Like the rest of your wardrobe, suiting is seasonal. In the summer you’ll want to swap out heavy wool-blend fabrics and dark colors, focusing, instead, on breathable materials, lighter cuts, and softer hues. This way, you can attend formal events without breaking into a sweat.
Hollywood stylist Ilaria Urbinati is a wealth of knowledge on the topic. Urbinati is the woman responsible for making celebrities, like Bradley Cooper, Chris Evans, and Ben Affleck, look red-carpet ready. Her summer-suiting mantra boils down to one golden rule: keep everything comfortable.
Below, she's sharing recommendations on blazers, trousers, shoes, and more that'll keep you calm and collected — even when the sun is beating down on your sports coat. As an added bonus: We paired her fashion know-how with products for you to shop.
1. Blazers
Sports coats made of heavier materials and darker fabrics keep heat insulated. Instead, Urbinati styles her clients in unlined blazers, which are lighter and more breathable on the body. Opt for jackets in softer colors, like tan, khaki, navy, or slate gray. Playful plaids, pastels, seersuckers, and other prints aren't out of the question either.
Products to try:
Billy Reid Lexington Two-Button Blazer, $625, available at Nordstrom.
Banana Republic Modern Slim-Fit Soft-Wash Striped Blazer, $175, available at Banana Republic.
Kenneth Cole Two-Button Blazer, $135.99, available at Amazon.
2. Trousers
If you’re attending a wedding (or five) this summer, then chinos are an excellent substitute for traditional, wool dress pants. They look plenty polished and, like unlined blazers, offer more breathability in warmer temperatures. Urbinati’s pro tip: "You can hem them shorter or roll them up for an on-trend finish."
Products to try:
Reiss Tullum Twill Chinos, $142, available at Reiss.
AG The Wanderer Slim-Fit Linen Pant, $138, available at Amazon.
Wallin & Bros. Flat Front Cotton & Linen Trousers, $72.49, available at Nordstrom.
3. Two-Piece Suits
"Every guy should have a khaki cotton suit in his closet for summer," according to Urbinati. "You can wear it to weddings, formal daytime events, alfresco dinner dates — the sky’s the limit." As an added bonus: Its lighter color palette and fabric won't trap in heat from the sun's intense rays.
For a recent event, the stylist dressed Bradley Cooper in an three-piece, off-white cotton suit from Dolce & Gabanna. "Linen and cotton are ideal fabrics for summer; they're relaxed and still look good even if they get a little wrinkled," she adds.
Products to try:
Bonobos The Foundationa Cotton Suit, $450, available at Bonobos.
ASOS Slim Navy Suit, $226.53, available at ASOS.
Calvin Klein Malik 10 Suit, $299.99, available at Amazon.
4. Polo Shirts
"Swapping your standard long-sleeve button-downs for polo shirts will prove exponentially more comfortable; they have more stretch and an overall softer feel," Urbinati explains. Avoid blaring brand logos and they’ll look just as sharp as your go-to oxfords.
Products to try:
Theory Boyd Census Polo Shirt, $95, available at Amazon.
Kenneth Cole Men's Acid Washed Polo Shirt, $49, available at Amazon.
Carhartt WIP Polo Shirt, $75, available at East Dane.
5. Dress Shoes
"Opt for lighter tans and browns in lieu of blacks, which can look quite harsh for the season," suggests the stylist. "Remember, too, that you can get away without wearing socks in the summer." Anything in the name of letting your toes breathe, right?
Products to try:
Cole Haan Lenox Hill Casual Wingtip, $129.90, available at Amazon and Nordstrom.
BOSS Hugo Boss Men's Counno Oxford, $595, available at Amazon.
Aldo Gottolo Oxford, $130, available at Amazon.
6. Men's Accessories
This season’s most popular men’s accessories include funky pocket squares, canvas watches, and skinny belts. "I have a big rule about no belts with suits because they tend to look bulky. But, in the summer I make an exception. I think it's nice to put a skinny, tan leather belt with a suit or just a chino; it adds a summery pop of color."
Products to try:
Rag & Bone Skinny Dress Belt, $150, available at East Dane.
Timex X J.Crew Vintage Army Steel Watch, $150, available at Mr Porter.
The Hill Side Endo Leaves Pocket Square, $35, available at Need Supply.
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