Smarter Seersucker

Seersucker is a quintessential summer fabric. Lightweight and breezy, its unique texture is created by a technique called slack-weaving which creates alternating tight and puckered stripes. And because of the way the threads bunch up, the fabric is often held away from your body, acting as a natural air conditioner by letting heat escape. Which is why it's always been so popular with Southern gents. But this summer, modern takes on the trad classic eschew the blue and white stripes for more subtle patterns and monochromatic shades.

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  If a jacket is a bit too much seersucker, start small with a tie like this simple monochromatic cotton style from Alexander Olch, $140.