One item you should have equipped in your summer wardrobe arsenal is the cotton blazer, and the best point-of-entry into the world of cotton sport jackets is the navy blazer. Here's a beautiful, modern, innovative version of navy cotton via a summertime classic - the seersucker jacket.
If you've had a curiosity for seersucker, but weren't sure how to - or if you even can - pull off the classic blue-and-white striation that you normally see around and in stores, let this jacket forever extinguish your doubts. Instead of the characteristic blue-and-white stripes of the conventional seersucker variety, this one - by Calvin Klein Collection - is woven in navy-and black, instantly transforming a fabric that induces many questions to one that demands unquestionable chic.
This blazer brims over with smart versatility. First, because the striped colors are tonal instead of in contrast, the fabric has the look of what's called "solid-non-solid," meaning that it looks almost solid, but has a duo-tone surface interest. Additionally, the traditional puckered weave of the seersucker adds another element of texture, rendering much visual interest without need for extra noise or graphic distractions. Second, being both navy and black, the jacket straddles between both color realms, making it even more versatile in sporting over almost anything you wear. During the day, it will look deep navy; at night it will look almost black. Third, it's cut lean and modern in a 2-button style that will take you anywhere and to any occasion, short of a black tie affair.
At $795, it's a stretch on most wallets. But a jacket like this doesn't come around often, and once it's gone, you may never encounter another quite like it. With proper care and wear, the jacket will continue to pay forward in high style, function, and originality for years to come, long after it's paid its sticker price.
But what I'm really hoping for is that the design studios at more affordable labels are smart enough to catch onto this and roll out their versions of this ultra cool, ultra smart seersucker blazer. Unfortunately, if they start development now and it does come to market, you'll see it no earlier than Summer 2011.
So if you find something similar already out there in a price point you can work with, please go ahead and grab it, pay for it, and walk out the store in it - you'd be a sucker not to.
[Photo: Paul Maffi for Details]
