Break the formality with color, not by loosening the tie.

If you were given the theme "playful styling with a cotton suit," going untied would likely be your first thought. While that approach isn't wrong, this sophisticated LARDINI suit calls for a tied-up look, as shown here. Playfulness is expressed through material and color—think linen shirts and ties, perfect for spring and summer, with a V-zone composed of bright blues, oranges, and greens. This is what we call adult styling.

Suit ¥112,350 (LARDINI), Shirt ¥68,250 (FLY), Tie ¥25,200, Pocket Square ¥13,230 (both KINGTON), Belt ¥11,550 (D'AMICO / all above from STRASBURGO)

A V-zone in multiple colors

The shirt is a semi-wide spread collar in a London stripe, and the tie is a linen stripe. The combination of blue and orange is truly vibrant. In such cases, a white linen pocket square is the classic choice for spring and summer. However, this time, we've deliberately chosen a silk pocket square in yellow and green, unrelated to the shirt or tie colors. It's a chest that overflows with playfulness.

Suit ¥112,350 (LARDINI), Shirt ¥68,250 (FLY), Tie ¥25,200, Pocket Square ¥13,230 (both KINGTON / all above from STRASBURGO)

Navy is also a versatile choice

This navy cotton suit, with its subtle sheen, is elegant enough for business settings. The jacket features a three-button, side-vent design, while the trousers have a clean, flat-front silhouette. Accessories like a slim belt or the document case, a trend for several seasons, can update your suit's styling.

Suit ¥112,350, Pocket Square ¥7,350 (both LARDINI), Belt ¥10,500 (D'AMICO / all above from STRASBURGO)

How to wear a nylon outer elegantly

A nylon coat or field jacket is a useful outer layer for early spring. It pairs well with wool trousers, denim, or chinos. Because it complements any bottom wear, the overall impression changes depending on what you choose. For a look that balances seasonality and a clean aesthetic, opt for white cotton pants. A small detail, but if possible, the inner fabric should be soft. A fine-gauge knit sweater is recommended, as thin nylon can show wrinkles and seam allowances from the layer beneath.

Coat ¥73,500 (HERNO), Sweater ¥31,500 (AIMÉ LEON DORE), Pants ¥23,100 (UOSES), Belt ¥14,700 (LARDINI), Bag ¥78,750 (CISEI), Shoes ¥55,650 (CHURCH'S / all above from STRASBURGO)

Light and soft footwear

A technique to make white cotton pants, perfect for spring and summer, even lighter is to roll up the hems. Be mindful of keeping the fold narrow so it doesn't become too bulky. Slip-ons or moccasins are fine for shoes, but these CHURCH'S full brogues, made with deerskin uppers, offer exceptional softness in both look and feel.

Pants ¥23,100 (UOSES), Bag ¥78,750 (CISEI), Shoes ¥55,650 (CHURCH'S / all above from STRASBURGO)

A sportier short length

Opting for a military jacket style like the M-65 or a rider's jacket design will lend a sportier impression. A large stole that adds some volume can create a sense of contrast in your outfit.

Blouson ¥85,050 (HERNO), Scarf ¥15,750 (FRANCO FERRARI / both above from STRASBURGO)

The 'trick' to casual jackets

A casual cotton-linen blend jacket is an item to be fully utilized this season. Here are a few tips for off-duty styling with such a jacket. First, opt for a high-quality cut-and-sew instead of a shirt as your inner layer. Second, pairing it with playful knitwear, especially a fine-gauge cardigan, creates a modern vibe. Lastly, use pastel-colored cotton pants to add brightness. We encourage you to try items chosen with a different approach than business wear.

Jacket ¥115,500 (STRASBURGO), Cardigan ¥35,700 (AIMÉ LEON DORE), Cut-and-sew ¥19,950 (CRUCIANI), Pants ¥34,650 (PT01), Pocket Square ¥5,250 (SIMONNOT GODARD), Wallet Chain ¥19,950 (D'AMICO / all above from STRASBURGO)

The finishing touch of playfulness: a wallet chain

For off-duty jacket styling, the finishing touch is a leather and silver wallet chain. It expresses a subtle playfulness and also imparts a certain street-style vibe. Choosing a slightly slimmer type, rather than something too chunky, adds sophistication.

