This summer's laws to live by: bold patterns, bright colors, and no running on the deck (you'll spill your margarita).

Floral Boardshorts-

Chuck the boring navy swim shorts in the trash and show off your fun side this summer. John Mooney, head of menswear design at online fashion giant ASOS.com, says, “Many guys shy away from loud prints and floral details, but floral and paisley prints are a big trend this season.”

Alternative Apparel henley, $26, alternativeapparel.com
Old Navy trunks, $20, oldnavy.com
Ben Sherman hat, $50, bensherman.com

Paisley Prints-

Chuck the boring navy swim shorts in the trash and show off your fun side this summer. John Mooney, head of menswear design at online fashion giant ASOS.com, says, “Many guys shy away from loud prints and floral details, but floral and paisley prints are a big trend this season.”

True Religion Brand T-shirt, $68, truereligionbrandjeans.com
RVCA El Centrol trunks, $62, swell.com
Puma El Rey slides, $35, zappos.com

Structured Hats-

“A straw trilby with a structured brim is a summer essential,” says Mooney.

Not essential: insisting you can do the Michael Jackson hat flip.

Alternative Apparel henley, $26, alternativeapparel.com
Old Navy trunks, $20, oldnavy.com
Ben Sherman hat, $50, bensherman.com

Windbreakers-

Sunset beach parties rule, but it’s bound to get chilly—and “smuggling peanuts” is not a good look for a guy. Get a jacket to keep the wind out. “Stick with a classic fitted shape, but don’t be afraid to go bright!” suggests Mooney. “Orange, blue, or yellow is unexpected and exciting.”

Hurley Phantom 60 board shorts in Geo, $62, buckle.com
Obey Clothing windbreaker, $80 obeyclothing.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Zoo York Eyewear Revo aviators, $20, drjays.com

Windbreakers-

Sunset beach parties rule, but it’s bound to get chilly—and “smuggling peanuts” is not a good look for a guy. Get a jacket to keep the wind out. “Stick with a classic fitted shape, but don’t be afraid to go bright!” suggests Mooney. “Orange, blue, or yellow is unexpected and exciting.”

Hurley Phantom 60 board shorts in Geo, $62, buckle.com
Obey Clothing windbreaker, $80 obeyclothing.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Zoo York Eyewear Revo aviators, $20, drjays.com

Aviators-

With sunglasses, fit is vital. They should be in proportion—small face, small shades!—but the frames should contrast with the shape of your face.

Hurley Phantom 60 board shorts in Geo, $62, buckle.com
Obey Clothing windbreaker, $80 obeyclothing.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Zoo York Eyewear Revo aviators, $20, drjays.com

Perfect-length Shorts-

Who likes short shorts? We like—no, wait, we don’t like short shorts, nor does anyone else. “The new length for shorts hits just above the knee, something we’re selling loads of at ASOS,” enthuses Mooney. “This length looks good on every guy, no matter his height.”

RVCA stained trunks, $62, swell.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Alternative Apparel hoodie, $42, alternativeapparel.com
Vans E-Street sneakers, $40, vanssurf.com
Rusty Wanderer board shorts, $60, rusty.com
Nüco T-shirt, $26, truckerdeluxe.com

Perfect-length Shorts-

Who likes short shorts? We like—no, wait, we don’t like short shorts, nor does anyone else. “The new length for shorts hits just above the knee, something we’re selling loads of at ASOS,” enthuses Mooney. “This length looks good on every guy, no matter his height.”

RVCA stained trunks, $62, swell.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Alternative Apparel hoodie, $42, alternativeapparel.com

Perfect-length Shorts-

Who likes short shorts? We like—no, wait, we don’t like short shorts, nor does anyone else. “The new length for shorts hits just above the knee, something we’re selling loads of at ASOS,” enthuses Mooney. “This length looks good on every guy, no matter his height.”

RVCA stained trunks, $62, swell.com
Rogue tank top $49, Saks Fifth Avenue stores, singer22.com
Alternative Apparel hoodie, $42, alternativeapparel.com
Diesel board shorts, $60, diesel.com
OP rugby-stripe polo, $10, Walmart stores

Geometric Prints-

“Instead of plaid or camo, geometric prints are a cool modern pattern,” says Mooney. “Bold colors against black [as seen at left] are great, but it’s more about the attitude you have while wearing them.” If by “attitude” he means “unconscious on a sun lounger,” then we’ve got the look nailed!

Lacoste L!ve polo, $95; lacoste.com
RVCA board shorts, $54, karmaloop.com

Geometric Prints-

get in shapes “Instead of plaid or camo, geometric prints are a cool modern pattern,” says Mooney. “Bold colors against black [as seen at left] are great, but it’s more about the attitude you have while wearing them.” If by “attitude” he means “unconscious on a sun lounger,” then we’ve got the look nailed!

Lacoste L!ve polo, $95, lacoste.com
RVCA board shorts, $54, karmaloop.com

Stay Moisturized-

Don’t let your skin get dried out and rough—use a good moisturizer to combat the effects of sun, sand, sea, and sangria.

Levi’s T-shirt, $25, levi.com
Insight board shorts, $62, thaliasurf.com

Neat Feet-

No girl wants a man with feet like Swamp Thing (sorry, Swamp Thing—it’s true), so keep your toenails clipped and clean when barefoot.

Rogue T-shirt, $60, singer22.com
Rusty Soul board shorts, $50, rusty.com

Quick Change-

Sometimes you want to sling on a shirt and head straight from the beach to the bar. Follow Mooney’s advice and you’ll be fine: “When in doubt, keep it simple. Bright shorts with white, gray, navy, or muted pastels always complement a bold pattern.” It also helps not to have sand dribbling out of your butt crack.

Rogue T-shirt, $60, singer22.com
Rusty Soul board shorts, $50, rusty.com

Cool Fabrics-

When dressing to stay cool, remember: Cotton and other all-natural fabrics are best. That means no vinyl cat suits!

<i>Related Links</i>-

Eight Things You Need to Beat the Sun
Guy's Guide to Summer
Maxim Grooming Awards
3-D Gadgets for Summer