100 Days of Summer Style

The Extra 10 Percent: The Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Rugby Sweater

We wouldn't suggest huddling in an actual scrum wearing it — have you ever tried to get a blood stain out of cashmere? — but for the rest of your adventures this summer fashion, Cucinelli's predictably luxurious take on a casual staple will set you apart.

 

The Canali Kei Blazer

This line of lightweight blazers is getting even more laid-back this season. The jackets are cut shorter, and the lightness makes each feel more like a shirt than a jacket.

Four Easy Pieces. Or, Variations on a Summer Uniform.

We have a theory, mostly unproven, that a man needs only four items of clothing on any given summer day: a shirt, a blazer, pants, and shoes. Everything else is just gravy, but with those four items there are infinite possibilities. The four easy pieces pictured here — the white cotton blazer and light-green trousers from Dolce & Gabbana; the leather oxfords (worn sans socks) by Paul Smith; and the shirt from Bally — are one way to achieve the right mix, and there are plenty more where this came from.

Frank Muytjens On… The East Coast vibe at J. Crew:

"My inspiration for spring and summer was the quiet East Coast sensibility of Fairfield Porter's seascapes and portraits. The paintings have a moodiness and are colorful, but not too bright."

The New Blues

Navy? Nah. The new breed of blue tailoring hitting stores now makes standard navy-blue suits and blazers look downright maudlin. We're talking all kinds of blue here, from the deep ocean blue of Canali to the powder blues of Kiton to the electric blues of Ravazzolo, and so long as your suit or blazer is finished off with a sharp cut and luxurious detailing, you're ready to jam.

Just Press Mute
For all the acid-tinged colors you might encounter in stores right now, there is an equally strong current pulling men toward colors that are more washed-out and subdued.

Frank Muytjens On… The East Coast vibe at J. Crew:

"My inspiration for spring and summer fashion was the quiet East Coast sensibility of Fairfield Porter's seascapes and portraits. The paintings have a moodiness and are colorful, but not too bright."