What not to wear this summer

The Offcuts #002: Avoiding the algorithmic style traps, and what's in my cart right now.

Jun 02, 2026

Welcome back to The Offcuts, a series of random fashion thoughts and topics that happened this week. Read the last installment here.

I’m a big believer of wearing what you want, because at the end of the day, your personality is what makes clothes actually look good on you. However, there are certain items that get co-opted by self-proclaimed tastemakers that leaves them unwearable.

These certain items in the trend cycle vibrate at such low frequencies that they become straight inexcusable, and that’s the energy you need to avoid. You don’t want to be any type of “guy” that can fit into one of the many algorithm style archetypes.

If you’re getting ideas from your explore page it’s too late.

To avoid falling into any labels we must say no to certain trends and ideas indefinitely. Below are just some things I think we shouldn’t do or need to approach differently in order to avoid falling victim to how the algorithm wants us to think we should dress.

Flip-flops as daily footwear in a big city: I’m not sure when we collectively decided to lose our minds, but wearing flip-flops in a city like New York is an absolute no from me. Flip-flops give the beach and we should keep it that way. We should only be able to pull these out in cities that have a body of water that you actually want to swim in, or anywhere close to the equator really. A good rule to live by: keep the toes protected if there’s visible garbage on the streets.
Avoiding the explore page completely: You told me that you’re only going through the algorithm to laugh at the chaos that the fashion bros have created, and now you’re subconsciously taking advice from them without even realizing. Scrolling for fun is doing subconscious damage to your taste and your style making decisions. Obviously I’m not saying stop scrolling entirely, but removing the explore page is going to help.
Tote bags: I’m specifically talking about the cheap totes made out of thin canvas and loose handles. Having one of those as your daily feels like we’re still stuck in the pandemic. Using those for a grocery run is completely acceptable, but if you’re using that for work you need to upgrade immediately. Invest in a bag that you actually enjoy will make all the difference to your daily commute.
Loafers with white socks: I don’t know, this right now feels performative for whatever reason. I see it way too much right now, and anyone posting their version of this look is trying a bit too hard for my liking, so naturally, I will not be participating to avoid being placed in that category of mens style. If anything, you should wear loafers without socks, or, socks in subtle colors that resemble the summer mood — think faded yellows, soft lavenders, and garment dyed cottons…
Whatever style this is: This is where having your own personality really shines, because without one you end up with a style that everyone else has online. Avoid the trends and lean into your personal obsessions in order to let the clothes speak for themselves naturally when they are on your body.
Stop trying to dress like Jacob Elordi: There’s a new wave of women bloggers covering menswear fashion right now. A lot of them tend to give generic suggestions on how men should dress, providing references that involve very simple outfits — what they fail to mention is, the outfit is often simple, but the guy makes up for it because he’s good looking. Jacob Elordi is sort of that vibe for men who serve as style inspiration right now. Often times his outfits are pretty simple, but he’s built in a way that makes any outfit he wears look good on him. So unless you’re built like him, you shouldn’t be trying to copy anything he wears.

Things in my cart

This Ashby Shell Jacket from Bare Knuckles is awesome. I just got it in beige and it’s been getting a lot more wear than I had initially expected it would — summer hasn’t been as warm just yet. Favorite part on this one has to be the double button snaps at the collar that allows you for a loose and tight collar fit adjustment.

I know a lot of us are looking for a good linen shirt for the summer, and the new Tirreno Linen Shirts by Horatio might be just what we’re looking for — instantly gravitating towards that blue one...
New made in Italy belts by Ecole de Pensee are looking sensational. They are coming soon, so you’ve been warned, but I’ll try to keep you updated when they do drop.

The Crimp Shaped pants from ROA are interesting. I really like what’s going on with the paneling around the knee which gives them this unique shape. Good price, and ROA’s clothing is surprisingly really solid, which I think a lot of people don’t seem to really realize. The washed cotton finish feels light and already has this very soft and broken-in feeling to the fabric — I don’t have time to break in any pants during the summer. I need instant comfort.
Oval Star Cap from Stussy is a hit. I slept on the yellow, but maybe they will have them stocked at places like Dover Street Market.
Radius Cap from Portal
Speaking of hats: The Radius Cap from Portal has been on my list for a bit now. Designed for performance, so if you’re looking for running or biking gear this should scratch that itch, but they also just have a shape that I really like so it could become a good daily.
For those not looking to mess around when it comes to their summer shirt line up should be pulling the trigger on one of the many amazing options available right now on Man-tle. The Weather Shirt in Pool Weather is calling my name.
It looks like we’re back in 2010 because bright-colored Vans Authentic seem to be more back than ever right now. I think they took a well deserved break but the return for such a classic model was inevitable.
Earlier we were talking about the need to replace your canvas tote with something a bit more elevated. This Always Do What You Should Do bag is under $100 and has a playful design that caters to those that aren’t afraid of a little bit of fun. Could make for a great vacation bag or daily, whatever you choose!