Gentlemen, this is how you do blazers in the summer
Jessica Cadmus, our friend over at Wardrobe Whisperer, has an answer for her clients - high powered Wall Streeters and other business types - and you.
Men, she says, typically have formulas for how they dress to make things simpler. One such popular formula is: "jeans/chinos + dress shirt + blazer = night out in the city."
"Although the blazer is a go-to piece in most of my clients' wardrobes it's difficult for them to conceive of wearing a wool (even tropical wool) structured blazer in 80 degree+ weather," Cadmus told Business Insider. "But what to do when they have a big date or their restaurant reservations require a jacket? Turn to the unstructured blazer, that's what."
We're talking about blazers made with cotton and are only half lined, or completely without lining. The jacket breathes, so you stay cool. So no, you don't have to pick up some seersucker if that's not your style.
"Insert into the formula above, and the sum is correct. Other variations include subtracting the dress shirt - or try a linen one - and adding a cotton polo or t-shirt. This revised formula works best in spring, summer, and early fall," Cadmus finished.
And now for some examples, we know you need them.
A navy blazer from Paul Smith.
This one's cotton and twill, but otherwise give you that standard throw-on blazer feel.
A lighter colored unstructured blazer from rag & bone.
This nylon cotton blend is only half lined. And no, don't be afraid to deviate from navy. It's summer.
Try a knit cotton blazer from Vince.
This is for a more casual look. Put it on over a tee-shirt.
Check out the blazer that's almost a sweater, from James Perse.
The shawl collar almost makes this jacket a sweater, but it's saved by pockets, a single button, and double layered front panels.
Alright guys, go out and try to get this one right. I believe in you.