How to look sharp in spring and summer without overdoing it

Published 12 days ago • 1 min read

Hi there,

Spring and summer are approaching for those of us in the northern hemisphere. Slowly we're pulling out our warm weather clothes. Today, I'd like to talk about how to look sharp on warmer days, while staying relaxed and completely effortless — the smart casual summer territory. And what better example to start with than Miami Vice?

The actors had to look sharp while managing warm temperatures. And while the cuts of the 80s were exuberant at times, they still offer something worth adapting. At its core it was sharp tailoring in light colours, worn relaxed and casually. That combination still holds up today, and it's more wearable than most men assume.

Light blue corduroy double-breasted blazer, white polo, light grey linen-wool trousers. *Subtle colors are always welcome on warmer days.*

The formula isn't complicated. A light-coloured suit or sports jacket over a light shirt — or a dark one for contrast. Pastel colours add visual, summery interest. And a breathable fabric is what makes it work: linen, tropical wool, cotton. Fabrics that are allowed to wrinkle, adding to the relaxed charm.

The key is colour — but not bold colour. Subdued colour. A pale stone blazer. A light blue suit worn with a white polo. A light purple dress shirt with a grey suit. Or a seersucker suit. As a starting point, pick a classic spring or summer piece you already own and add one pastel piece to it. One slightly coloured shirt or jacket, with everything else kept neutral, is enough.

Fabric matters as much as colour. Linen, cotton-linen blends, and tropical wool carry lighter colours better than heavier cloths. They're less structured, yes — but that's the point. Sharp doesn't have to mean stiff.

Light grey suit, light purple shirt, dark patterned tie, pocket square. A pastel shirt and a silk-cotton tie — this is spring/summer business formal.

Light grey double-breasted jacket, white shirt, seige trousers, pocket square. One coloured piece with everything else kept neutral.

For shoes, loafers are the natural choice here.

This Friday, I'm publishing a video on YouTube with 10 outfits built around exactly this — Miami Vice inspired looks made genuinely wearable today, ranging from casual to summer business formal.

Once it goes live you can access here:

See you then,
Lukas from Thoughtful Style

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA, 98104-2246
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