Every year, as temperatures rapidly approach 100 F, I’m faced with the same thought when getting ready to go out. Well, two actually: first being that I had the best body of my life in high school and will most likely never be a 120-pound twink ever again, and second, “It’s too fucking hot to try and look good.” I know I’m not alone on this.

Waking up to the ever famous “BOOZEY BRUNCH IN 20. YOU’RE COMING” text, rolling out of bed, and looking at your closet, as an image of sweat pouring down your face the upon your first step outside infiltrates your imagination, it’s temping to throw on your oversized swim club tank you drunkenly bought from a thrift store six years ago and Nike shorts, but sometimes you should resist the urge. Honestly, looking like you stepped out the pages of Details magazine all the time isn’t necessary. It really is about feeling good about what you have on and being comfortable with the message you give off based on appearance. But with that being said, we’ve all attended outings where denim isn’t on the menu of acceptable fabrics to apply to one’s person.

This summer, I challenge you to expand your fashionable horizons. Take old styles you love, but try them out a little differently. You can opt for the tank, but lets do it with vegan leather paneling. Tailored linen shorts are comfortable and maintain breathability, much like running shorts, but if you have to bitch out a disrespectful customer service representative at a drug store, the manager will much more likely treat you with respect and value your complaint. Diane from CVS won’t assume you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, because you don’t actually look like you just woke up… on the wrong side of the bed. When it comes to footwear, let’s skip the Old Navy or Havaianas rubber flip-flops. It’s difficult to maintain the illusion of competence when your shoe is notorious for falling apart every time you trip on something. If you insist upon showing toe, go for a leather or canvas sandal.

Basically what I’m saying is: Even if you are not, your style can be versatile. You can find yourself throwing on the same decent-quality black cardigan every time it rains in lieu of that dingy zip-up you love so much and look put together in a new outfit every time. When you stock your wardrobe with core, easy pieces that you know work for you, you aren’t so inclined to not give a shit. 

Take a look at these guys who are doing it right.

Photos: The Satorialist, Details, Lookastic, Lookbook, Tumblr