Instant Summer Style: 4 Easy Wardrobe Fixes

After a wicked winter, everyone is beyond ready to swap itchy wool sweaters for soft, second skin T-shirts. But wait - before you put away the coats and reach into your closet to dust off your old standbys, here's a few suggestions on how to instantly update your wardrobe for a crisp and cool summer. So pour yourself a glass of lemonade (or a mojito!), and get ready for a major style refresh.

Update #1: The Tacky Tank

Making a statement doesn't have to be so literal. Banish the logos and witty declarations that have been splashed onto tops and tanks for seasons now. They have fallen out of fashion with the runways focusing on a return to modern minimalism. For a quick and easy update, ditch the billboard and opt for this classic broad-stripe cotton ringer tank from the master of downtown meets preppy sophistication, Michael Bastian. This is part of his hotly anticipated, third annual collaboration with Uniqlo ($20). Act fast, though: every year these pieces are quickly snatched up by the frugally fashionable.

Now that your clothes are word free, the only reading you need to be doing is on your friend's busted new summer fling. #WTF!

Update #2: The Bad Bottom

Let's be honest, we spend all that time sweating it out in the gym to look our best and peacock - is there another reason? When you hit the beach, don't cover up all that hard work and your fresh spray tan with board shorts that are really just abbreviated pants in garish, loud colors and distracting patterns. This outdated and modest length swim style has long outlived its time in the sun.

The new way to make a stylish splash is with a retro, mid-century influenced short like this pair from Express ($50) that's a whole lot showier & sexier. A higher cut, rounded edge and piped trim puts the spotlight on well-toned calves and, yes, thighs. You just got a new motivation for leg day.

Update #3: Funky Feet

This goes under the "How did this ever even become a trend?" file: leather oxfords and boat shoes without socks. Bare ankles can be spotted creeping up in every neighborhood under the sun. But that's just the problem: the sun is roasting your piggies in those shoes without their protective layer. Socks are the unsung heroes of any well-dressed man's wardrobe.

You do not want swamp foot in a pair of loafers in the middle of a heat wave. Instead, pop on a pair of printed, colorful socks and cuff your pants for full display. These Paul Smith ($30) charmers will keep you feeling both dry and dapper. Get ready for a flood of compliments.

Update #4: Knot Again

The hipster scarf has had a stranglehold on men's fashion for far too long. It has somehow even transcended the Brooklyn crowd to men's style blogs to the everyman. However, this look truly makes about as much sense as mittens in July. (New hipster trend alert: we predicted it first!)

If you want to draw attention to your swan-like neck and sartorial know-how, think more Cary Grant and less Harry Styles with a crisp dress shirt and timeless tie, a look that transcends all seasons. A dynamic tie style is the clear sartorial choice here. With this Rag & Bone ($95) graphic gingham design, all eyes will definitely be on you, but not because they're worried about you suffering heat exhaustion.