What’s Next: The Summer Suit

The feminine/masculine juxtaposition is all the rage in both high and low fashion. Combining a delicate floral dress with a sturdy studded belt or a cocktail mini with combat boots are trends that signify a sense of femininity with authority. In maintaining this concept, the next power move must be the reinvented suit. It’s clear that a well-tailored blazer can top-off any ensemble, but there is a way to bring back the matching slacks without looking over-polished. With the arrival of summer, the suit is making a comeback -- but we’re swapping pants for shorts. Chloë Sevigny has been seen on more than one occasion in her Chloé scalloped-edge blazer and shorts. A look from Jenni Kayne’s Resort 2009 collection redefined the term “business casual” by pairing a classic blazer with high-waisted shorts. Kate Bosworth stepped out in a boyfriend blazer and jumpsuit, presenting another way to suit up an everyday look.

The versatility of the summer suit is another value-add, as it can be dressed up with a blouse or dressed down with a tee. A cream or white suit works for brunch, a black suit is a great way to switch up evening attire, and a sand or gray suit can be worn anytime, anywhere. And as long as the suit separates match, the accessorizing options are limitless. The leggier version incorporates excessively high platform sandals. Toughen up dainty trouser shorts with fierce ankle boots. While everyone else is wearing sundresses, you’ll look like a pro. I doubt this suit will ever make its way to your HR department’s appropriate dress code list, but you never know ...

Examples: Cheap Monday oversized linen jacket, Patterson J. Kincaid Los Angeles zip tank, Sunner tap short, Vince Camuto Paige sandal, Steven Alan Cabana linen blazer, Victoria’s Secret long-sleeve buttonless jacket, Togo leopard print tee, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent hot short, Pour La Victoire Tia platform sandal.