May Fashion Guide: My Spring Essentials Collection...

1. The Cotton Suit

• The Great White Way
It's impossible to go wrong with a white dress shirt—as long as it's crisp and fits perfectly.
• Do Yourself a Solid
Leave the silk tie at home. Go for solid, cotton, cool.
• Play It Straight
Pocket square: No peaks, no poufs. Keep it square and white.
• Go Dark
You can't really argue with black lace-ups. Ever. You do own a pair, don't you?
Suit, DKNY, $595. Shirt, D&G, $215. Tie, Rag & Bone, $90. Pocket square, Paul Stuart, $60. Shoes, Aldo, $100.

2. The Tie

We've gotten big into cotton ties the past few years, thanks to labels like Alexander Olch, Gitman Bros., and Steven Alan. We reach for ones in seersucker, plaid, and gingham. But this spring, we're particularly digging solid cotton ties. There's a chicness to their simplicity, and we love the ease they convey. They sync up with a white shirt, while grounding a patterned shirt. They are all-purpose, all summer long.
Ties, from left: Club Monaco, $69. Alexander Olch, $140. Brunello Cucinelli, $155. Tallia Orange, $60

Sandals, dress shoes, or sneakers are fair game. Just make sure to skip the socks.
Michael Bastian
Gray jeans, $415, available at select Bergdorf Goodman Men stores.

A crisp sports jacket adds an element of flair to your look that a full suit just can't touch.

A Jacket That Works Perfect for the office during the summer. Contrast it with dark pants and tie. Ralph Lauren Black Label
$1,295, available at www.ralphlauren.com