Cardigan ¥35,700 (AIMÉ LEON DORE), Cut-and-sew ¥19,950 (CRUCIANI), Pants ¥34,650 (PT01), Wallet Chain ¥19,950 (D'AMICO / all above from STRASBURGO)

Blue and navy tones are easy to use

Even for a casual jacket, basic colors are more versatile. That is, navy or brown. The blue checked jacket on the left is 100% cotton. It features a classic three-button, side-vent design. The one on the right is 70% silk and 30% cotton, with a moderate sheen and textured weave creating a unique expression. For bottoms, denim, chinos, and as summer approaches, shorts would also be interesting.

Checked Jacket ¥79,800, Navy Jacket ¥97,650 (both STRASBURGO), Pocket Square from left ¥4,200 (MUNGAI), ¥6,300 (LARDINI / all above from STRASBURGO)

The efficacy of a shirt jacket

Even more so than an unconstructed jacket or a knit jacket, a "shirt jacket" creates a more casual look. This LARDINI jacket is 100% linen. While it has lapels for structure, the cuff and back yoke designs are very close to a shirt, giving it an extremely light impression. For an elegant and cool style, make use of a shirt jacket like this. Choose brightly colored bottoms and roll up the hems. This completes a coordinated look that's mindful of summer, right down to your feet.

Jacket ¥37,800 (LARDINI), Cut-and-sew ¥13,650 (FILIAMO), Pants ¥33,600 (PT01), Stole ¥15,750 (FRANCO FERRARI), Belt ¥9,450 (D'AMICO), Shoes ¥55,650 (CHURCH'S / all above from STRASBURGO)

Accessories that evoke summer

Since the shirt jacket is made of delicate fabric, pay attention to the texture of the layered items. That is, the shirt or cut-and-sew worn underneath should also be high-quality and lightweight. A large stole, like the one shown, can compensate for the lack of substance when layering thin fabrics. Cool colors and patterns, such as Madras checks, are perfect for the season.

Jacket ¥37,800 (LARDINI), Cut-and-sew ¥13,650 (FILIAMO), Stole ¥15,750 (FRANCO FERRARI / all above from STRASBURGO)

Of course, a shirt alone works too!

Observing the men gathered at Pitti Uomo in June, one is impressed by their skillful styling of a single shirt. Techniques such as how they roll up their sleeves, the way they stand their collars, and how they choose a belt when tucking in their shirts demonstrate that a shirt alone can be a complete look. Shirts are a key item for spring and summer, so it's worth stocking up on high-quality, simple designs.

Shirts from left, each ¥22,050, ¥27,300 (all LARDINI / STRASBURGO)

The trend is in the hem length

When choosing shorts, pay attention to the silhouette and hem length. Avoid loose styles; opt for a clean silhouette similar to slim-fit trousers. This season, a "slightly short" length, about 5-7 cm above the knee, is on-trend. While color and pattern are important, these two factors truly distinguish an elegant look. Whether to tuck in your shirt or leave it untucked depends on the top, but with a dress shirt like this, tucking it in is the more refined choice.

Sweater ¥24,150 (DADA), Shirt ¥24,150 (BARBA), Shorts ¥23,100 (PT01), Belt ¥11,550 (D'AMICO), Bracelets each ¥1,575 (CRUCIANI C / all above from STRASBURGO)

Accentuate your wrists

In spring and summer, there are more opportunities for your wrists to be exposed, naturally creating a desire for wrist accents. This is the season for bracelets and bangles. While materials vary—metal, stone, leather—the most elegant option this season is "lace," as shown. It can be layered with other accessories or worn alone. It works not only for casual wear but also as a stylish "twist" to a suit ensemble. It's the ultimate bracelet for completing an adult's refined and effortless look.

Sweater ¥24,150 (DADA), Shirt ¥24,150 (BARBA), Shorts ¥23,100 (PT01), Belt ¥11,550 (D'AMICO), Bracelets each ¥1,575 (CRUCIANI C / all above from STRASBURGO)

Choosing belts and shoes is also part of the fun

Shorts come in various fabrics like cotton, denim, and linen, so choose according to your preference. The key to expressing a summery feel actually lies in the belt and shoes. Woven leather or linen belts are on-trend, and slip-on shoes are ideal. In other words, although shorts are casual items, the styling principles are the same as for dress wear.

Shorts from left, ¥25,200, ¥23,100 (both PT01), Belt from left, ¥15,750, ¥11,550 (both D'AMICO), Tassel Slip-ons ¥131,250 (EDWARD GREEN / all above from STRASBURGO)