STYLE: FASHION : Heat Strokes

It’s another long, hot summer, and traditional men’s suits have gone on holiday. In their pressed and predictable places are softer, more relaxed suits that look and feel cool even in the noonday sun. The season’s important silhouettes are long and lean or soft and slouchy, with only a hint of padding taking a load off everyone’s shoulders. Fabrics blended with silk or viscose give a supple drape to pleated trousers and jackets of the three-button variety--both now widely available as mix-and-match separates. Seersucker now comes in olive and tan, and icy shades of purple and green rescue monochromatic dressing from being too oppressive in the heat. Oh, and by the way, ties--and shoes--are optional.