Now that the Summer Solstice has come and gone, the temperatures will soon climb and a heat wave is within the realm of possibility. Free from Winter’s spring icy clutches, even the most coldblooded Michigander is sure to doff their duds and offer up their flesh to the sun gods. Hoodies will transition to sleeveless shirts. Pants become shorts. Chic Moon Boots (a.k.a. Uggs)will give way to flops, crocs, and slip on shoes. The more bold among us will shed all their layers and embrace an au naturale lifestyle. Even hair dos are likely to change, some taking it all off and others just tying it all back.
There are certain styles that come under fire on a regular basis, either on my radar or someone else's. I’m here to offer my two cents. Some critics reason an elevated body mass index as the reason you shouldn't wear them. Maybe the fashion isn't masculine enough for a guy to wear. In some cases, it's all about being morally pretentious. Regardless, this my list of 9 summer fashions and whether or not you should wear them.
1. Tank Tops
A recent article written for "The Richest" suggests that Ariel Winter is "not that hot," and that she's likely to end up with multiple marriages and weighing in at near 200 pounds. The author really doesn't give a reason why she shouldn't wear a tank top, but I wonder if her body type has something to do with it, maybe? If someone of her size shouldn't wear a tank top, I shudder to think what the article's author would say about me.
My Two Cents: Wear the tank top, weather permitting. You can still wear one, but if it's cold out, I might think you are just a wee bit crazy. The important thing is to wear it because you want to. Don't not be comfortable because someone is a jerk and thinks you shouldn't be comfortable.
2. Summer dress
Ignore the fact that this young lady is so rocking this summer dress and try to imagine what some less polite individuals might say. How about, "look out for flying buttons." Not rude enough? "Hey, someone managed to squeeze Shamu into a dress!" Use your imagination, but I didn't have to. They were spoken by individuals I don't hold in high regard.
My Two Cents: Wear that summer dress. Were it in whatever print you want. Where it because you damn well want to wear it. Loose-flowing or tight-fitting, it's all up to you.
3. Man Bun
Some time ago I read that man buns are the preferred hairstyle for baristas, crafter brewers, and yoga practitioners. All compliments in my book, but the source didn't mean it as such. Also intriguing is a fellow brewery patron's comment "man buns are the leading cause of cervical cancer in men." I'll just leave that there for you to mull over.
My Two Cents: When you want your longer hair out of your face or off your shoulders, a man bun just so happens to be quite potentially the most logical option. More convenient than braiding and can be thrown on top of your head in a fraction of the time. Viva La Man Bun!
4. Male rompers
Male rompers hit the scene sometime this year. Potentially before, but only recently have I heard of them. Just as quick as they hit the scene, male rompers have been under intense scrutiny. The photo links to an article in which its author designates rompers as "The Fuckboy Uniform Of Summer 2017." Pretty harsh words.
My Two Cents: Perceiving rompers to be a chore in the expulsion of bodily substances, I'm not really interested.. Still, they look comfortable and I can imagine scenarios where a romper is a convenient thing to wear. Therefore, I will leave male rompers and even defend them as long as the person wearing them is cool to me. I'll still chuckle when wondering how inconvenient dropping the kids off at the pool must be.
5. No Bra
Rihanna courts controversy for her bralessness. Why do I know this? I know this because every time she leaves her brassiere at home (assuming she owns one), social media is lit on fire. Some criticize her while others laud her progressive for casting off the shackles of the patriarchy. Regardless, not wearing the undergarment draws far too much attention than is warranted.
My Two Cents: Summer can be miserably hot enough that you don't need to be shamed or ogled for wanting to be comfortable. Having worn a bra myself in a Halloween past, I can speak with a mild authority that those damn things are insufferable. Wear one or not as you see fit, but do so according to your own wishes. Not because someone thinks or says you should.
6. Top freedom
Most of us are taught that breasts are something naughty unless covered. Women are asked to leave malls because they publicly breastfed a child yet, in most malls, there is an entire store dedicated to enhancing the breast's visual appeal. Consider that almost a century ago men risked legal repercussions for stepping onto public beaches topless.
My Two Cents: Legality is an issue here, but by way of a handful of friends that fully appreciate ditching their tops when allowed, I feel this is an interesting one to discuss. Even when the option is available to them, I have friends who sometimes decline to drop their tops because they fear others' reactions. The reactions and thoughts of a few dictating the actions of others. Essentially what this entire article is highlighting.
7. Socks with sandals:
I'd like to say that I don't snicker whenever I see this monstrous fashion mishap, but then I'd be lying to you. Whenever I see this, I either guffaw or poke a friend's shoulder so they can share in the humor. Granted, that makes me a bit of a jerk, but so be it. One day I'll be mature enough not to giggle at this. Heck, I'll probably end up being guilty of it myself someday.
My Two Cents: You already know my thoughts on that matter, but it really could be worse. I'm sure some amazing minds throughout history have thrown a pair of Birkenstocks on over their cheap-as-hell white tube socks. So, I'll let it slide. Fools who wear socks with thong sandals, however, I will not forgive. Even my mercy has limits.
8. Crocs
Oh, and here we have crocs. "Crocs are cool and all, especially if you're still wearing pull-ups to bed and can't tell left from right." At least that's what an Army buddy once said while hating on a family wearing them to the beach we were visiting.
My Two Cents: Just wear the dang things. If they're comfortable, they're comfortable. People will make fun of them, and I might do so internally, but go ahead and just do your own thing.
9. Cutoff denim shorts
I'm chalking it up to someone making fun of me as a kid for wearing cutoff denim shorts, but I hate them to this very day. Mine were never that short either, or at least I don't think they were. Not that the length should matter.
My Two Cents: Forgive me if I wince when they're either exceptionally tight or short, but - again - to each their own as long as no one else is being hurt. Wear them.
Final comments
To each their own. As long as you're not harming anyone, style yourself how you desire. Wear what you want and not what others think you should or shouldn't wear. Summer's the time to be outdoors and enjoying life. Might as well do so comfortably, right?
