I am pretty sure while you are soaking through your clothing in the midst of this insane heat wave, the last thing you want to discuss is wearing more clothing. However less is more, in this case because today’s post is all about suiting that is light in fabric, color and price. Talk about a triple threat! With wedding season in full swing and your dark suits making you want to skip happy hour {okay maybe I took it too far there} below are a few suggestions that will brighten up the rotation and have you feeling like you are walking on air, think Fred Astaire summer vacation style.

Oh, and the above quote, 100% true. Just sayin.

Nothing greets the solstice like a smooth seersucker stripe. This smart style option is the epitome of classic gentleman meets heat.

Brooks Brothers Milano Cotton Seersucker Suit via MR PORTER Major Sale {$249}

A cool and crispy tonal suit makes a statement and the man. For the gent on a budget Express comes through in the clutch with an affordable three piece number that is not only well priced, but also on major markdown. Scoop this suave style up pronto!

Stripe Cotton Blend Photographer Stripe Suit Jacket via Express On Sale {$99}

Stripe Cotton Blend Photographer Pant via Express On Sale {$39}

Another fabric that can be your friend in the harsh heat is Chino. This cotton twill is a nice summer alternative that will give a little breathing room while being sure to not skimp on style.

Tailored Fit Chino Suit Blazer via Banana Republic On Sale {$169.99}

Tailored Slim Chino Suit Pant via Banana Republic On Sale {$99.99}

Talk about modern Hugo Boss knows how to do a suit. Another fashion feature I always look to this designer for, his use of color. Not only is this cotton suit perfect in cut but that brilliant blue will work any and every room.

BOSS Black ‘James/Sharp’ Cotton Suit in Jade via Nordstrom On Sale {$499}

Even if you’ve purchased a suit labeled “tailored” or “slim fit” chances are it still might need a little work done. Since the options I have provided are very reasonable leave room in your budget for a little nip/tuck where necessary. Tailoring is what takes a suit from bland to mannn.

The following three photos with play by play tailoring tips come from the GQ Style Manual. I absolutely love it, I couldn’t have said it better myself, which is why I didn’t. Such an easy break down of the essential areas to pay attention to and why:

“More Than Ever, It’s About Fit
That’s our mantra here at GQ. It’s what we preach every issue. Doesn’t matter what kind of suit you’re investing in, whether it’s $200 or $2,000, flannel or seersucker, two-button or three. We’ve seen plenty of guys who’ve bought the right suit and let it hang off them like an NBA rookie on draft night. And we’ve seen men in cheap but well-tailored suits who look like a million bucks. The thing’s got to fit right, or else there’s no point in wearing it. Question is, what’s the right fit, and how do you get it?

A. Take It from the Top
A good suit should hug your shoulders, not slouch off them. Most guys think they’re a size larger than they are—say, a 42 regular instead of a 40. When buying a suit, go ahead and try sizing down. When you pull on the jacket, there should be a firmness to it. You should snap to attention and stand taller. If it doesn’t fit right in the shoulders, don’t buy it.

B. Lose the Flab
Think about the width of the sleeves. This is an obsession of ours at GQ. For pretty much every photo shoot, we have a tailor slim down the sleeves, trimming them of excess fabric. It cuts a mean figure.

C. Show Some Cuff
Your suit sleeves should end just above the hinges of your wrists, so a quarter to half inch of shirt cuff shows. It’s like the frame on a painting—the elegant finishing touch.

D. Taper, Taper, Taper
Your jacket should contour to your body. Have a tailor nip it at the sides. This will accentuate your shoulders—whether you’ve got strong ones or not.

E. Break It Down
We like flat-front pants, cut slim, with very little break at the ankle. This produces a long, clean look. Your pants should just clip the tops of your shoes, not bunch up over them.”

“Wanna Step It Up? Nail the Finer Points
You know how a suit should fit. But what about all the details that define the style of a suit? You’ve got countless options. Here are the ones that matter most, the ones that make for an infallible suit.

F. Start with the Lapels
Nothing does more to dictate a suit’s character than the lapel. We like a slim one, about two inches at its widest point. It’s modern without being rock-star skinny.

G. Go for Two
We swear by a two-button suit jacket. Sure, a three-button that’s cut well can do the job, but a two-button is much more consistently reliable, no matter your shape or size. We typically opt for ones with low-button stances, because they create a long, slimming torso. They’re foolproof.

H. Ticket, Please
Ticket pocket? Sure. If you’re into more of a British-dandy vibe, go for it.

I. Cause a Flap
We like a traditional flap pocket. There’s something a bit too ’90s about those slit pockets. “

J. Feel Free to Vent
“Finally, don’t ignore the back of the jacket. It plays an integral role in a suit’s character. Generally, we prefer a center vent; it’s unobtrusive and keeps the lines of the suit clean and simple. Side vents, like these here, make more of a statement. They’re a bit more…rakish.”

I know the heat is on, but when the moment to pull out all the stops arises get out there and make me proud.