The Perfect Gentleman Issue 4 | Page 8

STYLISH GENTLEMAN Once we have our cloth and cut decided we must then settle on colour. If winter and autumn is the time of dark blues, greys and browns then summer is where we can let our senses bloom. White (Traditionally not worn after Labor Day in the US), creams, light tans and even more unusual light blues and mint greens can all be used for summer suits. Accessories can also become lighter and brighter. I often wear a bright yellow knitted tie that often gets me complements in the summer months. If you are wearing white and cream then it is usually best to break it up somewhat, putting another colour between them. A buttoned jacket can do this especially effectively if you’re wearing cream trousers and a white shirt, or a tan belt if you’re likely to take the jacket off. Cream trousers are traditional day-time formal party wear in much of the world, paired with a blue blazer, like the hopsack mentioned above. I like both linen and flannel for this, with a little fleck in the cloth to break up the solid mass of cream. Such trousers are not forgiving of dropped food however, so be sure to keep y