Trendy Gay Hipster: The Summer Footwear Edition!

After taking a break last week, I come back to you feeling inspired and refreshed to get back to doling out my fashion advice. I took advantage of my time off by doing research and focusing on some great topics to discuss for the coming weeks.

Oh, who am I kidding? To be honest, I spent a majority of my break soaking up the sun, drinking Long Islands, and watching a marathon of Will & Grace while stuffing my face with Doritos and fried food.

What a way to welcome summer!

While I was enjoying the amazing weather, as well as my self-induced food coma, I did get a chance to enjoy some of the Memorial Day festivities at the nearby bars and clubs. And of course, all of the boys and lady-boys were sporting their best and latest apparel for the summer weather.

What did I notice most about my fellow bar aficionados? The shoes they were working, because that's often the first thing I notice on a guy when I go to a bar. How his pecs look in that tight black shirt is one thing, but if his shoes are busted, rusted, and crusted, then he immediately gets my “hiss of judgment.”

Many guys were already wearing slip-ons and boat shoes, which are definitely suitable for the soon to be hot weather. And for this summer season, you are going to need some lighter footwear to keep you cool, not to mention, fashionable.

Summer shoes like slip-ons, boat shoes, and sandals are sizzling choices for your hot weather wardrobe and are bound to make some shoe lovers, such as myself, give you some envious looks when you're venturing out onto the beaches.

For the boys who want a simple shoe that doesn't involve too much work and care, I recommend slip-ons. This type of footwear can be fun and flirty, as well as chic and sophisticated, depending on the kind of outfit you're wearing. Whether you sport fancy or casual wear, slip-ons can really add a quirky touch to any simple ensemble.

When it comes to slip-ons, experimenting with different patterns and colors can accentuate your overall look. While slip-ons with a solid color can be great, keep in mind that shoes with light colors, such as cream or yellow, can dirty easily. If you're not looking to constantly maintain that new shoe look, try colors that are slightly darker.

Want to expand your footwear selections? Explore a more alluring type of shoe such as the boat shoe, which are a step up from slip-ons, and many styles include lacing and distinct details that are often hand sewn. Boat shoes aren't just great for sailing along the shore with your closest friends; they're a fabulous option if you want to substitute the sneakers and tennis shoes for something more summer appropriate.

While boat shoes are a lighter shoe in comparison to most traditional shoes, they go great with outfits suitable for the heat. From a tank top and a pair of shorts to a v-neck t-shirt and beach pants, boat shoes can really flatter the clothing that expresses your style.

You might find that many boat shoes are being sold in several styles such as suede, leather, and even fringe. These different looks can make an outfit more hip and edgy, as well as more relaxed. Boat shoes with colors that are darker and earth-toned are going to be quite a hit this summer, and will leave many guys wondering, “OMG! Where did he get those shoes from? They’re fantastic! I want a pair! And his phone number!”

If you're the kind of person that enjoys making a scene and a statement with your fashion, loud colors and patterns are also fun to wear around the nightclubs and boardwalks.

If you're looking to ditch the shoes and show off your sexy feet and toes, just throw on a pair of sandals. Although flip-flops are cute, cheap, and easy to wear when you're on the go, this year sandals are being sold in some really cool designs. Besides, if you're going to show your feet, why not do so with something that really shows them off?

To the guys who want to keep it simple, open-toed sandals with the basic two-strapped style will do the trick. They're comfortable and effortless when you want to keep cool while looking cool. For better quality, look for sandals that have cork footing or leather footing, as those seem to last for quite some time while also keeping your feet comfy.