Thanks to the heat waves that smoldered the Bay Area last week, we have started to brainstorm ways to look polished while staying as thinly clad as possible. And when the temperature is climbing into the 80s, nothing can be more daunting than getting into a stiff suit for the office. But this doesn’t mean that you should forego the suit altogether. Although suits are usually prim and proper attire, there are a myriad ways of styling a suit to make it both office-appropriate and weatherproof. Check out these four male style bloggers who are not afraid to break the “rules” when it comes to wearing suits.
1. Wear Denim in your Suit
Although prepsters are not usually known for being rebels, the blog,
Unabashedly Prep, features a bevy of men who dare to wear the often mismatched blazer + jeans combination. As Vanity Fair writer David Foxley shows us by styling slim denim with the jacket from his cotton gabardine suit, this outfit can still make you look like you are ready to get down to serious business.
Styling Tips: The key to pulling off this look is to find a perfectly-fitted pair of jeans and blazer. You can mix and match separates in different colors, as long as they are neutral colors (black, navy, gray, or white blazers with dark denim, khakis, or wool trousers). If you really want to “fake” a suit, your best bet is to pair a navy blazer with dark denim. For more details, see
this previous post.
2. Shortchange your suit, but not your style
Wearing shorts with your suit jacket is a bit of controversial suggestion, given that a
certain gentleman has decried the notion of wearing shorts (besides on the tennis court and at the beach) at all. But Travis Gumbs and Joshua Kissi of
Street Etiquette prove that you shouldn’t follow rules (especially stodgy ones) all the time. They style fitted shorts with equally fitted blazers, pocket squares, and leather dress shoes, making their shorts completely appropriate for the office, the city, and wherever else you hang.
Styling Tips: Do we even need to repeat that you should strive for a trim silhouette when wearing a suit? Wear tailored shorts with tailored blazers. And forget wearing socks - shorts look better with ankles in commando.
3. Forget the Suit, But not the Tie
The boys of
The MidWeStyle work formal elements such as suspenders and ties into their casual outfits so effortlessly that you barely register the oddity of wearing them without a suit. In the picture above, Jeff and his friend Oliver layer cardigans, down sweaters, and utility jackets over their ties, but the visible five inches (or so) of their ties show some thought to their dress.
Styling Tips: For a casual yet polished look, take measures to prevent your tie from flopping around. In the summer, tuck your tie underneath a vest or a thin cardigan. If you prefer your tie to be more conspicuous, secure it with a tie clip.
4. Kick it up a Notch
Some readers might have been confused when Dan Trepanier of
The Style Blogger dubbed the suit and sneaker as the “ultimate go-anywhere outfit.” But after seeing his interpretations of the unlikely combination, we are confused as to why men don’t sport this look more often.
Styling Tips: You don’t want your sneakers to clash with your suit nor draw unwanted attention, so go for sneakers in a simple design and slim silhouette. You can’t go wrong with a low-top sneaker in leather, canvas, or suede. The Style Blogger chose Nikes, Vans, and Chucks, but Adidas and Superaga would work as well. And though the suit and sneakers can be an outfit appropriate for many occasions, don’t make like
Russell Simmons and throw on your kicks for a glamorous soiree or a boardroom meeting. Exercise your judgment and always, always, always dress for the occasion.
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