Banana Republic, Spring/Summer 2010 - photos courtesy Gap Inc.

Do you ever feel just a little bit sorry for guys?  Sure, girls have to deal with hormonal swings, excruciating labour and endless catty grudges, but we also get all of the fun stuff:  sparkly jewels, regular pedis and an insane selection of dresses, skirts, pants, tunics, and seriously, don't even get me started on the shoes!  Guys, on the other hand, get stuck with moody, PMS-y girls, and then, to make it worse, have to wear a shirt and tie to work every single day only to look forward to a t-shirt or golf shirt on weekends.  Dress, undress, repeat.  Ugh.

Unless, that is, you can get your boy to step out of his boring box of style and step into something fabulous.  It takes a little effort and creativity (and a willing participant of course), but it's amazing how very little it takes to transform a ho-hum boy into a smoking-hot style warrior.  Think of your guy as a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece.  For a species that is so incredibly capable, most men are completely helpless when it comes to style.  That, my friends, is where we come in.

Real Life Runway has unlocked this summer's hottest trends for men and with these few key pieces added to his existing wardrobe, you'll bring your guy from blah to brilliant:

•  Go Boating:  Boat and deck shoes have made a huge comeback this year but instead of opting for predictable brown, look for fun, colourful versions.  Sperry Topsider (remember them?), Steve Madden and Spring have some fantastic versions.
• Room for Desert:  The first time my mom spotted my dad across the staff room at their highschool, he was wearing desert boots.  These classic boots, worn without socks of course, are back in a big way and will take your guy through the summer and fall in style.
• Flying High:  Plastic aviator glasses are cheap, easy and right on trend.  Tom Cruise might be a total freak but you must admit, he looked hot in Top Gun.
• Adore the Fedora?:  Hats are tricky but if you have the confidence to pull it off, this is the hat to wear this summer. 
• Put on a Happy Face:  A guy who knows how to choose a cool watch is automatically more attractive to style-savvy girls.  This summer, go for a bright-faced or athletic-inspired watch.  The ones below are sleek, fun and totally affordable.
• Belt it Out:  Belts don't have to be black or brown.  Switch up your regular belt for a bright or patterned belt to add instant style to an otherwise standard-issue outfit
• It's How We Roll:   I like guys that look just a little dishevelled and rumpled - the less high-maintenance, the better.  Jeans, shorts and chinos look extra cool this summer when cuffs are rolled. 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
     
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
     
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
     
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
     
  • 
  • 
  • 
  •