Alright boys, it’s time to address something that’s not usually discussed, but is oh so important– your clothing choices. This summer you’re bound to be on vacation somewhere keeping an eye out for eligible beach babes, but if you’re not dressed to fit the job you might as well stay inside. Here’s a general guide to some summer do’s and don’ts. Hopefully you’ll know what’s good for you and pay attention.

Shorts

Do’s: Colored shorts are definitely in, and attractive. Pastel colors are preferable (total frat move). Sophomore Leah Borkowski says “anything is better than the shiny non-mesh sports shorts.” When knowing what to pair with pastel shorts, senior Molly Moriarty and sophomore Sima Farzanegan agree that Sperry’s are the way to go.

Don’ts: You guys never seem to know how long your shorts should be. There are two very simple rules to follow regarding length — no boxers or gross pale man thighs are allowed to show. Also, when going for the colored shorts, senior Sheri Arnold says “pink works if you’re manly enough and have fully completed puberty,” otherwise go for the other colors.

Shirts

Do’s: This summer, Hawaiian shirts are making a comeback. They’re festive, colorful, and complimentary to pastel or khaki shorts. Plus you can pull a Macklemore and pick one up at the thrift shop for 99 cents. If you’re not sure which colors go well together, Google a color wheel and pick colors that are across the circle from each other. This is an elementary yet promising way to make sure your summer ensemble doesn’t clash. Casual sports or college logo shirts are always good for a more casual day, as long as they’re not too baggy or too tight. Tank tops work sometimes, but they’re much more of a fashion risk, so do what senior Halie Kellett advises and whip out a lax penny if you’re dying to show off those guns.

Don’ts: “Cool Story Bro, Tell It Again.” No, please don’t. There is nothing funny or creative about shirts with sarcastic sayings like that. The same goes for the classic ‘I’m with stupid’ or animated hot dog shirts that say ‘What’s up dog?’ on them. Middle schoolers may laugh at those shirts, so let the middle schoolers wear them. Another major no-no is muscle shirts, or ‘wife beaters,’ which considering the name should not come as a surprise.

Shoes

Do’s: Sperry’s are classy. Girls don’t care whether you go boating or not, they just look good. Junior Kate Mckee says “Sperry’s and high socks are the move.” There are also classic non brand-name shoes that work depending on the rest of the outfit, and basketball or athletic shoes are okay when you match them with the work-out look. Junior Kate Goldberg adds “Toms are eh on guys,” so if you do wear Toms make sure they’re in a manly black or dark color – maybe even corduroy if you’re hipster like that.

Don’ts: Never even think about wearing Teevas or any sort of sandal unless you’re going hiking. Man flip flops may sometimes be necessary, but they’re still not ideal. Junior Gracie Romberg says “I hate when boys wear flip flops, ew cover those nasty toes.” So unless you have well-kempt toenails, keep the closed-toed shoes as your staple look.

Head and Facial Hair

Do’s: Surfer type beach-wave hair is definitely an attractive look for guys in the summer. Don’t let it get too wild and go wooly mammoth, but also don’t be afraid to let that lettuce flow. As far as facial hair goes, different girls prefer different looks. Arnold says “a little scruff never did anyone any harm,” while senior Maya Cohn says, “no beards, never.” Goldberg weighed in on the facial hair topic, saying “99% of the time facial fair is bad but never believe that you’re the 1% unless a ton of people make it known.” So really depending on the guy, well-kept facial hair could be an advantage or a disadvantage.

Don’ts: A very small percentage of guys can rock a buzz cut. We understand that its keeps you cooler to have shorter hair in the summer, but unless you’re super jacked and in the military longer hair is just more appealing. McKee agrees, “Buzz cuts are gross for the summer. Boys need summer waves.”

Swimwear

Do’s: Pastel looks good in general with whatever tan you accumulate throughout the summer. Cohn and Kellet agree that sunglasses are hot on guys, and McKee says she prefers Raybans. But don’t be that kid who wears them indoors. We need to see your eyes at some point.

Don’ts: Absolutely no speedos, no matter who you are or what your friends tell you. You could be swim team captain, but it won’t do you any good to wear that speedo outside of the pool gates. Senior Emily Rogers and sophomore Dani Oakley agree that speedos are gross, and I’ve never heard a girl say otherwise. Also be careful not to get a farmers tan. They show girls how pale you normally are, and they look awkward. No snap back hats either, they’re obnoxiously bright and once again contribute to that fake gangster persona.

Accessories

Do’s: Definitely go for a new tropical fresh smelling deodorant or cologne, or any of the Old Spice products, and wear it consistently. Girls love when guys have a signature scent because they can smell it somewhere else and be reminded of you. To keep the sun off your face you can wear baseball caps, but Cohn, McKee and Moriarty want to make sure you know only the flat brimmed kind look good. Also to keep warm on colder summer nights, Arnold says “hoodies are good as long as they don’t say old on the left and navy on the right.”

Don’ts: Summer is all about freedom and fun, so don’t use your school backpack to carry your guy stuff around in the summer. One of the athletic 2 string back sacks is acceptable. Keep at least $15 in there (so you can treat a girl to ice cream or something), some of the aforementioned deodorant, a sweatshirt, and sunglasses. When walking the boardwalk or town streets, don’t look like a wanna-be rapper in your own music world with one or two earbuds in all the time. There’s no way girls will talk to you if you look like you won’t listen.

The basic do’s and don’ts listed above should help you find the right outfit to fit your personality and appearance, as well as give you some objective opinions of what most girls like to see in the summer months. Now go get ‘em!