The Best Men's Going Out Clothes Will Make Every Time You Leave the House Feel Like an Occasion

No matter where you're headed this summer, don't pass up an opportunity to get dressed.
Photograph courtesy Getty Images; Collage bu Gabe Conte

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It's a weird time to be shopping for men's going out clothes. Frankly, it's a weird time to be going out, too. Though current circumstances might've put a temporary halt on the steady march towards vaccinated normalcy, they shouldn’t inhibit you from letting your sartorial freak flag fly, even if the only function you’re pulling up to is an intimate outdoor dinner for two. See, when we talk about “going out clothes” we’re talking literally: After so many months cooped up inside, every time you get dressed and actually leave the apartment is cause for celebration. So why not treat it as such? 

Thankfully, menswear has never been more fun. Fancy an asymmetrical designer tank? What about a pair of tinted wraparound shades? Or a kaleidoscopic sweater vest? Those and more are all yours for the wearing, regardless of how empty your social calendar suddenly looks. These are clothes for the style obsessives who’ve been starved of the opportunity to stunt for far too long, and are champing at the bit to wear something other than fleece again. (For the love of god, enough with the fleece.) 

If wanton revelry feels a little inappropriate given the amount of uncertainty in the air, settle for a little old capital-F fashion instead—no matter where you're headed or who’s around to see it. Shimmery button-ups, height-enhancing boots, not-so subtly flared trousers? The best men’s going out clothes will have their moment yet. We guarantee it.

Statement-Making Knits

Lop off the sleeves, pair with a tee, and voila: a perfect summer look.

Kinky Boots

Western-style boots have been bubbling up in the broader menswear psyche for a minute now. After so many months of coddling your feet, now's the time to commit to a heel.

Slinky Shirting

The button-ups you should reach for every summer evening out are retro in spirit, complete with long point collars, subtle patterns, and lived-in feels.

Pants With a Little Flair

Take it from The Weeknd: There's no cooler silhouette in pants right now.

A-List Approved Shades

Nothing screams "No pictures, please—but also, you should definitely take my picture" more than a pair of tinted sunnies worn well past sunset.

Swanky Tanks

The tank top renaissance is very real and very here. Trust us: It's futile resisting.

Game-Changing Chains

The best way to top off your every big summer fit? Add a necklace with a dash of shine.