Save on classics as summer wanes

I have been remiss about posting this summer. It is still warm and a great time to pick up two perennial summer staples. The seersucker jacket (or suit) and a pair of bright white Levi's. These two items together or separately may be dressed up or down as the occasion demands, and you will always look crisp and cool.

Seersucker sports coats and/or suit jackets are available in single or double breasted with the DB making a strong comeback especially as a separate. Blue/white is the traditional classic, gray/white is nice and very versatile while red/white appears pink and is a bolder statement that demands a high level of masculine confidence to pull off. Match the coat with a white shirt and tie, or dress it down with a T-shirt. Yes, even a polo (I'm not much of a fan but every body seems to wear them). The one key is a solid color shirt. If you are wearing a tie, be careful about mixing patterns. A silk foulard print is good, a solid is always safe and a madras can work although it has become a cliché. The striped tie with a seersucker coat is not for the amateur because it takes a good eye to know what works and what doesn't.

As for the white Levi's, they are a great choice that can go to most offices and then out for dinner and clubbing. A pair of white wingtips, cap-toed oxfords or bucks are great for the office (that isn't Wall Street or a day in court). A pair of sneakers — preferably white — are a great way to go casual ad still look very put together. If you're planning to go with a white shirt (the full blizzard look), you may want to tuck in the shirt and wear a belt to help define the outfit.

One advantage to white Levi's is that most stains can be washed out if attended to quickly. The white wool, linen and silk don't respond as well, require dry cleaning and can become very expensive rags. At about $40 a pair white Levi's launder up well and really tough stains often come out with a soaking in a diluted bleach solution.

Not to fear, pick up these items now at a substantial discount and they will be stylish favorites for years to come.