Spring is here and summer’s near. You'll be spending more time outdoors, working hard, playing harder and wearing less. It’s a time when worn blue jeans and a strategically untucked, partially unbuttoned button-down shirt look good. It’s time for California Casual, (not to be confused with sloppy Casual Fridays). Some guys blur the boundary between confident casual and lazy habits. So how do you pull off this sexy look without looking like you just rolled out of bed? First, wear the casual clothes—correctly. Clean, fresh and sharp. Second, mark the boundary by adding jewelry—natural, chunky, rugged—and knowing when to wear it—all the time, from ocean to out. Simple.

Your Spring & Summer Wardrobe:

Shirts—If it’s long-sleeved, unbutton from the top AND the bottom—show some neckline. Roll up the sleeves and show-off your forearms (a personal favorite). Choose airy colors, nothing heavy. No wrinkles unless it’s linen. Vintage T-shirts look terrific with an unusual belt and faded blue jeans—but make sure the shirt is in good condition! This looks great in the office with a lightweight cotton or linen coat.

Pants—Jeans, jeans and jeans—you’re listening to a jeans lover here. For the hotter months, try a lightweight jean if possible. Avoid anything too new-looking; go for the rugged, intentionally worn-out look. No acid wash.

Dress pants—For all the weddings coming up, ironed khakis are a sure bet. If you’re a fan of linen, this is the perfect time of year.

Suits—The look for spring is very tailored. Again, you’ll most likely be attending weddings for the next two seasons, so keep a good, lightweight (linen) suit handy. No breasted this time of year—go for the two-button jacket.

Your Spring & Summer Jewelry Wardrobe

Tips on Wearing Jewelry
• Don’t overdo it—First, it will look like you’re trying too hard—forcing it. If you’re not comfortable and you don’t like it, take it off. Be relaxed in your skin.

• Wear jewelry that wears well—This is not the time of year to be wearing your dressiest (and most expensive) jewelry. While you’re more active, wear jewelry that can take the heat—and scratches, dents, waves and collisions.

• Experiment—This is a good time to experiment with jewelry styles, try things out and take some risks. If you’ve never worn a choker before, find something reasonably priced and try it out. If you don’t like it, no regrets.

Watch—The first piece of jewelry you should change out for summer. Put away your fancy watch and strap on a very masculine sport or diving watch—one with a thick rubber band that can take anything and everything. Drench it in saltwater or work up a sweat and it still looks great.

Rings—Sterling. Patterned or plain. Something for your middle or ring finger or even your thumb, but no pinky rings for summer.

Cuffs & bracelets—Wide cuffs are it. Leather, fabric, mesh, hitting right at the wrist bone. Large-linked, heavy sterling bracelets that wear the elements well look incredible on tan arms.

Chokers & pendants—Leather, fabric, mesh and layered—men are wrapping their necks in jewelry this season. Try a choker with a few chunky beads or a single dangling pendant. As for longer pendant necklaces, here’s a little secret: there’s nothing sexier than a man who wears a single pendant hanging from a long piece of leather under a shirt—especially if it’s a personal pendant. It’s something we simply can’t wait to see.

Sunglasses—Without a doubt, this is the best way to get women to look at your eyes. Spend some money for looks, spend even more for the health of your eyes.

Belt buckles—Vintage is everywhere right now. Nothing looks better with your casual jeans and T-shirt than a vintage belt buckle on a tough piece of leather.

Why wait? Try a new accessory look today! Click here to find a jeweler near you.

Surfing photos courtesy of Tom Carey.