RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer
RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

How to Dress Down Your Suit for Summer

Words by Jody Hume | 6.27.18
We know how it goes — when the sun is out, you feel your best and want to look it too. But you also don’t want to reach your desired destination this summer feeling overly formal (or sweating from head to toe). Our solution: kick up the cool factor with vibrant colors, casual fabrics, luxe accessories and hype accents. Read on for five looks that will make you breathe a sigh of relief when donning your best suit.
Prints On Prints

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

Nike Air Max 95 Atmos Animal Pack 2.0 Sneakers; Dolce & Gabbana Bird Print Polo; Hermès Belt

In the midst of a heat wave? Don’t limit your sartorial options to heavy wool. Go for a jacket-and-shorts combo in breezy cotton, then elevate your outfit with a mix of seasonal patterns. It’s all about balance, though; when pairing prints, make sure the scale of each is varied (a large, bold print with a microprint, as seen here) to avoid a busy or messy look. Top it all off with a heritage classic like an Hermès belt, then bring the fire with some Nikes, perfect for traversing the city in style.
Polished Beach Vibes

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

John Varvatos Sunglasses; Balmain Military Button-Up; Louis Leeman Suede Espadrilles

If you’re about to embrace sand and surf, it’s time to unleash the seersucker suit. Though possibly relegated to the back of your closet, the textured pinstripe fabric is nothing if not casual and airy, and there is a way to wear it without looking like you’re straight out of the ‘30s. Pick a streamlined button-up in your favorite hue and, instead of a conventional dress shoe, opt for a matching pair of espadrilles. These slip easily on and off for barefoot walks, plus the braided accent feels beachy yet polished. And don’t forget to fight off those UVs with some sleek shades.
The Unexpected Statement

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

Yohji Yamamoto Skull & Roses Blazer; Gucci Tassel Loafers; Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Watch

For those who love to keep an icon on rotation, Cartier watches and quintessential Gucci loafers pull together any look with ease. Ready to take it to the next level? Marry them both with season-appropriate shorts and a statement blazer, from picnic-ready gingham with a corresponding tie to an edgier print à la Yohji Yamamoto. Either way, the accessories will root your ensemble in time-honored craftsmanship while your jacket does the talking.
Casual & Classic

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

LV x Supreme Epi Pochette Jour GM; Jeffrey Rüdes Linen Suit; Common Projects Sneakers

Prepping for warm weather takes priority in our books, but that doesn’t mean you should ever sacrifice form for function. As true lovers of the hype luxe look, we’re all about mixing effortless sneakers and coveted collab pieces with traditional menswear staples. A striped linen suit is an ideal alternative to combat the heat in this case, while crisp Common Projects Achilles sneakers and a Louis Vuitton x Supreme portfolio make for a perfect dose of streetwear.
A Touch Of Hype

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

RealStyle | How To Dress Down Your Suit For Summer

Hood By Air Logo Button-Up; Balenciaga 2017 Speed Trainers; Gosha Rubchinskiy Gingham Pants

There’s no getting around it: sometimes you just have to leave the jacket at home. You can still keep your outfit feeling fresh, though, with a carefully curated look. Trousers in a classic check and a short-sleeved button-up are the perfect go-to, but not without a pair of sought-after sock boots. Not sure which style to choose? Options abound, from the Nike Flight Bonafide Sneakers to the Acne Batildas and Balenciaga Speed Trainers. Go with your gut, take your preferred pick for a spin and elevate your look to It status.
Start perfecting your warm weather look with our editors’ picks.

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