The Summer Suit

Jacket, $2,650; pants, $980; shirt, $650; belt, $530; and shoes, $980, all by Bottega Veneta

'Tis the season of garden parties and weddings, and with big fancy affairs comes the responsibility of wearing a suit. That doesn't mean repurposing that same safe gray number you wear to the office -- special occasions call for special measures. Luckily, the panoply of chic options on display in recent summer collections leaves plenty of room for whimsy. Whether you choose to rock a Tom Wolfe-style all-white getup from Bottega Veneta, flaunt the funky mixed patterns of Gucci, or channel the classic preppiness of Tommy Hilfiger, go with a lightweight fabric; it'll keep you feeling as cool as you look. And don't be afraid to lose the tie, or even the shirt. A tank top or tee paired with a suit is the perfect choice for a barbecue -- a comfortable, casual ensemble that still commands attention.

Photography by Matthew Scrivens. Styling by Michael Cook. Groomer: Heather Schnell. Model: Jorge Padro at Soul Artist Management.

Jacket, $349; and shirt, $99, by Tommy Hilfiger

Jacket, $3,695; pants, $1,400; and scarf, $400, by Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

Jacket, $2,890; pants, $1,590; and shirt, $630, by Gucci

Jacket, $2,800; pants, $960; and shirt, $790, by Hermes