASOS Sandals (similar) + ASN Hat
Extra Creamy
You’d think because I live in that cursed limbo between naturally tan and nearly translucent, that I’d stay away from all-white outfits. While I’m happy to admit that I’m an absolute mutt when it comes to my heritage (40% Italian, 27% Creole, 18% Irish, 8% Caribbean, 5% Spanish), I also am extremely aware that wearing all white is a bit of a risk… but with this look from 2019, I fear I may have ate?
wearing: Calvin Klein Tank Top + Abercrombie Slim Jeans + Greats Sneakers (similar) + H&M Hat (similar)
High Waters
We’re ending on an outfit that is certainly not exceptionally fashion-forward but it worked in the moment and this trip was a core memory! Sometimes a deep-V tee and a chino short (and cold whiskey ginger cocktail) is all you need. Don’t fight me on this!
wearing: ASOS Shirt + bos Shorts + LucasPlus Necklaces + Levi’s Chunky Belt + Amazon Baseball Cap
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Look at you… you made it the end! I know that was a lot to scroll through but I’d be forever grateful if you’d leave a comment and let me know your favorite fits. It’s just there down below… pretty please 🙂
