A crusader for classic men’s fashion

Style Q&A
Now to some of your questions. If you have a fashion query for Style Patrol, just ask.

What the heck do I wear to the Hamptons this August? I’ve never been there and I’m visiting my in-laws there for the first time. — Rachel, Rio Rancho, N.M.

New York’s tony beach towns on the far eastern end of Long Island are known for their celebrity-laden parties, star-studded fundraisers and well-heeled polo enthusiasts more than their surf.

Our first inclination tends toward Julia Roberts’ character in “Pretty Woman” — after her makeover. That look includes lightweight button-down blouses in pastels or polka-dots and simple, linen or cotton summer dresses.

For men, Gilchrist says, “It depends on whether you want to fit in or not.” He adds that wannabe Hamptonites consider “summer pastel colors, and also think high-end golf resort items — a seersucker suit, pink or blue shorts, spectator shoes, docksiders, top siders.

“It kind of depends on where they’re headed — a nice restaurant or the beach.”

Are men’s double-breasted suits still in style? — Rob Argabright, McKinney, Texas

The Style Patrol answer is that given the right fit, fabric and ensemble, a double-breasted suit — as with many primary pieces of clothing — can be made “in style.”

For a second opinion, we enlisted the help of Jim Lenoy, men’s department manager for Neiman Marcus at the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey.

“There are a lot of men (hopefully only 5’11” or taller) that are interested in the classic model of a 6 on 2 double-breasted suit. It has a true slimming look that makes the wearer appear very sexy. This is the only model I recommend. The old Armani 6 on 1 model from the early ’90s should stay in the past.”

“Six on two” means the jacket has six buttons, the top two of which may be buttoned.

I have been told, by those supposedly in the know, that it is wrong to have hacking pockets on a blue blazer due to its nautical origins. What say you guys? — A J Tinseth, Chicago

Hacking pockets, which are slanted for easier access during athletic activities, such as equestrian events, are found in sport coats and deemed a notch or so more casual than a blazer.

Lenoy weighs in: “Hacking pockets should be used only when designing a true gentleman’s tweed sportcoat. Think Italian or English countryside on a crisp fall day. The blazer can be used in place of a suit for a business setting or to be worn at a summer wedding. This makes the hacking pocket too casual for the blazer.”

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