Threads for Thought: The Summer Hat

Summer means one thing for everyone, more sun than you'll know what to do with. There are plenty of ways to protect your skin from all the exposure from lotions and sprays to clothing and accessories. The most favored accessory just so happens to be the hat, but not all are created equally.

This guy clearly has the summer look down to a science.

Baseball caps are sporty and easily worn for just about any occasion, except formal occasions, so please don't! Fedoras are cool if you happen to be a hipster or looking to explore your inner abstract artist. And straw hats are practical only and takes away everything from the look you were trying to create. So what option covers all the bases without much compromise?

Andre 3000 does everything so effortlessly.

Panama hats solve all your summer sun problems while giving you every style point you can possibly earn with a hat. They are comprised of a tight straw weave with a wider brim than a fedora to add a little more protection while not looking like you're wearing an umbrella. Get the classic white and black ribbon to go with all your summer looks with ease!

Mr. Porter: $375

Brooks Brothers: $158

J. Crew: $58

Check in tomorrow for another edition of my Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for more threads that deserve your consideration!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Tux

Just about anything goes these days when attending formal events, from black tie to white. You can wear just about any suit, shirt, shoe, and tie option as long as you look like you put a concerted effort into it, but if you want to be a traditionalist or you get the dreaded "strict" formal event invite, you'll be needing a tux.

James Bond may be fictional, but he knows how to wear a suit (no matter the actor).

Tux's got their start in Tuxedo Park of New York, where all the rich and chic of the late 19th Century flocked, and the style has remained strong. Essentially the tuxedo is a a suit of black or midnight navy with a higher sheen of wool than typical with a satin or silk lapel to add some pop of contrast. You'll be more likely to come across the black variety as that is the traditional option, but more and more of the navy are popping up.

The 2014 Met Gala saw a smorgasbord of tux styles.

When deciding on a tux, think long and hard about the style you want to have and the look you want to emit because chances are you're not made of money and that tux will be around for years to come. If you are comfortable with the navy, go for it; the midnight navy tux might be my favorite suit out there. If not, then black will work just the same, but get the peak lapels to really boost its appeal.

Ralph Lauren: $1200

Suit Supply: $569

Topman: $370

Check in tomorrow for some threads that deserve your consideration and next Wednesday for more essential style pieces!

Tech Tuesday: Unique Shirts by Uniqlo

Finding an edge in the fashion world, at least when it come to what you have in your closet, is hard to to do considering the availability of designer goods just about everywhere. So what is left to get a leg up on the competition? Thrift shopping only goes so far, bespoke goods are not timely or cheap, and when all is said and done, its too late once you do find something unique.

The fuel behind Uniqlo's unique offering.

Uniqlo is a company well known for its affordable basics for extremely good quality for the price, but they are branching out of their comfort zone to bring you an offering that is truly one of a kind. Their new roll out is called UTme (Phonetic: You-Tee-me) and it is going to help you produce custom shirts for an assumed low price.

A user friendly and intuitive interface is always nice.

Using just your phone, you can add graphics, print, upload photos, and then manipulate them all with design effects with the end result being a product that is truly yours. All you need to do is download the UTme app through the App Store or Google Play and you'll be on your way. This is yet again another way your phone is pulling through, last week with your thermostat and this week by giving your wardrobe a unique pop.

Check in tomorrow for a style piece that needs to be in your closet and next Tuesday for some more exciting tech!