Cool Summer Looks For Men

Whether for work or play, getting dressed during a heat wave is not easy.

So Ariel Foxman, the editor-in-chief of Cargo magazine, offered on The Early Show some easy - and cool - outfits for men to wear on these hot summer days.

They are based on a survey Cargo did recently about what women like on men. And best of all, you can get them at a cool price. The key is to tell the steal from the splurge.

Felicity Wood from New Castle, Australia, was chosen from the Plaza audience to join anchors Rene Syler, Harry Smith and Hannah Storm in the Chic on a Shoestring test and found out it was not easy to tell which is more expensive. Rene came in first place.

The following are the looks:

Look No. 1: Shorts, Shirt and Zip-Front Track Jacket

Women want men to look put together, but not as if they are trying too hard. Foxman suggests if you are running errands, going out to grab the paper, or headed out for brunch on the weekends, throw on a pair of khaki shorts with a cotton Henley shirt and graphic zip-up sweater. The sweater adds a hint of style, while the khakis keep it practical.

Splurge: On Model No. 1
John Varvatos Zip-Front Sweater $460
Adam T-shirt $60
Arnold Zinberg Shorts $90
John Varvatos for Converse Sneaker $90

Grand Total: $700

Steal On Model No. 2
Gap Zip-Front Sweater $50
Guess T-shirt $49
Old Navy Shorts $20
Converse Sneaker $45

Grand Total: $164

What's the Difference? The Varvatos sweater is a cashmere blend. The hardware on it is also a little nicer with a double zipper. As for the color, purple is the season's new pink - not as controversial - in the same family as blue, but a nice alternative to the usual colors found in most men's wardrobes. The Gap sweater is cotton. For shoes, the more expensive ones are Pirelli from Italy. The cheaper version is the fashion staple Havaianas, which is a great deal at $12.
Look No. 2 The Summer Suit

For a date after work, women say: Keep the suit but lose the tie. Find a mid-weight to lightweight suit and pair it with a linen or cotton shirt and no tie. A pocket square is a great way to add color or inflect a little of your own personality on a classic look.

Splurge on Model No.1:
Burberry Suit $895
Loro Piana Linen Shirt $265
Robert Talbott Pocket Square $75
Fratelli Rosetti Loafer $450

Grand Total: $1,685

Steal On Model No.2:
Banana Republic Suit $375
J. Crew Linen Shirt $65
Paul Smith Pocket Square $55
J. Crew Loafer $195

Grand Total: $690

What's the difference? The expensive suit is Burberry and you are definitely paying for the designer label. The cut is also more tailored with fun finishing details like plaid under the collar and inside the pants. The fabric is also lighter. The Banana Republic suit offers real bang for your buck. The silk-lined jacket and the pieces are sold as separates so almost anyone can find the right fit. That is another reason for the price difference; designer labels are cut for very specific sizes. Mass brands have a more general cut to fit more body types.

Look No. 3: Linen Pant and T-Shirt:

Women prefer men to wear a T-shirt and jeans. Jeans can get a little hot in the summer so Cargo suggest pairing a T-shirt and linen pants. Simple is best. Remember that the pants must be worn with something underneath, white briefs or boxer-briefs. This look is perfect for a weekend evening out at the Hamptons, Malibu, etc.

Steal: On Model No.1
H & M $30
American Apparel long sleeved T-shirt $20
Havaiana flip-flops $12

Grand Total: $62

Splurge: On Model No.2
Tommy Hilfiger Pant $125
Theory long-sleeved T-shirt $65
Pirelli flip-flops $70

Grand Total: $260

What's the Difference? The difference in these two looks is the finishing. With the pants, quality linen is going to be very smooth and fluid. The cheaper pant is a linen-cotton blend and slightly more structured. For the T-shirts, the Theory shirt has finished/hidden seams; it is softer, and has lycra for stretch so elbows won't bag out after wear.