Wednesday StyleCrave: The Khaki Suit, A Summer No-Brainer

Quick question: when’ s the last time you more-than-browsed a men’s fashion publication? If you haven’t done so in the last 3 months, first off, you’re seriously in danger of having your Gearcraver card revoked and need to re-prioritize your life. Second, it means you’ve slept through what is, at the moment, the most unanimously-agreed-upon, undeniable, inescapable truth in menswear: you absolutely must own a khaki suit this season. Why? Because everyone says so, that’s why– and because it’s the only logical suit choice for the summer months that doesn’t involve seersucker, Miami Vice, or excessive sweating. Plus, it’s not as unconventional as you think. To be fair, any cotton suit is a great choice for summer-time business wear and formal attire. But, there’s something so nonchalant, so casually sophisticated and slightly rogue-ish (exhibit: A, above–courtesy of Mr. Bryan Ferry) about a khaki suit that it puts it in a style category all its own.

Continue reading for more about the classic summer khaki suit.

The most satisfying thing about going khaki is how deceptively versatile it is. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and black tie and, from the office to late-evening cocktails, you’ll be the sharpest guy you see all day. Lose the tie and throw on a light blue top with some brown loafers–no socks, of course– and you’re at a classy brunch in the Hamptons. From there, you can hit the beach after you throw on some (super-clean) white Vans or slip on a repp tie and go preppy to the next business luncheon. (Don’t forget the pocket square.) And, these are just full-suit options. Wearing the jacket and pants as separates with jeans or a polo opens a whole new world of choices.

What’s also nice about khaki suits– and cotton suits, in general–is that you don’t have to break the bank to find one that looks good. Like with anything, if you pay for quality, you’ll get, but passable, truly sharp options come in a range of prices. Here are three that pretty much run the gamut and, provided you rock them with confidence, will definitely turn some heads. So, if you don’t have one already, hurry up, for real. I don’t know how else to say it. Khaki is the new black, but it’s got a strict September deadline.

Calvin Klein Collection, $1,475

Banana Republic, $378 (pants $128 + blazer $250)

* You’ll have to imagine this one without the goofy eyewear and highly questionable shirt choice

H&M, $179

**2 Quick Tips for khaki:

1. Keep it Slim (pay your local tailor a visit

2. Keep it clean (dirt is especially conspicuous on light-colored cotton)

For more khaki-related advice…here and here